I just got back from 2 months in Ireland (had an absolutely wonderful time!) and wanted to let everyone know about the Queen Maeve Summer School in Sligo, run by Carmel Gunning (fabulous whistle player & trad singer). I actually found out about it from this message board - thanks Carmel.
If any of you are in Ireland at the time of the school, I would definitely recommend you check it out. The instructors are some of the best in the country, there are daytime classes, lectures, concerts and sessions every night of the week and the price is incredibly low -(if you don’t count the airfare from North America!) We had a wonderful time at the school and lots of fun in Sligo. So…keep it in mind on your next trip over the pond.
Wow, this sounds like EXACTLY what I was looking for. I’ve started planning my pilgrimage and was trying to find someplace where I could go over there to get some classes and meet with some musicians/teachers. This could be it! Where can I get more info?
Oh, anyone know anything about that institute in Nova Scotia for the Gaelic arts? Looks like they have piping lessons and language classes as well as a whole lot more…
Thanks!
Joey
Whistlepeg, of your two months in Ireland, how long was spent at Queen Maeve? Where all did you go the rest of the time?
On 2002-08-24 18:30, joey_schu wrote:
Oh, anyone know anything about that institute in Nova Scotia for the Gaelic arts? Looks like they have piping lessons and language classes as well as a whole lot more…
I assume you mean The Gaelic College of Arts and Crafts? I have never attended the college but from what I know they teach arts, crafts, music, and language of the gaelic tradition of Cape Breton (which originated from the Scottish tradition). Alas, their website does not list any whistle courses. I see Mary Jane Lamond is teaching Gaelic song this year – how cool is that?
Blackhawk,
I spent 2 weeks at the Blas Summer School at the University of Limerick, 1 week at the TTCT certification program in Dublin, then my husband & son joined me in Ennis where we spent 2 weeks (staying at a friend’s home) traveling all around County Clare. Then we spent a week driving down the west coast through Kerry & Cork, stayed a few days in Blarney, then drove up to Sligo for a week of the Queen Maeve school (my husband was taking banjo there), then drove to Westport (couldn’t miss Matt Molloy’s Pub!) then through Connemara to Shannon and flew back to Canada. There are lots and lots of great summer schools in Ireland, and many beautiful places to visit. Check them out on the web. I will find the Queen Maeve contact and post it later.
for Irish Festivals
http://mag.irish-music.net/Events/Festival.htm
for Queen Maeve School
http://www.cisl.ie/tradmusic/