As World Music Day approaches on 21 June, learners around the globe are being invited to celebrate one of the world’s richest musical traditions through Alison’s free Traditional Irish Music Hub.
Whether based in Boston, Belfast, Brisbane or beyond, anyone can access expert-led Traditional Irish music courses completely free of charge. Created in partnership with Irish musician, podcaster and television presenter Doireann Ní Ghlacáin, Alison’s Traditional Irish Music Hub has connected thousands of learners worldwide to Ireland’s living musical heritage through expert-led lessons and downloadable practice materials.
A Living Tradition: The Oral Heritage of Irish Music
In Irish tradition, music is rarely taught through rigid academic theory. Instead, it is a learn-by-doing craft, passed down from one generation to the next through families, communities and shared musical experiences.
The project is a deeply personal one for Doireann Ní Ghlacáin. Her maternal grandfather was the legendary composer Seán Ó Riada, widely credited with sparking the major 20th-century revival of traditional Irish music.
Bringing Heritage to a Global Audience
Head of Publishing at Alison, Catriona Cramp, said: “As a native Irish speaker, I know firsthand how deeply our language, stories and music are woven together. Traditional Irish music has a unique power to connect people, and we are incredibly proud to open the doors of this heritage to the world. We are making world-class musical education accessible to anyone, anywhere, completely free of charge.”
Flexible Pathways from Beginner to Master
The hub features certified courses across three levels of progression: Beginner, Beginner 2 and Intermediate. More experienced players can also use the lessons to expand their repertoire with authentic traditional tunes. Every course includes free downloadable practice notes and an assessment leading to a certificate.
Meet Your Tutors: Award-Winning Masters of the Craft
The tutor lineup features award-winning artists and All-Ireland solo or group champions, including:
- Sean-nós Singing with Nell Ní Chróinín: Learn the distinctive unaccompanied traditional Irish vocal style from the lead vocalist of the world-renowned group Danú.
- Bodhrán with Dermot Sheedy: Master Ireland’s iconic handheld drum with the drummer from leading folk-rock band Hermitage Green.
- Flute and Tin Whistle with Brian O’Loughlin: Learn essential techniques from a master flautist who performs with the triple All-Ireland-winning Shandrum Céilí Band.
- Concertina with Conor O’Loughlin: Learn the beloved squeezebox with one of Ireland’s leading performers.
- Button Accordion with Conor Connolly: Explore one of Irish traditional music’s most celebrated instruments with a former Young Irish Musician of the Year.
- Fiddle with Doireann Ní Ghlacáin: Develop traditional fiddle techniques or transition existing violin skills into the lively Donegal style with the broadcaster, performer and recording artist.
- Guitar with Michael McCague: Learn the distinctive DADGAD tuning that gives Irish folk guitar accompaniment its rich, resonant character.
Honouring the Bearers of the Tradition
For Doireann Ní Ghlacáin, teaching traditional Irish music is about ensuring that a living cultural heritage continues to thrive.
“We all learnt our craft from those before us, and it’s our responsibility and a privilege to pass what we know on to the next generation. All the teachers are very aware that we’re just bearers of the tradition.”
This World Music Day, Alison’s Traditional Irish Music Hub offers learners a free and flexible way to connect with a musical tradition that has inspired audiences worldwide for generations.
