BALTIMORE IRISH ARTS CENTER

New Website!

Go to www.baltimoreirisharts.com

Baltimore Irish Arts Center Spring Classes 2006

The Spring Session will take place in May Saturday mornings 11am - 12:30pm - Stay tuned for the exact dates and/or email me at lqbyrne@yahoo.com to sign up for email updates.

Classroom instruction with accomplished traditional Irish musicians

Fun, social setting - meet other musicians

Student showcase

All ages and levels welcome

Convenient central Baltimore location in historic Bolton Hill

Back by popular demand, the Baltimore Irish Arts Center is once again offering small group classes in Traditional Irish Music taught by some of the east coast’s best Irish musicians. There will be six 1 hour long classes on Saturday mornings at 11AM.

Students will also participate in a Student Showcase at the end of the series

Classes will be offered in the following (fall 2005 instructors - Spring 2006 tba):

Button Accordion - Billy & Sean McComiskey

Fiddle - Jimmy Eagan & Donna Long

Tin Whistle/Flute - Laura Byrne

Guitar (Drop D tuning) - Andy Thurston

Banjo/Mandolin - Peter Fitzgerald

Bodhran -Myron Bretholz

Registration information:

Pre-registration is required - for Fall classes tuition for all six classes was $85 if registered by Sept. 30. ($95 after Sept. 30.) Tuition for Spring 2006 tba but will be just slightly more if not the same amount.

FAQ

What if I am a total beginner and have no experience with the instrument I'm interested in?

It's strongly advised that you have some experience with your instrument of choice before taking the classes. Exceptions may be made for tin whistle or bodhran but contact Laura if this is the case. Laura can also help you find a private instructor to help you get started.

What if I need to miss a class?

That's ok but tuition is still the same - we've kept it at a very low cost to allow some flexibility. Instructors aren't obligated to give make up lessons but let yours know ahead of time and they can help you get caught up to the class or may work something out.

Will sheet music be used?

Bring a tape recorder or other recording device! Very few instructors use sheet music as a learning aid. Traditional Irish Music is an aural tradition and take my word for it - sheet music can impede the learning process! If you feel you can't learn by ear - try for just 4 weeks to learn a tune or two played slowly from a tape recorder and don't let yourself use sheet music at all. You'll be able to pick up a tune much better and from there it will just get easier!