Irish Traditional Fiddle

This course is intended for those with basic violin skills who are eager to explore Irish fiddle music.

Throughout the term, you'll learn simple session tunes and develop techniques specific to Irish fiddling. Examples will also be provided and guidance to help you master the distinctive style and ornamentation of Irish fiddle music.

Sheet music will be provided, but you will also have the opportunity to learn by ear.

Bring your violin and be prepared to dive into the lively and rhythmic world of traditional Irish tunes.

Please Note: there will be no class on Saturday 5th October

Tutor Bio

Ciara Maguire is a fiddle player and classical violinist from Castlewellan Co Down, now living and working in Belfast as a musician/teacher.

She began teaching at her local Comhaltas branch before taking positions in various schools and organisations in Belfast, recently teaching at this years annual Belfast Tradfest Summer school.

In 2017 she was awarded a Diploma in fiddle playing from the London College of Music

As a musician she has performed throughout the world, more recently in Germany and France with Briste and Celtic Legends, and before that in Italy, the Basque Country, Poland and the USA.

As a classical violinist she has performed at the Royal Albert Hall as part of the Music for Youth Proms.

She is a member of the Duncairn Creative Collective, and Trad Collective , an organisation in which artists and musicians from diverse backgrounds meet and collaborate, strengthening their artistic and musical careers. In 2023 she became a recipient of the Belfast City Council/TG4 Gradam Ceoil Bursary Scheme.

She is a member of the Ulster Comhaltas Orchestra and the National Folk Orchestra .

She also toured Ireland and Britain as part of the 2019/2020 Comhaltas Macalla na hEireann and Echoes of Erin tours and is a prominent member of the Belfast trad scene.