Deadline: Tuesday, September 15th, 2026
Registration Deadline: Thursday, October 1st, 2026
The O’Flaherty Irish Music Retreat is a learning environment that teaches the fundamentals of traditional Irish music on a variety of instruments. It is a continuation of a tradition that started long ago in Ireland as the music was passed down from one generation to another to preserve it. An important part of the retreat’s mission is to award scholarships based on financial need to selected students who demonstrate musical ability with the potential for excelling within the Irish music tradition.
To apply for a scholarship, go to APPLICATION.
PLEASE NOTE: Do not enroll until your scholarship has been approved. You will receive a unique code that you must use during enrollment that will reduce your costs based on the type of scholarship awarded. You have until October 1st, 2026 to use the code provided for registration. Online registration begins at 9 a.m. (CDT), Saturday, June 20th.
Application Requirements
Adult Students (ages 18 and above)
- If planning to register for an instrument course, applicants must already have basic familiarity of that instrument.
- If planning to register for the sean-nós dancing course, applicants must meet placement guidelines found HERE.
- Because of the limited number of scholarships awarded, priority will be given to students that have financial need. Please provide an explanation of need in the Scholarship Application. All financial information submitted will be confidentially held.
- Those who receive scholarships will be asked to help at the retreat. We will contact students in advance with options, and such tasks will not interfere with their retreat activities.
Youth Students (ages 12-17)
- If planning to register for an instrument course, applicants must already have basic familiarity of that instrument.
- If planning to register for the sean-nós dancing course, applicants must meet placement guidelines found HERE.
- Because of the limited number of scholarships awarded, priority will be given to students that have financial need. Please provide an explanation of need in the Scholarship Application. All financial information submitted will be confidentially held.
- A parent or guardian must complete and submit our online AGE EXCEPTION REQUEST FORM and obtain the approval of the retreat director prior to enrolling online.
- Applicant must submit two YOUTH RECOMMENDATION FORMS completed by non-family musicians and/or music teachers who are sufficiently familiar with the musical aptitude and ability of the student.
- Applicant must submit an MP3 or Smart Phone recording of the student’s playing of an Irish melody on their instrument unaccompanied. For singers, the students should sing a song unaccompanied. For rhythm instrument players, students should accompany a singer or melody player, and if unavailable, demonstrate their abilities alone. For dancers, students should submit a video of them dancing.
- Those who receive scholarships will be asked to help at the retreat. If age appropriate, we will contact students in advance with options, and such tasks will not interfere with their retreat activities.
What’s Included in the Scholarships
There are two scholarships available. Full scholarships are awarded that cover the three-day weekend tuition, lodging (dorm bed or tent camping site) and meals of the scholarship recipient. Partial scholarships are awarded that cover all or a percentage of the tuition. The type of scholarship that is awarded to a particular student is determined by the Retreat Director based on financial need and/or the availability of the scholarships. The scholarships will not cover the non-student costs of accompanying parents or guardians (i.e., meals and lodging).
Process for Submission
A completed and signed application along with any other required items must be submitted no later than Tuesday, September 15th, 2026. Because we have a limited number of scholarships to award, please submit an application as soon as possible. You should not register online until the scholarship is approved, otherwise, you must pay your tuition in full and then be reimbursed if and when the scholarship is approved. You have until October 1st, 2026 to use the code provided for registration.
Mail, fax or email documents to:
O’Flaherty Irish Music Retreat
1320 Navaho Trail
Richardson, TX 75080
Fax: (972) 416-8992
Email: info@oflahertyretreat.org
To discuss scholarships, call (469) 685-2173 or email the Retreat Co-Directors at info@oflahertyretreat.org. Upon receipt of the scholarship application, the Retreat Co-Directors will make a decision within two days and then inform the applicant of the decision.
Requirement to Assist During Event
All of our scholarship students or, if considered too young, their parents or guardians are asked to assist the retreat in support of our program. Examples of such assistance include working at the retreat office, at the retreat booth, at the performers’ sales table during evening concerts, or helping set up the retreat or helping tear down when it is over. You will be contacted prior to the retreat and a schedule will be arranged. If the student’s schedule does not permit assistance, it will have no effect on their scholarships.