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Updated in [October 16th, 2023]

What does this course tell?
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Acquiring the skills needed to master the unique sounds of Irish music takes time, practice and instruction from an experienced tutor. This free online Irish fiddle course is designed to help the beginner develop those techniques that give authentic Irish fiddle playing its distinctive flavour. It is ideally suited to students who have completed our Beginner 1 and Beginner 2 courses and want to progress, or to any beginner who can play basic tunes by ear or by following notes. The methods that distinguish Irish fiddle playing from classical violin have survived for centuries through Irish music’s oral tradition and here, professional performer Doireann Ní Ghlacáin builds on those basics and teaches you some new tunes. In each segment, she teaches the first part of the tune, then the second part, then the third lesson sees her focus on where and how to add ornamentation. The main techniques in this course include the addition of grace notes or 'cuts', triplets and bow 'slurs', where multiple notes are played during one sweep of the bow.
The lessons begin with the jig, 'The Connacht Man's Rambles'. Doireann breaks the tune down into parts and whilst the notes are provided in the resource section of the course, she encourages you to play by ear which is the traditional way of learning. She demonstrates where and how to add grace notes or ‘cuts’ once you have learnt both parts of the tune. The next tune you will learn is another popular jig, 'The Geese in the Bog'. As with every tune, Doireann plays the jig through at the proper speed so that you can hear how it should be played before breaking it down into manageable segments and going through it slowly, finally demonstrating how and where you can add ornamentation. With all Irish music, you are free to add grace notes wherever you think best and that freedom adds a unique quality to the expression of the tune. The final section of this easy-to-follow fiddle course is the reel, 'The Lilies in the Field' and once Doireann has taught both parts, she plays the tune through, identifying notes that lend themselves to ornamentation, from grace notes and triplets to slurs.
If you are relatively proficient in the Irish fiddle and want to broaden your repertoire and learn how to recreate authentic Traditional Irish sounds, this free online fiddle course provides the perfect training. Our tutor, Doireann Ní Ghlacáin is a recording artist, performer and tutor who has toured internationally from her home in the west of Ireland, the hub of Irish traditional music. Doireann also presents live coverage of Irish music programmes for the national Gaeilge TV station TG4. A native Irish speaker, Doireann’s heritage is steeped in Irish music with her paternal family immersed in fiddle playing. On her maternal side, her grandfather was the esteemed composer Seán Ó Riada. By completing this course, you can learn those all-important techniques that are fundamental to developing as a fiddle player. You can also gain certification by passing the end-of-course assessment. Complete this course and with practice, you will master the deftness of playing that has been setting Irish music apart for centuries. Rosin at the ready? It’s time to begin adding colour to your fiddle playing!


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 Fiddle Intermediate course, students will acquire the following skills and knowledge:
1. Techniques specific to Irish fiddle playing: Students will learn the techniques that distinguish Irish fiddle playing from classical violin, such as the addition of grace notes or 'cuts', triplets, and bow 'slurs'. These techniques have been passed down through the oral tradition of Irish music for centuries.
2. Learning tunes by ear: The course emphasizes the traditional way of learning Irish music, which is by ear. Students will be encouraged to play the tunes without relying solely on sheet music, enhancing their ability to play by ear and improvise.
3. Ornamentation: Students will learn how and where to add ornamentation to the tunes they play, including grace notes, triplets, and slurs. This adds a unique quality to the expression of the music and helps recreate authentic Traditional Irish sounds.
4. Repertoire expansion: The course will introduce students to new tunes, including jigs and reels, to broaden their repertoire of Irish fiddle music. Students will learn how to play these tunes and incorporate the techniques and ornamentation taught in the course.
5. Instruction from an experienced tutor: The course is taught by professional performer Doireann Ní Ghlacáin, who has extensive experience in Irish traditional music. Her expertise and guidance will help students develop their skills and master the unique sounds of Irish fiddle playing.
6. Certification: Students have the opportunity to gain certification by passing the end-of-course assessment. This certification can serve as a recognition of their proficiency in Irish fiddle playing.
By completing this course and practicing regularly, students will acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to master the techniques and nuances of Irish fiddle playing, allowing them to play with the deftness and authenticity that has set Irish music apart for centuries.
Who will benefit from this course?
This course is beneficial for intermediate-level fiddle players who are interested in mastering the unique sounds of Irish music. It is particularly suited for students who have completed beginner-level courses and want to progress further. The course is also suitable for beginners who can play basic tunes by ear or by following notes.
Professionals in the music industry, such as performers and recording artists, who want to broaden their repertoire and learn how to recreate authentic Traditional Irish sounds will benefit from this course. Additionally, individuals who have a passion for Irish music and want to develop their skills as a fiddle player will find this course valuable.
The course is taught by Doireann Ní Ghlacáin, a professional performer, recording artist, and tutor with extensive experience in Irish traditional music. Her expertise and guidance will help students learn the fundamental techniques of Irish fiddle playing, including the addition of grace notes, triplets, and bow slurs. By completing this course and practicing regularly, students will be able to master the deftness of playing that has set Irish music apart for centuries.

Course Syllabus

How to Improve your Irish Fiddle Playing

Course assessment