Traditional Music Courses in Ireland

Fiddlers Retreat:
Fiddlers Retreat, in Tipperary (90 minutes from Dublin), Ireland, is the only traditional Irish Music and Culture school of its kind in Ireland. At Fiddlers Retreat we offer a unique insight into Irelands Music and Culture, where you can enjoy music tuition, afternoon sightseeing tours, night-time Traditional Irish music sessions, sporting events, Irish language and cookery workshops. Homestay accommodation is available with meals. Both adults and students are catered for.

The Irish Fiddle Holiday Programme

6 night option

- 6 nights bed and breakfast accommodation,
- 5 mornings of fiddle tuition.
- 3 afternoons sightseeing tours
- 4 home cooked evening meals, and many nighttime Traditional Irish music sessions. Day off to relax and enjoy the countryside.

3 night option

- 3 nights bed and breakfast accommodation.
- 2 mornings of Irish fiddle tuition.
- 2 escorted afternoon sightseeing tours.
- 2 home cooked evening meals.
- 2 nighttime Traditional Irish music sessions.

The programme includes Irish music tuition, afternoon sightseeing outings, night-time traditional Irish music sessions, homestay accommodation with breakfast, home cooked evening meals. Morning times are centred around learning traditional Irish music. The tunes, techniques and stylistic features that make the tunes sound uniquely Irish are the focus of the classes. The afternoons are spent out and about exploring the historic and scenic sights of the region and the nights are passed at a varitey of traditional Irish music sessions taking place in the locality. A well planned itinerary ensures you make the most of your time, learning, exploring, absorbing and enjoying a truly unique Irish music holiday.

All levels of fiddlers or violinists are welcomed onto the different courses designed especially for the varying ability of players, from absolute beginner to professional level players. There is no need to worry about being out of your depth as you will be placed in a small class that best suits the level of playing ability. Class numbers are small, 1-6, so as to ensure one to one attention and maximise student learning. Special arrangements are made for large orchestral and fiddle groups. A relaxed and informal class setting ensures a comfortable, supportive, fun and intensive learning environment is promoted.


Fiddle Tuition
Each musician will be taught how to play some of the tune types found in Irish music: reels, jigs, hornpipes, polkas and slow airs. It is envisaged that each musician will achieve a good command of the different tune types and be able to play them with a knowledge and awareness of the traditional style of playing.

The use of ornamentation and variation within the context of the tunes will be explored. Bowing techniques, phrasing and expression will be demonstrated.
Audio and written material will be used. Classes will be given in a relaxed and enjoyable fashion. Opportunity to join other musicians in an Irish music session.


Other Courses:
Irish Music and Culture course, Irish Music, Culture and Cookery Appreciation course, Irish Fiddle and Culture course, Summer courses