❗The content presented here is sourced directly from Alison platform. For comprehensive course details, including enrollment information, simply click on the 'Go to class' link on our website.

Updated in [October 16th, 2023]

What does this course tell?
(Please note that the following overview content is from the original platform)
Flute players who want to learn the skills and techniques that add colour to Irish tunes will enjoy this free online flute course. It is ideally suited to students who have completed our basic Beginner 1 and Beginner 2 courses although it will also benefit relative newcomers to the flute, whether they are used to playing by ear or by following notes. If you have mastered playing plain tunes, the next step is to ornament your playing with the ‘cuts’ and ‘rolls’ that make Irish folk music so exhilarating. Here, former all-Ireland chamption Brian O'Loughlin teaches you how to introduce those little extras at the start of the course before moving on to putting your new skills into practice with jigs and reels.
‘Cuts’ and ‘rolls’ are the topics for the opening lessons of this course and students are given a solid grounding in both before Brian moves on to teaching the tune, 'Mrs Galvin’s Jig'. You can follow the lesson more easily by downloading the notes from the resource section. The tune is taught in two parts, with Brian spending a lesson demonstrating how and where you can add ornamentation after each part. The next tune you will learn is the first reel in this set of courses, ‘The Sailor on the Rock’. Learning your first reel is a major moment for anyone starting out in Irish music as these popular tunes are famed for their lightning speed. Here, Brian slows the pace to help learners master each part properly and pick up those all important ornamentations. The final tune in the course is ‘Michael Cramer’s Reel', which Brian got from Matt Molloy, of The Chieftains. As with every tune, Brian plays it through at the proper speed so that you can hear how it should be played. In the final two lessons, he teaches each part of the tune, demonstrating how and where you can add ornamentation.
For anyone who is relatively proficient in the flute and is ready to introduce a more authentically Irish flavour to their playing, this free online flute course offers the ideal training. Our tutor, Brian O'Loughlin is an accomplished flute player from County Clare in the musical west coast of Ireland. Steeped in music since childhood, he has won many all-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil medals at junior and senior level, as a soloist and with groups including the triple-winning Shandrum Céilí Band. He has also recorded as part of a trio with uillean pipes player Tom Delany and guitarist Dessie Kelliher. Having toured widely and taught often, he is well-equipped to teach students the techniques that are fundamental to developing as an Irish flute player. Complete this course and with practice, you will master the digital dexterity that is associated with Traditional Irish music. You can also gain certification by passing the end-of-course assessment. If you want to enhance your flute playing with more colour and energy, this course was created for you.


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:
(Please note that our content is optimized through artificial intelligence tools and carefully reviewed by our editorial staff.)
What skills and knowledge will you acquire during this course?
During the Traditional Irish Flute Intermediate course, students will acquire the following skills and knowledge:
1. Ornamentation techniques: Students will learn how to add "cuts" and "rolls" to their flute playing, which are essential for creating the lively and exhilarating sound of Irish folk music.
2. Playing tunes with ornamentation: Students will learn how to incorporate ornamentation into specific tunes, starting with the tune "Mrs Galvin's Jig." They will be taught how and where to add ornamentation after each part of the tune.
3. Playing reels: Students will learn their first reel, "The Sailor on the Rock," which is known for its fast pace. They will be guided on how to properly play each part of the reel and incorporate ornamentation.
4. Learning a tune from a renowned musician: Students will learn the tune "Michael Cramer's Reel," which was obtained from Matt Molloy of The Chieftains. They will be taught each part of the tune and how to add ornamentation.
5. Developing an authentic Irish playing style: The course is designed to help students introduce a more authentically Irish flavor to their flute playing. The tutor, Brian O'Loughlin, is an accomplished flute player from County Clare, Ireland, and will provide guidance on techniques fundamental to developing as an Irish flute player.
6. Digital dexterity: With practice, students will master the digital dexterity required for playing Traditional Irish music on the flute.
7. Certification: Students have the opportunity to gain certification by passing the end-of-course assessment.
Who will benefit from this course?
Flute players who have completed beginner courses and want to learn the skills and techniques that add color to Irish tunes will benefit from this course. It is also suitable for relative newcomers to the flute, whether they play by ear or by following notes. This course is ideal for those who have mastered playing plain tunes and want to ornament their playing with cuts and rolls that make Irish folk music exhilarating. The course is taught by former all-Ireland champion Brian O'Loughlin, who provides a solid grounding in cuts and rolls before teaching the tunes. The course covers tunes such as "Mrs Galvin's Jig," "The Sailor on the Rock," and "Michael Cramer's Reel," with Brian demonstrating how and where to add ornamentation. This course is perfect for flute players who are ready to introduce a more authentically Irish flavor to their playing and want to develop as an Irish flute player. By completing this course and practicing, students can master the digital dexterity associated with Traditional Irish music. Certification is also available by passing the end-of-course assessment.

Course Syllabus

Improve your Irish Flute Playing

Course assessment