Basic Irish Fiddle ages 6-9
An introduction to Irish fiddling for very young fiddlers. The class will be oriented toward learning simple traditional Irish melodies on the fiddle with emphasis on rhythm and learning by ear and with an introduction to Irish ornamentation. The student will learn three or four simple but authentic traditional Irish fiddle tunes over the two day camp. The ability to play the violin at a beginning level is a prerequisite. The student will probably have been playing the violin regularly for one year, or maybe slightly less in the case of faster learners. The student should already be able to play a few simple melodies ( not necessarily Irish) on their own. Students must bring their own instruments and recording devices for class.
Basic Irish Fiddle ages 10-15
A “hands-on” introduction to Irish fiddling for pre-teens and teenage fiddlers. The goal of the course will be for the student to learn simple traditional Irish melodies on the fiddle with emphasis on rhythm, learning by ear and with an introduction to Irish ornamentation. The student will learn three to five simple but authentic traditional Irish fiddle tunes over the two day camp. The ability to play the violin at a beginning level is a prerequisite. The student will probably have been playing the violin regularly for one year, or maybe slightly less in the case of faster learners. The student should already be able to play a few simple melodies( not necessarily Irish) on their own. Students must bring their own instruments and recording devices for class.
Intermediate Irish Fiddle
This course will consist of “hands-on” instruction in Irish fiddling for fiddle/violin students who have been playing for two or three years. The goal of the course will be for the student to learn five or six authentic traditional Irish fiddle tunes as well as the essential rhythmic and stylistic elements of Irish fiddling. Emphasis will be placed on learning by ear and on exposing the student to the various types of rhythms found in Irish music (reel, jig, hornpipe, polka etc.) The student will probably have been playing the fiddle or violin for about three years or more. Students must bring their own instruments and recording devices for class.
Advanced Irish Fiddle
We are considering the possibility of offering an advanced fiddle class if there is enough interest expressed. Please contact the camp director Gordon McLeod about this at youthcamp@oflahertyretreat.org.
Irish Tinwhistle
A “hands-on” introduction to playing Irish traditional music on the tin whistle. The goal of the course will be for the student to learn simple traditional Irish melodies on the whistle with emphasis on rhythm, learning by ear and with an introduction to Irish ornamentation. The student will learn three to five simple but authentic traditional Irish fiddle tunes over the two day camp. The ability to play some type of musical instrument at a beginning level would be highly desirable. Students must bring their own instruments and recording devices for class.
Irish Flute
This course will consist of “hands-on” instruction in Irish flute playing for students who already play the flute. The goal of the course will be for the student to learn five or six authentic traditional Irish fiddle tunes as well as the essential rhythmic and stylistic elements of Irish flute playing. Emphasis will be placed on learning by ear and on exposing the student to the various types of rhythms found in Irish music (reel, jig, hornpipe, polka etc.). The ability to play the flute at a beginning level is a prerequisite. The student will probably have been playing the flute regularly for one year, or maybe slightly less in the case of faster learners. The student should already be able to play a few simple melodies (not necessarily Irish) on their own. Students must bring their own instruments and recording devices for class.
Irish Guitar
This course will consist of “hands-on” instruction in Irish guitar playing for students who already play the guitar. The goal of the course will be for the student to learn to accompany four or five authentic traditional Irish tunes as well as the essential rhythmic and stylistic elements of Irish guitar playing. The student will also learn to play one or two Irish melodies on the guitar. Emphasis will be placed on learning by ear and on exposing the student to the various types of rhythms found in Irish music (reel, jig, hornpipe, polka etc.). The ability to play the guitar at a beginning level is a prerequisite. The student will probably have been playing the guitar regularly for one year, or maybe slightly less in the case of faster learners. The student should already be able to play the basic major and minor chords on the guitar in the keys of D, G. Students must bring their own instruments and recording devices for class.
Irish Piano
This course will consist of “hands-on” instruction in Irish piano playing for students who already play the piano. The goal of the course will be for the student to learn to accompany three or four authentic traditional Irish tunes as well as the essential rhythmic and stylistic elements of Irish piano playing. Emphasis will be placed on learning by ear and on exposing the student to the various types of rhythms found in Irish music (reel, jig, hornpipe, polka etc.). The ability to play the piano at a beginning level is a prerequisite. The student will probably have been playing the piano regularly for one year or two. Students must bring their own electric pianos and recording devices for class.
Irish Mandolin/Tenor Banjo/Bouzouki
This course will consist of “hands-on” instruction in Irish playing for students who already play the mandolin/tenor banjo/bouzouki. The goal of the course will be for the student to learn to accompany four or five authentic traditional Irish tunes as well as the essential rhythmic and stylistic elements of Irish playing. The student will also learn to play one or two Irish melodies. Emphasis will be placed on learning by ear and on exposing the student to the various types of rhythms found in Irish music (reel, jig, hornpipe, polka etc.). The ability to play one of these instruments at a beginning level is a prerequisite. The student will probably have been playing their instrument regularly for one year, or maybe slightly less in the case of fast learners. The student should already be able to play tunes or the basic major and minor chords on their instrument in the keys of D, G. Students must bring their own instruments and recording devices for class.
Bodhran
An introduction to Irish percussion playing on the traditional Irish frame drum, the bodhran. Students do not need have any experience but do need to have their own bodhran. Students must bring their own instruments and recording devices for class.