Student, guest and instructor-led workshops are an important part of our music camp targeting your musical interests such as learning tips, arranging tunes, music theory, sound production and much more. See our camp Schedule (PDF or Mobile-Friendly) for the times and days of these workshops.
Anything BUT Jigs and Reels – TBA
This workshop is about expanding our repertoire to include some tunes from less well-known Irish tune types– slides, polkas, mazurkas, marches, etc. We’ll try new tunes slowly and play them a few times, and record them for home learning.
Arranging Accompaniment for Songs – Micky Fearon
In this workshop, we’ll explore how to effectively arrange accompaniment for songs. We’ll focus on key elements such as choosing appropriate chord progressions, shaping dynamics, incorporating instrumental breaks, and experimenting with reharmonization techniques to enhance musical expression.
Beyond Triplets: Tasteful Ornamentation on the Tenor Banjo – Elaine Reilly
An exploration of ornamentation styles on the Irish tenor banjo; moving beyond standard triplet patterns to examine how both right and left-hand techniques can shape style, rhythm, phrasing, and tone.
Céilí Dance Workshop – Jeremy Welch and Lisha Willeng
This workshop will get you prepared for the Friday night Lone Star Céilí held in the Rec Hall after the evening’s Instructor Concerts. While designed for beginning céilí dancers, everyone is welcome to attend this one-hour review of the basic dance steps, footwork and terms common to this particular Irish dance. If you have two feet, are able to move forward, backward and sideways, you will be ready for céilí dancing after this workshop.
Context Matters: Finessing your Music to Fit the Moment – Brenda Dowling
Irish Music lives in many different spaces – Sessions, Stages, Competitions, Ceremonies & Accompaniment settings! As a listener we get to experience it differently in all of them. As a musician each setting calls for a different musical approach. This workshop explores the importance of musical adaptability and listening to context! We will talk about how thoughtful choices in tune selection, rhythm, dynamics , ornamentation /variations and interaction can help musicians shape their playing to fit the moment. The goal of the workshop is for musicians to leave with a greater confidence & stylistic awareness and a few extra tools for becoming a more well-rounded traditional musician!
Deep Dive Into Variations – Cedar Dobson
This workshop explores variations through music theory topics like chords, scales, and modes, while also discussing abstract elements like feel, intuition, and energy. Suitable for all instruments, the workshop examines how these concepts interact to create melodic and rhythmic variation in traditional music. Cedar Dobson leads this exploration of both the technical and intuitive aspects of the craft.”
Getting Started with Recording – Rick Cunningham
Explore the fundamental principles of digital recording and the essential equipment needed to set up a home studio. This lecture identifies common audio interfaces, microphone types, and basic sound treatment techniques for improving capture quality. The lecture then examines core mixing concepts, such as the use of EQ and compression, to provide a clear foundation for producing polished audio regardless of the software used.
How Bodhráns are Made – Rob Forkner
This lecture uses footage from Rob Forkner’s workshop to look at the materials used to make bodhráns. It covers how the drums are constructed, considerations for shell material and choosing heads, and how to make good choices regarding instrument dimensions and care.
Influences, Likely and Unlikely! Drawing from Different Sources to Make Yourself a Better Accompanist – Alan Murray
This workshop explores how to draw from various musical sources to develop more effective accompaniment skills. Alan Murray examines how both traditional and unconventional influences can be integrated to enhance an accompanist’s playing and overall musicality.
Intro to the Irish Language – Ian Varley
This workshop will review the three major dialects and address word construction and pronunciation guidelines as well as discuss situations that cause changes to word spellings and pronunciations and comparisons between literal and meaningful translations. Students will also learn a few basic phrases to greet people and some helpful resources for learning Irish.
Learns Tunes Faster and Play Them Better Based on the Science of Learning – Tom Lockney
This workshop explores effective strategies for learning and practicing Irish tunes by applying principles from neuroscience and the science of learning. Drawing on research from experts like Molly Gebrian and Josh Turknett, the presentation covers how the brain processes musical information and how to utilize those insights to improve performance. The workshop provides practical methods for musicians to refine their practice habits and unlock their musical potential through evidence-based techniques.
Playing Inside the Tune: A Groove-First Approach to Melody – Jonathan Milton
A melody is not just a sequence of notes; it’s a framework for lyrical phrasing and rhythmic expression. In this workshop, we explore a groove-first approach to melody playing that applies across instruments. Participants will learn how lift, lilt, push/pull, and dynamics create musical meaning and enhance personal expression. This workshop is about developing melodic feel, not adding more material.
Playing Irish Harmonica – Paul Dryer
Harmonica has a long history in traditional Irish music. Though not as common in session play as other traditional instruments, harmonica is gaining in popularity. Like the penny whistle, harmonicas are generally inexpensive and a pure joy to play! This workshop will introduce you to the various types of instruments, and how to get started. Jig, reel, polka and waltz playing styles will be demonstrated along with ornamentation techniques. Feel free to bring your harmonica — keys of D and G are suggested.
Playing Second Fiddle – Sarah Collins
Who said playing second fiddle couldn’t be fun! Learn how to be a groovy second fiddler and explore techniques from Old Time and Celtic fiddle styles that will make it more fun and interesting to play with your fiddle buddies.
Practical Stringed Instrument Maintenance for Musicians – Simon Lace
Learn how to keep your instrument in top playing condition with this hands-on workshop focused on practical, everyday maintenance. Designed for musicians—not professional luthiers—this session covers essential skills like string changing, basic setup adjustments, cleaning, and diagnosing common issues.
This workshop is primarily geared toward fretted instruments, including guitar, mandolin, bouzouki, and banjo, with additional introductory tips for fiddle players. Participants will also have the opportunity to ask questions and get guidance on their own instruments. Whether looking to save money on repairs or simply better understand how an instrument works, this session provides the knowledge needed to care for it with confidence—and to recognize when professional help is required.
Pub Songs Sing-Along – Joseph Beckey
Pub songs are raucous, tuneful, and above all, fun! Gather to sing popular Irish pub songs, and maybe learn a few new ones. Great for singers and accompanists. Lyrics and chords provided.
Retreat Tunes Played Slowly – John Liestman and Kenny Tweedy
Each year, a number of common session tunes are designated as “Retreat Tunes” and published well in advance of the retreat. Two times during the weekend, an instructor will lead students in the playing of these tunes at a slower tempo, so that all players can participate and get the experience of playing with a bunch of other musicians. The tunes are arranged into sets, so that you have a full set of tunes to play at your local session or at O’Flaherty’s. For this year’s tunes, go to RETREAT TUNES.
Sean-nós Dance Workshop – Emily Critz
In this workshop, we will explore the basic techniques of sean-nós dancing! This class is open to all levels, but geared towards beginners/improvers who have always wanted to give dancing a try. We will learn a basic reel step with variations, and a basic jig step with variations. This workshop is welcome to all levels and physical abilities, with modifications available when needed. Water bottle and a small hand towel are suggested. Closed toe shoes that are secure and comfortable will make your experience more enjoyable. Live music will be provided.
Set Dance Workshop – Angelika Eleni
Set dancing is a lot of fun and has great social and cultural value. For more than 150 years, this form of dancing has been popular in Ireland derived from French quadrilles that Irish dancers adapted to their own music and steps. In this workshop, we will explore the basic techniques, figures and movements of set dancing and experience Ireland’s most popular way of dancing. We will work through one common set dance as we learn the fundamentals, so that by the end of class we can dance through it at speed. This workshop is welcome to all levels and physical abilities, with modifications available when needed. Water bottle and a small hand towel are suggested. Closed toe shoes that are secure and comfortable will make your experience more enjoyable.
Supercharge your Tune Practice using ABC – Michael Eskin
Hands-on workshop demonstrating how to use the ABC Transcription Tools to create tunebooks, play tunes, and support effective practice. Participants will learn how to build and organize tunebooks, explore playback features, and navigate the many available resources. The ABC Transcription Tools have been used to create thousands of interactive tunebooks, many of which are available for free HERE.
The Picks Matters: How Pick Choice Shapes Tone, Speed, and Feel in Irish Music – Mike Taylor and Brian Shaw
Guitar, tenor banjo, mandolin, and bouzouki players spend a lot of time thinking about tunes, technique, and rhythm—but the humble pick can have a surprising effect on both sound and playability. This hands-on workshop explores how pick thickness, material, shape, and flexibility affect tone, articulation, speed, and control across these four instruments.
Through live comparisons using different types of picks, we’ll explore how pick characteristics interact with the instrument, strings, and whether you’re playing melody or accompaniment. We’ll highlight practical tradeoffs such as warmth vs. articulation and speed vs. control, giving you a better understanding of how to experiment with picks and find choices that support your sound and playing style.
Tune Bingo – Janice Frillmann
Join us for year 3 of tune bingo! Come test your knowledge with fellow musicians. Win some prizes and yes there will be chocolate
Violin/Viola/Cello to Fiddle – KeyReel Raskolenko
This workshop is designed for violinists/violists/cellists who are curious about exploring fiddle styles but are unsure where to begin. Rather than focusing on advanced techniques, the workshop centers on the first steps of making the transition from a classical approach to a more flexible, style-driven way of playing.
Through guided demonstration and simple, hands-on exercises, participants will learn how to rethink familiar concepts such as tone, phrasing, and groove in a fiddle context. Using an accessible melody, we will explore how small changes in articulation, bowing, and rhythmic feel can immediately shift the sound from “violin” to “fiddle.”
This workshop will rely primarily on learning by ear rather than written notation, helping participants begin developing listening skills and a more intuitive connection to the music. By the end, players will have a clear starting point, practical tools for further exploration, and a better understanding of how to approach the transition into traditional fiddle playing, particularly within Celtic styles.
Vocal Health for Singers – Janis Deane
Singing is an athletic activity and many singers lack true understanding of how their instrument works and how to care for it. This workshop will focus on the anatomy and physiology of the voice, voice function during speech and singing, and proper care of the singing voice including toning and flexibility exercises, warm-up and cool down of the voice, and when to seek medical care for voice problems.
Waltzes That Delight – Ken Fleming and Clare Cason
While most waltzes are easy to learn and play, they are also musically satisfying. They can capture a mood by expressing joy or sadness, love or loneliness, upbeat or soothing, but almost always appreciated by listeners and dancers alike. Attendees will hear and play some of my favorite waltzes.
What is a Mazurka, Exactly? – Clare Cason
In this lecture, we’ll talk about this interesting and less common type of dance tune, played primarily in County Donegal. We’ll cover some of the history of the mazurka, and learn (or watch) the simple couples’ dance that partnered with the tunes, to understand how the dance and the playing style went hand in hand. We’ll also try out a couple of mazurkas on our instruments, and learn a little about how great players used melodic variation to take these tunes to the next level. Join us for this adventure to the far north of Ireland!