Classes are intended for players with the basic skills required to play their instruments. We regret that due to the short duration of the retreat, it is not practical to offer instruction for novice students who have not yet learned their instruments. All of our non-instrument classes and workshops are open to all levels. Here are the class levels provided at the retreat:
“Fundamentals” classes are for those students who know how to play their instruments at a beginning level and will learn the fundamentals of playing Irish music. These classes are not designed for those just learning their instruments, but rather, students who are familiar enough with their instruments that they are already playing some melodies on them or, in the case of rhythm instruments, familiar with basic chords and strumming. A knowledge of Irish music is not necessary.
Classes designated “Intermediate” are for those students who are considered past beginner skills and are able to play tunes by ear with good technique and at a reasonable speed. The “Advanced” classes are for students who have video auditioned for the classes and play traditional Irish music at a high level of ability and easily learn by ear. Presently, we only offer Advanced classes for fiddle.
Classes the classification “All Levels” are open to students of any level because there normally is only one track offered on a particular instrument or study area. However, if there is a Fundamentals class offered, the non-classified classes for that instrument or study area are designed for Intermediate and Advanced level students, not beginners.
Class Progressions (Please Note)
Classes are progressive from one to the next if the class title includes a number that increases with each offering (e.g., Class 1, Class 2, Class 3, etc.) On the other hand, informances and specific non-instrument classes (e.g., Music Theory and Learning by Ear) include the same content each time they are offered. IMPORTANT: Please attend only those classes that you have enrolled. In fairness to all of our students, we do not allow students to enroll in multiple tracks of classes. By doing so, it may disrupt the progression of lessons and may block other students from taking classes due to caps on class enrollment.