Tuilleadh Deiseanna Foghlama
Oideachas sa Chraobh
On a term-by-term basis at the local branches of Comhaltas, we offer hundreds of classes a week in a variety of traditional instruments, singing, dance and Irish language. These classes develop group playing, encourage confidence and work on performance skills. Students have the opportunity to take part in competitions, to play in sessions, to attend summer schools, to play in groups for performances e.g. Seisiún, Fleadh concerts, concert tours. There are also opportunities for performance by competing in the Fleadh Cheoil, Ceol an Gheimhridh, or Pléaracha and Scoraíocht. Students can take SCT exams and work on an accreditation pathway. Teachers often use the SCT syllabus as a tool for teaching which helps students to not only learn tunes but engage in all elements of Irish traditional music.
Scoil Éigse
Annually, over seven hundred, and sometimes as many as nine hundred, students attend Scoil Éigse which is the Irish traditional music summer school organised by Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann. It is the flagship CCÉ educational event and is held in the week leading up to Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in the host town. Classes are conducted in all the instruments associated with Irish traditional music. Students do not need to be at an advanced level to benefit from the Scoil Éigse experience. Masterclasses are also a part of the week’s schedule.
Adjudicator Training
Comhaltas organises seminars for new and existing adjudicators in both music and singing. These seminars take place across the island of Ireland over two days. The course is open to anyone who has reached the age of 23 in the year of the seminar and who has significant experience in their chosen field of music, singing, storytelling or with the Irish language.
Dementia & Music
A Comhaltas in Britain Project
It is estimated that because of the older age profile of the Irish community there are around 10,000 Irish people with dementia in Britain. Increasingly, reminiscence work and understanding how to help people to live better with dementia is focusing on culturally sensitive support.