English / Music Courses for Children in Ireland

Learning Experiences Ireland:
Located in the beautiful Irish countryside close to Tullamore in Co. Offaly, Learning Experiences Ireland offers a well-rounded music programme of tuition and public performance for young classical instrumentalist on violin, viola, cello, piano and voice.

Study English and Music in Ireland - Homestay Programme:
Designed for young classical musicians of all ages who are interested in studying English and Music in a homestay environment, the two-week course is intimate in nature as a maximum of four young people are accepted for each two-week session. The programme incorporates language building activities through daily classes in English as well as through participation in musical, recreational and home-based activities. Sessions run once per month throughout the summer.
Designed by cellist and TESOL certified teacher, Adele O'Dwyer, this unique programme has run successfully for the past three year with young participants enrolling from allover Europe including Spain, Italy and Germany.

Beginning language learners are welcome on this course and the homestay environment is a very important element in the process of developing confidence in language acquistion in the early stages.

English Language Building Activities:
Daily Classes in English - one-to-one and group activities to develop skill in the four fundamental areas of language development; reading, writing, listening and speaking.

Learn English through Musical Activities - using the English language to convey thoughts and ideas with a musical focus. Musical activities give wonderful opportunities for English language learning as participants interact with professionals and learners alike while preparing and performing music both instrumentally and vocally.
Learn English through Recreational Activities - the daily recreational activity plan provides occassions to explore language use in public places and in relation to Ireland's natural and cultural heritage.

Learn English through Home-Based Activities - the 'cook together' sessions bring participants together in the kitchen to create the evening meal and to learn language appropriate to food and cooking! A specially prepared collection of 'user-friendly' recipes allow young people to have success in the kitchen while having fun learning about food, cooking and serving the Irish way.

Musical Activities:
In addition to the English language opportunities and instruction detailed above, the Study English and Music in Ireland - Homestay Programme has a musical focus as well. Music is a part of the daily life of all participants.

Vocal Music - A selection of poetry, studied as a component of the daily English classes, and a selection of beautiful melodies, learned in the daily music sessions, are put together to create songs to be sung (in English) with professional piano accompaniment in the final concert.

Instrumental Music - Daily instrumental music instruction on violin, viola, cello or piano. There is a grand piano in the music room for lessons, practice and performance. Each participant will aim to learn three pieces for performance in the final concert demonstration.

Public Performance - A number of sessions of performance preparation with a professional accompanist will take place during each session in addition to group music-making with other participants and where appropriate with other local Irish musicians. Participation in the end of week concert demonstration is one of the highlights of the course - all parents are welcome to attend!

Further Programmes:

Out and About - young language learners will have the opportunity to try out new found phrases and interact with members of the local community when out and about in public places.

Let's Cook Together - brings participants together in the kitchen to create the evening meal and to learn language appropriate to food and cooking! A specially prepared collection of 'user-friendly' recipes allow young people to have success in the kitchen while having fun learning about food, cooking and serving the Irish way.