Connecticut Academy of Irish Music
Fall 2013 Class Descriptions and Schedule
 Classes will meet on the following Sundays unless otherwise indicated: September
15, September 22, September 29, October 6, October 20, October 27, November
3, November 10, November 17, November 24, December 1. There is also a makeup day scheduled for December 8, in the event we need to cancel a class due to
weather or teacher unavailability. (Probable class times are listed on page 4).
 Classes are taught primarily in the traditional method, by ear. Students are
strongly encouraged to bring a recording device!
Tin Whistle and Flute (9 weeks only: Class meets on Sept. 22, Oct. 6, Oct. 20,
Oct. 27, Nov. 3, Nov. 10, Nov. 17, Nov. 24, Dec. 1)
Beginner whistle - (Ellen Redman) - For those who have never before played the whistle or
flute. The class will focus on learning all the notes on the instrument in preparation to learning
some basic tunes. This is also a good beginner class for those who have never played but who
are interested in eventually moving on to Irish flute or uillean pipes.
Beginner Irish flute - (Ellen Redman) - This class is most ideally suited to those who have
played a bit of flute or whistle before, but have just gotten their hands on an “Irish” flute, be it
wood or any other material. The class will focus on getting a strong tone and correct hand/finger
placement, in conjunction with learning some basic tunes.
Intermediate whistle and flute (Irish or silver) - (Ellen Redman) - For those who have at least
a year of experience playing the whistle or flute (either silver or Irish). Common session tunes
will be taught, along with ornamentation and tone production and breathing.
Fiddle
Absolute beginner fiddle I - (Jeanne Freeman) - For those with no prior experience on fiddle,
this class will emphasize the skills needed to learn the basics of how to hold and play the fiddle,
and begin to play simple tunes.
Beginner fiddle II - (Jeanne Freeman) - For those who have completed the Absolute beginner I
class, but are not yet ready to move up to the intermediate class. Emphasis will be on continuing
to strengthen skills covered in the prior class, and building repertoire of tunes.
Beginner Irish fiddle - (Jeanne Freeman) - For students who have played the violin/fiddle for at
least a year but are new to Irish fiddling style and technique. Emphasis will be on learning some
basic session tunes and introducing simple bowings and ornamentations.
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Connecticut Academy of Irish Music
Intermediate Irish fiddle - (Jeanne Freeman) - For those who know some basic Irish fiddle but
are working on expanding their repertoire, ornamentation, and bowing style.
Concertina
Beginner/intermediate concertina - (Ben Gagliardi) - This class will focus on becoming more
familiar with the concertina, practical playing tips, learning tunes by ear and a few
ornamentations in the context of tunes well suited for the instrument. Concertina players are a
rare breed, so this class will adjust to the level of the students, although a basic understanding of
the instrument is suggested (but not required).
Button Accordion
Beginner/intermediate button accordion – (John Whelan and Eileen MacCallum) – Students
will become familiar with the instrument and learn basic technique. John will be working with
students via a Skype connection, and Eileen will assist in person.
Mandolin, Tenor Banjo, Guitar (8 weeks only: Class meets Sept. 15, Sept. 22,
Sept. 29, Oct. 6, Oct. 20, Oct. 27, Nov. 3, Nov. 10)
Note to banjo players: Instruction is for 4-string tenor banjo – if you play or have a
5-string and want to convert it to 4-string for this class, please contact Claudine in
advance for guidance; she is happy to assist you and this will save class time.
Beginner mandolin and tenor banjo - (Claudine Langille) - For students who are new to
mandolin and tenor banjo, this class will go over the basics, with emphasis on simple chords and
melodies to quickly get them into the flow of making music.
Intermediate mandolin and tenor banjo - (Claudine Langille) - For students who are
interested in expanding their repertoire and working on ornamentation.
Beginner guitar - (Claudine Langille) - For students new to the guitar who are interested in the
basic chord patterns used in backing up tunes and songs.
Intermediate guitar - (Claudine Langille) - For students who are comfortable with the basic
chords and would like to explore different styles and tunings, including playing melody lines.
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Connecticut Academy of Irish Music
Bodhran (NEW OFFERING) (10 weeks only: classes meet all weeks except
NO CLASS Oct. 27)
Beginner Bodhran - (Mary Gardner) - For absolute beginners. This class will focus on
learning basic rhythms and patterns for jigs, reels, polkas, and slip jigs, and well as proper tipper
technique. Students will learn how to accompany tunes in sessions with a focus on playing
musically.
Intermediate Bodhran – (Mary Gardner) - For those who have some experience on bodhran or
percussionists looking to learn bodhran. This class will focus on developing technique and
control for both Kerry style and top end players, as well as more advanced patterns for all types
of tunes. We will also focus on left hand technique to explore the tonal aspect of the bodhran.
Singing (NEW OFFERING) (6 weeks only: Class meets Sept. 15, Sept. 22,
Sept. 29, Oct. 6, Oct. 20, Oct. 27)
Give Us a Song! – (Dan Ringrose) – This class will explore a range of songs, including
traditional ballads, chanteys, and pub songs, with emphasis on four main elements of effective
traditional singing: 1) Finding a comfortable range, 2) diction, 3) projection and 4) making the
song your own. This class will feature both one-on-one and group singing, and is open to singers
of all levels, including those wishing to expand their repertoire or perhaps gain some confidence.
Bring your guitar or instrument if you play, but whether you play an instrument or not don’t
worry, we’ll make it work!
Mixed Group Classes:
Students beyond the beginner level are strongly encouraged to consider a mixed
group class to build their skills in group playing!
Youth ceili band – (John Whelan, Eileen MacCallum) – For young people who are intermediate
or beyond in skills and wish to work on their skills with a goal of developing a group to compete
in regional and All-Ireland fleadh competitions. John will work with students via a Skype
connection into the classroom, and Eileen will assist. (Instructors will make final decisions on
placement as needed).
Intermediate slow session for mixed instruments – (Ben Gagliardi) - Some experience on your
instrument is required; emphasis will be on developing skills and confidence to play in a session
(learning tunes by ear, familiarity with keys and modes, tunes types, building sets, and basic
“session etiquette”). This class will literally function as a slow-paced session with a number of
new tunes being played each week and past tunes being revisited.
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Connecticut Academy of Irish Music
Probable Course Times (all on Sundays)*:
Time
11:30-12:15
Beginner bodhran
11:45a.m. -12:15
p.m
Beginner whistle
Absolute beginner
fiddle I
12:15-1:00 p.m.
Beginner Irish flute
Beginner fiddle II
Intermediate
bodhran
1:00-1:45 p.m.
Intermediate flute and
whistle
Intermediate fiddle
1:45-2:30 p.m.
Mixed instrument
slow session
Beginner Irish fiddle
Intermediate
mandolin and tenor
banjo
Beginner mandolin
and tenor banjo
2:30-3:15 p.m.
Beginner/intermediate Youth ceili band
Intermediate guitar
concertina
Give Us a Song!
Beginner/intermediate Beginner guitar
button accordion
3:15-4:00 p.m.
4:00-4:45 p.m.
*Times may be subject to adjustments based on final enrollment; students will be notified of any
changes if this occurs.
A class may be subject to cancellation if fewer than 3 students enroll. Thanks for your
cooperation and flexibility.
Questions? Contact Jeanne Freeman, (860) 810-4852, or [email protected].
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