Spirit of Music
It's More Than Just Traditional Irish Music
For those unfamiliar, traditional Irish music can seem like a niche interest for a select group of people. The truth is that it unlocks an unbelievable, lifetime community for anyone that choices to be apart of it.
For some, under a cursory review, there isn’t much appeal to traditional Irish music. However, many do not know the influences Irish music has on the modern musical culture. Below are just some examples of Irish musicians and their impacts in the “mainstream.” Many of these folks are personal friends of the school.
Musicians in the "Mainstream"
These are a few Irish musicians, many friends of the school, that grew up in the tradition and have gained notary outside traditional Irish music.
Beoga & Ed Sheeran
Beoga is widely known in the trad scene as one of first "new age" bands. They contributed heavily to Ed Sheeran's ÷ (divide) album. They have since been Ed Sheeran's opener on his worldwide tour.
John McSherry, Joe Dart, & the olllam
John McSherry, widely known in trad for his pipe playing, amongst other Irish musicians play in the olllam. Also in the olllam, is Joe Dart, known worldwide as one of the best bass players alive.
Frankie Gavin, Damien Mullane, & Obama's White House
A number of Irish musicians have played for president's. As an example, both Damien Mullane and Frankie Gavin both formally of De Dannan and both well known in their own right played at the White House for many of the major political figures in the United States.
Natalya Kay, Post Molane, & Zac Brown
Natalya Kay, brought up in the Irish traditional music has played in Post Malone's band in festivals. Additionally, with her band, Gaelic Storm, she has played opened for Zac Brown.
Cormac Begley & The Peaky Blinders
Cormac Begley is known for his unique style of concertina playing with Irish music. He has also performed as a part of the sound track for the television show, The Peaky Blinders. Although not the reason for the inclusion on this list, it is worth noting his style of playing has made him go viral on platforms like TikTok.
Joanie Madden & Biden's White House
Woodlawn native, Joanie Madden, is known internationally for her Irish band Cherish the Ladies. Additionally, she was awarded National Endowment of the Arts National Heritage Fellowship presented by Joe Biden.
Eoin Griffen, Catherine McGoldrick, & Myles Smith
Eoin & Catherine are personal friends of the school that recently helped record Myles Smith album "My Mess, My Heart, My Life"
The Session Culture
One of the most loved parts of Irish culture is the “session” (seisiún). This often informal gathering is where musicians share tunes, stories, and enjoy the craic (fun). It is often you might not know many of the other faces in the group but share a communality through your tunes.
Our goal is to prepare students to walk confidently into a session, anywhere in the world, and enjoy the experience unique to Irish music. We strive to encourage the same welcoming and fun vibe of most sessions to that of each of our classes.
"Passing on the tradition, one tune at a time."
Wall of Inspiration
The Haymaker
The Yanks
The Merry Sisters of Fate
Lúnasa
Country Crossroads
Cherish The Ladies
The Yanks
The Yanks
Pride of New York
Joanie Madden, Brian Conway, Billy McComiskey, Brendan Dolan
McNally's Row of Flats
Mick Moloney
Beyond the Bog Road
Eileen Ivers
The Humors of Glin
Martin Mulvihill