The Center for Irish Music

Support CIM » Fitz Scholarship

Tim 'Fitz' Fitzgerald left us on March 3, 2010. Fitz was an integral part of the Twin Cities Irish community as a musician, artist, craftsman, singer, photographer, and promoter - a modern day Renaissance man who was always willing to lend a helping hand. Fitz was involved with Irish Fair Minnesota, the Emerald Society, and the Brian Boru Irish Pipe Band. Over the years, Fitz also brought some great music and theater to Kieran’s Irish Pub.

For 15 years, Fitz encouraged and advanced opportunities for musicians in the Irish community. We would like to carry on that tradition by using the funds from the scholarship to help young musicians reach their potential.

The Center for Irish Music has many talented musicians that could benefit greatly from having a more complete education in traditional music beyond private or group instruction in their instrument.

The ‘Fitz’ Memorial Scholarship is awarded on an annual basis to a Center for Irish Music student of exceptional dedication and talent to their music. The scholarship can be used to help pay for any workshop or performance experience anywhere in the world, a new instrument or repair, or for an extra CIM class.

In exchange for the scholarship, the student is invited to perform at a local Irish music event (Teacher’s Fundraiser Concert, recital or other) and asked to write a 500-word article describing their experience (including a photo) that will be published in the Center for Irish Music newsletter within a month of returning. In the case of a class, this can be written after the class is over.

A student who receives the Fitz Memorial Scholarship:

• Has demonstrated to their private teacher that they are dedicated to learning their chosen instrument by working hard to learn new tunes and develop a personal style.
• Has shown interest in the larger community of Irish traditional culture by attending sessions or attending and/or volunteering at concerts and workshops.
• Has shown an interest in expanding their musical education and experience.