*Online Class*

“Sessions” are gatherings of musicians playing traditional Irish music together, usually at a pub, but sometimes at other places such as parks, festivals, or someone’s kitchen! One of the most common questions asked by newcomers-to-sessions is for a “list” of commonly played tunes, presumably so they can set out to learn them. Having a tune in common with others provides an instant connection and is a way to feel more comfortable at sessions while you get to know other players.

Local fiddler and teacher Mary Vanorny attends many of the sessions in the Twin Cities and other areas, and has a vast repertoire of tunes learned from those sessions. In this class, Mary will play the most common tunes from the Twin Cities sessions at a moderate speed so that participants can learn or play along from the comfort of their own homes!

Additional Information:
Open to all students, there are no prerequisites or private lesson requirements for this class!

Dáithí Sproule will share songs from the repertoire of this influential music group of the late 1960s, early 70s, renowned for their harmonies and innovative arrangements on guitars and keyboard. Though closely associated with the songs of Donegal, the band consisting of Tríona and Maighread Ní Dhomhnaill, their brother Mícheál and Dáithí himself actually sang a wide range of material in English and Irish, including some non-traditional songs. Dáithí looks forward to teaching a selection of this material not covered in the previous class.

Open Sky Ensemble celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2022! We have a great variety of instruments right now but are always happy to add more. If you know many tunes and have a fair amount of CIM instruction under your belt, come join this fun Monday evening adult ensemble!

New and interested students, please contact Brian Miller at dadgadguy@gmail.com before enrolling.

An Luan has been together for many years, and is always on the lookout for new members - especially melody players on fiddle, concertina or accordion! This experienced group of musicians has a history of performing regularly around the Twin Cities with a large repertoire of session tunes and not-so-well-known tunes since 2010. They strive to play great music together and have fun while they are at it.

New and interested students, please contact Brian Miller at dadgadguy@gmail.com before enrolling.

*In Person Class*

Join Kate Wade for an introduction to playing the Irish whistle. Also known as penny whistle, tin whistle, or feadóg stáin, this beautiful (and affordable) instrument is a core part of the great tradition of Irish music.

With 30 years’ experience teaching beginners, Kate will get you started with the basics of tone production, breathing and fingering techniques, and a simple new tune each week.

Everyone is welcome! Get your D whistle at Irish On Grand, or any of our local music stores like Cadenza or Groth Music.

Please make sure you have a whistle to play before the first class! Music will be taught by ear.