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Below is a sample from 2009. Please visit us again in Spring 2010 for revised information.
General Points
 Advanced Class is intended for students who are competent on their instruments and who can play at session speed and who want a challenge.
Intermediate Class is intended for students who have a reasonable acquaintance with their instrument and who know some tunes but may not be able to play at session speed yet.
Beginning Class is intended for students who have played and know some things about their instruments (chords or fingering scales, for example) but who know only a few tunes and need work on speed and technique.
Absolute Beginning Class is only offered for
bodhran, tinwhistle, and harp.
Repertoire Classes are new this year and offer a chance for non fiddlers to study with master fiddlers and non pipers to study with master pipers and so on. These courses are open to all melody instruments.
Ensemble Classes is intended for all instrumentalists at an Intermediate level or above. The course will concentrate on repertoire and playing together. Participants will be subdivided into groups based on enrolment and instrumentation. Repertoire in each ensemble will vary according to the instructors.
Fine Tuning Your Session Engine offers a style, etiquette, and rhythm check for all traditional-style instruments This workshop is for players both new to traditional music and for more seasoned players and teachers who wish to develop stronger Irish session skills. Flutes, fiddles, whistles, banjos, pipes, accordions all welcome; Harps, guitars, and keyboards are also welcome, though we will work strictly on melodic playing. By singing and playing instruments, we will work on
how to hold your own by yourself and with a group (hearing yourself and hearing others) how to prepare a few sets of tunes that you can really start in a session
how to contribute musically and socially to a session
avoiding common psychological pitfalls of playing in public settings.
Note: Some teachers have suggested that students in Intermediate and higher courses come prepared with a tune or song that the instructor can help polish.
 Accordion, Harmonica & Anglo Concertina
Beginning Piano Accordion is an introduction to playing Irish and Scottish tunes for those who have little experience or who may be trying the piano accordion as a piano player. It will cover the basics of the instrument.
Intermediate Piano Accordion offers the opportunity to learn Irish and Scottish tunes and the ornament style most suited to the piano accordion as well as learning to develop speed and ‘lift’. . Students should have some familiarity with the instrument.
Beg/Intermediate Concertina will cover scales, a few tunes and some basic chords and the instructor will spend time on one to one instruction to help everyone in the class to move forward regardless of level.
Intermediate Concertina will concentrate on tunes and exploring alternate fingerings and ornamentation. Playing together with other students will focus on getting the ‘lift’ and fluid rhythm suitable for dancers. The course will cover cross rowing and will also explore chords and ornaments.
Advanced Concertina This class is intended for advanced students playing Anglo C/G concertinas. It will focus on aspects of technique and style (e.g. bellows control, phrasing, alternative fingerings) as well as taking a detailed look at ornamentation and variation in the context of Irish traditional dance tunes. Participants are encouraged to bring a recording device. Written music will also be provided.
Harmonica is an open level course intended for those who have at least some experience in playing the harmonica and will consist of learning tunes and some complimentary techniques. D harmonicas will be the key used.
 Fiddle
Fiddle Technique deals with ergonomics and correct technique for better balance and freedom in your playing. It helps to relieve tension and prevent injury. A lot of class time will be devoted to helping individuals with specific problems.
Intermediate Irish – Breaking Down the Tunes analyses tunes – jigs, reels, polkas and so on – to get at the essence of the tune and understand what parts of each tune offer special rewards and what parts are the secret ti bringing a tune to life. Explore some specific settings of dance tunes in the East Clare and East Galway repertoire as well as left hand and bowing technique.
Advanced Irish – Breaking Down the Tunes is a more advanced version of the previous course and looks at how various alternate styles illuminate a tune and make different statements. Also, learn how to synthesize tune structure so that you can apply your knowledge to any Irish tune.
Advanced Irish Ornamentation will focus on triplet variations, long and short rolls, drones and other features that will aid you to ‘dress up’ your tune playing. You will also explore alternate melodic variations, double stops and more. Learn left hand ornamentation technique of Irish fiddle music, with specifics on the approach of West and East Clare style of fiddle playing.
Intermediate Irish – Getting The Lift is a class that focuses on right hand technique as it applies to fiddling dance music. “It is with the bow that particular note patterns and note sequences are grouped and played together, and certain notes may accentuated and emphasized. The bow imparts to the music the appropriate rhythm and articulation.”
Irish - Blending the Influences explore the palette of tonal colours available by using some of the stylistic differences offered by various counties in Ireland and North America. How do North American fiddlers honour the tradition of the Old Country while adding their unique input.
Advanced Irish – Phrasing & Variation become unique in your playing by finding stylistic variation that you can make your own personal fiddling statement. Analyse in depth how tunes are structured and how their structure may suggest techniques to enhance the tunes’ development.
Intermediate Irish – Increasing your Speed focuses on the essential elements needed to ‘drive’ the tune and bring it to life. Learn to gain speed while maintaining a steady rhythm and not tensing up. Keep the ‘lift’ as you increase the tempo. Don’t be left behind in sessions.
Oliver’s Tunes Oliver was an iconic fiddler/composer who lived at the cutting edge. Once his music has been heard, it's hard to mistake it for anyone else's. A composer of over a thousand tunes, Oliver shared his passion through teaching and three of his protégés: Emilyn Stam, Chelsea Sleep and Jaron Freeman Fox will continue his legacy at the Celtic College, Celtic Kids Camp and Celtic Festival.
Twin Fiddles focuses on unison playing that lies at the heart of most Celtic music. Find a harmonizing melody within a chordal framework to accompany a vocal or another lead instrument. Learn to add richness to your arrangements and playing. Develop the inner metronome that is so essential to duet or larger group playing.
Quebecois Waltzes Quebec has a rich tradition of achingly beautiful waltzes and many of them have been written within the past few years. Learn some gorgeous traditional and modern waltzes and how to accent them for dancers.
Quebecois Reels These tunes really emphasize rhythmic lift and drive. An amalgam of Scots/Irish tunes and Gallic verve and repertoire, these reels are among the most important musical traditions in North America.
Cape Breton Airs Music is played at a slower tempo that concentrates on melodic aspects. Bowing is more fluid and extensive use is made of left hand ornamentation. Explore the differences and experience this rural repertoire through beautiful melodies.
Int Scottish Slow Airs & Pipe Tunes Much Scottish music derives from pipe tunes and fiddlers often look to translate the reeds and drones onto strings and bow. Learn how Scottish fiddlers meet this challenge and learn some wonderful slow air melodies as well.
Irish Fiddle offers tremendous variety, reflecting the wide diversity of styles from county to county. The emphasis will be on exploring the music as it developed alongside the dance, with special emphasis on embellishments techniques such as the ‘roll’.
Quebecois Fiddle will focus on the repertoire of the amalgam of French and Scots/Irish styles that has developed into one of the liveliest and best loved fiddle music in North America. Learn different styles of Quebec tunes with their backgrounds and histories.
Advanced Scottish examines this highly developed music which has amalgamated both folk and classical traditions, and cross pollinated with Irish music to produce a technically demanding but very rich form, with the echo of harp and bagpipe in it. Typical techniques include left hand embellishments (use of double stops and drones) and bowing technique (the cut).
Shetland Fiddle explores the music of Shetland, an intermarriage of Scottish and Norwegian influences, which has produced some of the finest traditional music anywhere. Learn to achieve ‘lift’ and ‘drive’ in your bowing along with this unique and exciting repertoire
 Fretted Strings
Bouzouki will examine right hand rhythms and basic chord patterns in the keys of G and D. The course will deal with bouzouki as an accompanying instrument rather than a solo one. Learn capoing techniques and moving chords up and down the neck. Like the guitar workshop, emphasis will be on backing Irish tunes in a traditional style. We will survey accompaniment approaches and discuss the brief history of the bouzouki in Irish music. The class will be taught in GDAD.
Theory For Accompanying Irish Music This workshop will explore music theory as it applies to backing Irish traditional music. We'll cover building chords, choosing chords and bass lines in a given tune. We will also touch on the elusive topic of modal theory. Open to all chordal instruments (guitar, bouzouki, harp, etc) in all tunings.
Guitar Accompaniment for Tunes This workshop focuses on backing Irish traditional tunes, with special emphasis on learning to tap into the rhythm of a tune (instead of using a "default" rhythm from another type of music). We will work on when to change chords and how to do it pleasingly. And we will explore resonant chord voicings, focusing on the desired sound from the guitar regardless of tuning (DADGAD, standard, and dropped D). Participants should already be able play with a steady rhythm, and change chords without interruption
Guitar Intro/Transitions will examine how to provide an ear grabbing introduction to set up a song and possible ways to work out transitions between verses in a song or to set up the move from one tune to another within a tune set.
Guitar – Shetland Swing Developed by Shetland native 'Peerie' Willie Johnson, this style of guitar, in the words of Archie Fisher, “sounds like a bass and guitar playing together”. It is a very rhythmic jazz swing style of accompaniment that is particularly associated with Shetland.
Guitar Beginning will focus on the basics of chording and right hand strumming techniques. Students are expected to know the basic chords in the keys of C, G and D,
Accompanying Tunes In DADGAD - Intermediate This class explores techniques for backing up traditional Irish music with a specific focus on the use of guitar in the DADGAD tuning. Brian has taught Irish-style guitar backing to students in Ireland and at workshops across the US. This workshop will cover DADGAD chord shapes, strumming techniques for various dance tune types and a few tricks of the trade. Suitable for newcomers to Irish guitar backing as well as those who already do it but are looking to expand their palette.
Guitar To Accompany Song Advanced explores a variety of approaches to ‘spicing up’ your playing with a variety of right and left hand techniques. stresses rhythmic accompaniment and chord patterns. will focus on using alternate chord voicing and other techniques to support and enhance the melodic element.
Mandolin Intermediate - Musicianship Become more rounded musically and, above all, a more musical player. Learn some of the ‘nuances’ that separate great players from adequate players. Find out how to make your playing truly sing.
Mandolin Intermediate –Technique concentrates on learning tunes while using more of the neck to add fluidity and tonal variation. As well, the course explores the subtle changes in playing technique that opens up your playing, allowing greater speed and ease of movement.
Mandolin – Introductions & Transitions concentrates on making tunes more memorable by finding appealing introductions and how to move from verse to verse of songs in an interesting way, using more of the neck to add fluidity and tonal variation.
Mandolin Advanced – Learn Improvisation is an introduction to the art of varying the melody, either as an instrumental interlude or behind a singer. Learn how to use your right hand and where to emphasize to give the tune life with left hand ornamentation.
Tenor Banjo Intermediate The tenor banjo has become one of the best session instruments as its percussive tone makes it both audible and suitable for driving dancers’ feet. It is an ideal second instrument for mandolin or fiddle players as it is tuned the same (only an octave lower) Learn to use triplets to accentuate rhythm and other subtleties of banjo playing. Learn basic technique, ornamentation and a few simple tunes. Please bring a tenor (4-string) banjo and a recording device.
Tenor Banjo Intermediate/Advanced Higher level classes will explore the Irish banjo style in depth, looking at developing greater speed, accents, rolls, double stops and other advanced techniques. Learn to develop a personal style.
 Harp
Irish Music - Past and Present (level Intermediate):
This class will look at the broad spectrum of music which makes up the Irish harp tradition, from the music of the 17th and 18th century harper composers, to song airs, to the dance music widely played on the Irish harp today. Sample pieces from the different genres will be taught, including ornamentation and arranging techniques appropriate to each type of tune. Teaching will be done by ear, with written music provided at the end of the course. Participants are encouraged to bring a recording device.
Irish Traditional Dance Music (level Advanced):
Learn to play a variety of Irish dance tunes, including jigs, reels and hornpipes. Emphasis will be placed on exploring the different types of ornamentation and melodic variation used in Irish traditional music. Ideas for creating interesting and varied arrangements will also be covered. Teaching will be done by ear, with written music provided at the end of the course. Participants are encouraged to bring a recording device.
Harp Beginning has no experience required. Students will learn orally but will get music to take home. Learn about the instrument, basic technique, hand position and several tunes.
Scottish Harp Intermediate will focus on learning tunes and basic techniques from the Scottish repertoire that are particularly suited to harp.
Harp Intermediate/Advanced
Harp Advanced and includes techniques for song accompaniment.
 Percussion
All levels in Bodhran progress from no prior experience (absolute beginners) which will focus on basic technique through increasingly complex techniques and rhythms to the master class which concentrates on advanced techniques.
Beginning Bodhran An inclusive, demystifying approach to playing the Bodhrán (Irish frame drum). Get strong basics on the Irish frame drum from a master player/teacher in a fun and easy environment. The course aims to provide a detailed look at the bodhrán and its use in all styles of music.
Intermediate Bodhran Topics covered will include, basic and advanced technique, sound, how to accompany different types of tunes, working with other musicians, improvisation and practice routines. We will discuss how to approach the instrument from the standpoint of accompanying traditional dance tunes.
Advanced Bodhran Emphasis will be on tone, technique and etiquette. We will strive to “play the tune” rather than just “playing along.”
Foot Percussion
 Piano
Piano Accompaniment Intermediate This course is designed for pianists who already have some experience playing with chords and accompanying fiddle music, and are interested in some ways to spice up their playing. There will be a focus on creativity - learn chord substitutions, rhythmic and dynamic changes - add colour to your playing- learn how to make a fiddler smile!
Accompanying Fiddle Tunes Advanced is for students who have the beginning course or who have some experience playing with other musicians. It offers a broader sense of chordal progressions and style. The course will look at the left hand swing or vamping technique and will teach you to become the complete rhythm section. Develop techniques to increase speed and deepen the rhythm groove. This class is intended for experienced players who have worked with tune players.
Cape Breton Piano Intermediate will explore “the exciting style of playing now known as the Cape Breton style. Of course, it is not one style but many - each player has their own slant on it. But we instantly recognize that that swinging, rocking, driving, fountain of forward motion that is the Cape Breton piano line clearly delineates this music from your Irish jig.”
Quebecois Waltzes & Airs This is the lyrical side of Quebecois with its sweet melodic lines and rich accompaniment. Typically the B section of these tunes is recognizably different and ‘catchy’. The course will look at solo piano as well as accompanying piano.
 Vocal Harmony
Celtic Harmony Singing Sing your heart out in sweet harmony! We'll be singing traditional and contemporary folk songs from Ireland, Scotland, Canada and US in a cappella arrangements for all voices. Music will be taught by ear. Come with your voice and a recording device. Beginners welcome.
Harmony Lines and Arranging for Voices Have you ever wished your harmony parts were more interesting? In this workshop we'll be working with both familiar songs and new repertoire while getting into the nitty gritty of writing vocal harmonies. Learn how to find the basic harmonies and how to push the boundaries by adding colourful notes to emphasize lyric and expression. Norah will teach some of her own arrangements and the class will arrange some songs together. Some harmony singing experience recommended.
Love, Death and a Catchy Chorus Big ballads you can sing along with. Phil and Margaret lead student singers through famous and lesser-known ballads, many with repeat lines and choruses. Class participants are encouraged to bring tape recorders to the class to record the ballad tunes. Participants are also invited to bring their own favourite ballads to class and take turn teaching them. Word sheets will be available.
Do It Yourself Harmony Phil and Margaret will teach novice and experienced singers to create harmonies "by ear." Students start with simple melodies and harmonies, and work up to creating harmonies to more complex tunes. The emphasis is onlearning harmony by doing harmony. An encouraging vocal experience!
 Song
Irish Song in English Come explore the singing traditions of Ireland. Learn about the historic development of these traditions along with the English language while focusing on phrasing, ornementation, and individual style. Students will try their hands at ballads, macaronic songs, rebel songs, hedge school master songs, northern songs and more! Students will learn to sing these songs in a small group settings to accommodate participation. Please bring a recording device.
Scottish Song in English songs that are traditional or that have been written in traditional formats will be explored by one of Scotland’s most important songwriters and expert in tradition based music.
Irish Gaelic Song Come explore the singing traditions of Gaelic Ireland. Learn about the historic development of these regional traditions while focusing on pronounciation, phrasing, orenementation and individual style. Students will try their hands a the various types of Irish Gaelic songs such as the "big songs", silly songs, macaronic songs, religious songs and more. No understanding of Gaelic is necessary. Students will learn several song choruses with which to sing along in a group setting. Please bring a recording device.
Scottish Gaelic Work Shops The Gaels had a song for almost every occasion. Songs, for reaping crops, rowing boats, milling the cloth, milking cows, just to name some examples, accompanied every form of work and household chore.
Scottish Gaelic Love Songs it is the poetry of the Gael that tells us about his attitudes, views and history. One of the richest traditions is the love song which evokes almost every human emotion: longing, loss, exultation, betrayal, contentment.
Mouth Music called Puirt-a-Beul in Gaelic is a form of ‘lilting’ tunes in place of a fiddle or other instrument to provide music for dancing.
Introduction to Irish Gaelic Song Come explore the singing traditions of Gaelic Ireland. Learn about the historic development of these regional traditions while focusing on pronounciation, phrasing, orenementation and individual style. Students will try their hands a the various types of Irish Gaelic songs such as the "big songs", silly songs, macaronic songs, religious songs and more. No understanding of Gaelic is necessary. Students will learn several song choruses with which to sing along in a group setting. Please bring a recording device.
Quebecois Song explore the rich tradition of “call and response”, comic songs, love songs and ballads of adventure with the distinctive verve and élan of Quebecois tunes. Learn to sing in French and join in on the ‘joie de vivre’.
 Whistle, Flute & Pipes
Intermediate pipes This workshop will be tailored for pipers between beginning and intermediate levels, but pipers of all levels are of course welcome.
Flute/Whistle Airs Explore the nuances of melody and learn how to embellish these beautiful tunes to play them at their most evocative level.
Beginning Irish Whistle Beginners will learn basic technique, fingering, ornamentation and a few simple tunes. Please bring a tin whistle in the key of D.
Intermediate Irish Whistle will explore Irish ornamentation (cuts, taps, rolls and more) in depth while also covering phrasing, tonguing and breathing on a variety of Irish tune types. Please bring a tin whistle in the key of D.
Advanced Irish Whistle is a class for those who already play at session speed and who can learn orally. It is intended for those looking to push their skills to the next level. The classes progress in terms of speed, amount of material covered, variety of rhythms and increasingly complex ornamentation.
Intermediate Irish Flute is for flute players with wood or metal flutes who are interested in playing Irish music. Those less experienced with Irish music are welcome, but emphasis will be on traditional style and learning by ear. All participants should be able to play D and G Major scales with a steady tone. Emphasis will be on cultivating a strong, rhythmic approach to the Irish flute. We will work to develop stronger ear skills (with emphasis on singing as a way of expanding ear and repertoire
Advanced Flute will cover the fundamentals of playing the wooden flute including posture, hand position, breathing techniques, and an introduction to Irish ornamentation. More advanced classes will cover more complex skills in wooden flute playing including advice on phrasing, breath control and advanced ornamentation. The instructor will answer questions about the finer points of Irish flute playing and teach tunes from the Irish repertoire. Preferably, participants should bring a wooden flute though advanced silver flute players can also benefit from this class.
 DANCE
Canadian Step Dancing is a blend of Quebecois, Ottawa Valley and other influences that have fused to develop a percussive and dynamic style.
Cape Breton Step Dancing can be done to a variety of rhythms, including jigs, reels and strathspeys and is traditional done with a more relaxed upper body and close to the floor.
Sean Nos Dancing Come learn the Connemara style of sean-nós dancing--a dance form akin to American flat footing or clogging. Learn the basic Connemara step for both jigs and reels. Those with more advanced skills will be challenged with free-formed dancing focusing on the unique rhythm of various dance tues. Please bring a pair of flat soled shoes with hard leather or plastic soles. NO IRISH DANCING HARD SHOES PLEASE.
Irish Ceili Dancing is a form of social dancing that employs various patterns from lines to circles to squares. It only requires a willingness to learn and can be enjoyed by everyone. Of the three forms of Irish dancing, ceili is the quickest to learn.
Irish Set Dancing is the oldest form of Irish dancing. The sets are localized by their steps and music to specific areas in Ireland. There are lots of stories and fun so “Round the house and mind the dresser”.
Irish Step Dancing Beginning will focus on the essentials, including jig and reel steps and basic patterns. Students are encouraged to proceed at individual rates and all are welcome.
 SOUND
Sound is offered at the Livery and begins at 1:00 each day. Members of this course get to run sound at the evening teacher concerts and learn how to set a system up from scratch.
Register in TWO Easy steps!
STEP ONE: Complete the Celtic College Registration Form or and mail, fax or email it back to us. (Click here to download Celtic College Registration Form)
STEP TWO: Purchase Your Tuition On-line Now!
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