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Updated in [October 16th, 2023]

What does this course tell?
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These free online concertina lessons are ideal for anyone who has completed our Beginner 1 course and wants to learn more, or for any beginner who can play the D scale and knows the most commonly used notes on the concertina. This instrument can appear baffling to the complete beginner, with both the bellows and finger positions to master. However, top musician Conor O'Loughlin takes you through some easy tunes at a slow pace so that you can grow in skill and confidence quickly. Conor plays an Anglo concertina that has 30 buttons and is tuned to the G/C system, which is the most common tuning. This course will build on your basic knowledge of the instrument and help you progress to playing a wide variety of notes and tunes.
The lessons begin with an introduction to the air button and tips on the best position for the bellows before you learn the well-known 'Kerry Polka', which is mainly played in the higher octave. Conor covers both parts of the tune over the course of two lessons, with notes provided in a downloadable PDF in the resource section of the course. The next topic is another polka, ‘Maggie in the Woods’, which is about a girl who was lost in the woods and then found by her friends. This is typical of many Irish tunes that have the first part played on the lower octave and the second part on the higher octave. As the course progresses, Conor teaches learners the note C natural along with an alternative button for high D and high E which aids fluency in playing. He then introduces a more challenging tune, the slip jig ‘Bean Pháidin’ which is a popular tune with beginners on any instrument as well as sean-nós singers. There are many versions of the tune and Conor explains it was also a favourite of lilters who would sing an accompaniment for dancers if they didn’t have instruments. ‘Bean Pháidin’, which includes the high D and E on both hands, is taught over two lessons and concludes this easy beginners’ course.
For anyone who is new to the Irish concertina and wants to learn from a highly experienced young player, this free online concertina course provides the perfect training. Our tutor, Conor O'Loughlin comes from Corofin in County Clare, an area where Traditional Irish music thrives today. From a musical family, Conor has been playing since he was a young child and in 2017 he became an all-Ireland champion at Fleadh Ceoil na hEireann. Together with the other members of the traditional music band Dúchas, he went on to win the prestigious 2017 Siansa Gael Linn competition in Dublin that same year. Conor went on to study traditional music at the University of Limerick. While there he formed a new group, The Conifers, with his college friends and as well as producing a debut album by the same name, they have toured across the USA, Europe and Africa. By completing this course, you will avail of many tips that will help you to develop as a concertina player and you may also gain certification by passing the end-of-course assessment. You may wish to progress to the final course in this series, Traditional Irish Concertina, Intermediate. If you’d like to master the smallest squeezebox of them all, warm up those fingers and get ready to begin!


We considered the value of this course from many aspects, and finally summarized it for you from two aspects: skills and knowledge, and the people who benefit from it:
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What skills and knowledge will you acquire during this course?
During the Traditional Irish Concertina Beginner 2 course, learners will acquire the following skills and knowledge:
1. Mastery of the bellows and finger positions on the concertina.
2. Ability to play a wide variety of notes and tunes on the concertina.
3. Understanding of the G/C system, which is the most common tuning for the Anglo concertina.
4. Familiarity with the air button and optimal bellows position.
5. Proficiency in playing the 'Kerry Polka' and 'Maggie in the Woods' tunes, including both parts of each tune.
6. Knowledge of the note C natural and alternative buttons for high D and high E.
7. Ability to play the slip jig 'Bean Pháidin', a popular tune for beginners on any instrument.
8. Insight into the history and cultural significance of Irish concertina music.
9. Tips and techniques for developing as a concertina player.
10. Potential certification upon passing the end-of-course assessment.
Who will benefit from this course?
This course is ideal for individuals who have completed the Beginner 1 course and want to further their knowledge of the traditional Irish concertina. It is also suitable for beginners who can already play the D scale and are familiar with the commonly used notes on the instrument.
Specifically, this course will benefit:
1. Beginner concertina players: The course starts with an introduction to the air button and provides tips on the best position for the bellows. It then progresses to teaching easy tunes at a slow pace, allowing beginners to grow in skill and confidence quickly.
2. Musicians interested in traditional Irish music: Conor O'Loughlin, a highly experienced young player from County Clare, teaches the course. He comes from a musical family and has won prestigious competitions in traditional Irish music. Learners will benefit from his expertise and gain insights into the traditional Irish concertina style.
3. Individuals interested in expanding their repertoire: The course covers a variety of tunes, including polkas and slip jigs. Learners will be able to play well-known tunes such as the 'Kerry Polka' and 'Maggie in the Woods'. This will help them develop their repertoire and enhance their musical skills.
4. Those seeking certification: By completing the course and passing the end-of-course assessment, learners have the opportunity to gain certification. This can be beneficial for individuals looking to showcase their skills or pursue a career in music.
5. Intermediate concertina players: While this course is primarily designed for beginners, intermediate players who want to reinforce their basic knowledge and skills can also benefit. It serves as a refresher course and provides additional techniques and tunes to expand their repertoire.

Course Syllabus

Easy Tunes for the Concertina

Course assessment