Mission & History
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide the opportunity for anyone interested in learning Irish music should be able to so in a supportive environment at an affordable cost. We want to foster their abilities through classes, performances, sessions, competitions, and any other outlet that would improve both their playing, enjoyment of music, and closeness to the community around them.
Our Core Values
Community
Irish music & culture has always been defined by its social nature. Our school is a pathway to be apart of that vast community.
Tradition
Irish music has been passed down generation by generation without regard to class, race, religion, or creed. Our school is designed to continue that passage of knowledge to Irish music newest members.
Craic
Irish music, at its heart, is about enjoyment and fun. Whether that be through meeting new people, sharing tunes, or whatever else, our school is designed to give people a place to build friendships and create good memories.
The Story Begins
Most of the musicians involved in the school grew up in a strong New York Irish music community. As we have gotten older, we have come to recognize that this community does not build itself. It has taken countless teachers, parents, supporters, and others to create the environment we are so fortunate to be apart of during our youth. The friends we made band practice are still those we have today. We want to make sure that opportunity continues to exist for the next generation of Irish musicians.
In more recent years, there has been a noticeable decline in the number of new students involved in Irish music in New York even when Irish culture has made a resurgence worldwide. We decided to create the New York Irish Music School in order to expand the opportunities for people to learn and experience Irish music.
Our Board Members
Liam O'Sullivan
Founder & President
Siobhan Gallagher
Director of Education
Patrick Murphy
Community Outreach