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Students in the Oidhreacht Chiarraí music school.TRALEE-BASED traditional Irish music school, Oidhreacht Chiarraí and Craobh Eirc, a new branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, have announced a new collaboration designed to create more opportunities for people of all ages to learn, play, experience and participate in Irish traditional music in Kerry.
Through Oidhreacht Chiarraí, learners can access regular tuition in traditional instruments and develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to play.
The collaboration with Craobh Eirc adds further opportunities for learners and other members to come together, play with others, attend and take part in Comhaltas activities and events and become more deeply involved in the traditional music community.
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Craobh Eirc will also provide a local home within the Comhaltas network for members wishing to participate in the organisation’s activities and opportunities.
The branch will encourage participation across generations and help connect learners, musicians, families and others who share an interest in Irish traditional music and culture.
The collaboration also supports the development of formal musical pathways. Learners participating through Oidhreacht Chiarraí have opportunities to work towards Comhaltas Scrúdú Ceol Tíre (SCT) qualifications, while Craobh Eirc will provide an additional context in which members can use and develop their musical skills.
Registration for Oidhreacht Chiarraí tuition programmes and Craobh Eirc activities will take place at Dúchas Comhaltas Centre, MTU Kerry, on this Friday, August at 7.30pm. For further information about tuition, contact 089-257 2544.
Speaking on the announcement of the collaboration, musician and Craobh Eirc branch officer Aine O’Connor said: “This collaboration brings together two complementary entities with a shared commitment to the development and continuation of our living musical tradition. Oidhreacht Chiarraí is bringing opportunities for learning and musical development, while Craobh Eirc offers a local Comhaltas community through which members can participate in branch activities, events and the wider musical life of Comhaltas.”
Oidhreacht Chiarraí founder Michelle O’Sullivan, also a well-known musician, added “Our ambition is simple – to hear Kerry music being played everywhere – in homes, schools, sessions, on stages and wherever people gather to make music. We want the distinguishing musical sounds of Kerry to be known, loved, played with skill and carried confidently into the future.”
