Music Schools
The Lake School of Celtic Music, Song and Dance is for beginners to advanced players. It is held in Koroit, Victoria during the first week of the new year. It provides an intensive week-long program in a variety of instruments and there are plenty of opportunities to join a session. There is also singing, songwriting and a kids programs available. For more information click on the Lake School website.
Celtic Music Teachers
We have listed Celtic/Irish music instrument teachers that have been recommended by our slow session players. Most of them take students from the greater Melbourne area. If you would like to recommend additional teachers, especially for other instruments, please send us an email with their details.
Fiddle
Ewen Baker: He is one of the best fiddlers in Australia and plays a variety of styles including Celtic/Irish. He has a lovely touch which is highly sought after by players both young and old. In addition, he plays and teaches mandolin. You can contact him by phone at 0423 489 449 or by email.
Cathy Blake enjoys teaching fiddle to students of all ages, abilities and backgrounds. She is a patient and enthusiastic teacher with over 30 years experience and can tailor learning to your needs and interests. She is a popular fiddle tutor at the Lake School of Music, Song and Dance especially with young players. https://cathyblakeviolin.weebly.com/ or https://www.musicteacher.com.au/cathy-blake/fiddle-lessons/
Colin MacLeod: Was born and raised in Scotland and teaches traditional Scottish and Irish music. He regularly appears at festivals around Europe, North America and Australia. In 2006, he recorded along with Rory Sinclair the critically acclaimed CD entitled Roaming Free. Check his website for more information about when and where his online teaching and performances. https://celticfiddleguru.com/about
Guitar/banjo/mandolin
Tony O’Rourke: Teaches traditional Irish music and in addition, he also teaches bluegrass guitar and bluegrass mandolin. Students can contact him via email at aorourke@rabbit.com.au. Check out Gerry Gaffney and Tony’s new Irish Guitar Podcast for learning to play the Irish guitar. Just click on Podcast to go directly to the site.
Harp
Cath Connelly: A wonderful Celtic harp player and experienced teacher. For additional information look at her website: http://www.cathy.com.au. You can reach her by phone at 0402 331 906 or email: cathy@cathy.com.au
Pipes
Geoff Jones: Plays and teaches Bagpipe, Scottish & Northumbrian pipes
Geoff has been playing the pipes for over 20 years. He began teaching the pipes during his time with the Nunawading Pipe Band and has taught pupils at Nunawading and at the Geelong RSL Pipes & Drums. His pupils have ranged from school-aged beginners to older, more experienced players. He is currently working towards providing certificate level tuition. He plays a variety of pipes including the Great Highland Bagpipe, Scottish & Northumbrian smallpipes, tin whistles and other instruments. He also offers services for piping performances (weddings, parties, functions, etc.), tuition, workshops and also does maintenance and repairs on pipes. For more information check out his website: http://www.geoffjones.info or contact him via phone: 0419 567 038 or his email ’email@geoffjones.info’