Welcome to the official site of the Puerto Rico Irish Music Festival!
Classes
Join engaging music classes taught by expert instructors, where students of all levels can explore and deepen their understanding of Irish traditional music.
Class descriptions are below. Note that in this first year, most classes are for less experienced players, as we know that there are few experienced Irish musicians in Puerto Rico. However, we will add or tailor classes to match the needs of our attendees. If you would like to be part of this and do not see an appropriate class, you will have the opportunity to tell us your needs when you register or you can email questions to kirafiddle@gmail.com.
Fiddle
(Novice/Intermediate)
Bring your own instrument
It is helpful, but not absolutely required, if fiddle students have some familiarity with the instrument. Depending on the levels represented, we may break into more than one working group.
Novice players will work on basic left and right hand technique in order to get a beautiful sound that is in tune. They will learn at least two tunes, a polka and a waltz.
Intermediate players will have the opportunity to add ornaments and simple variations to tunes to make them sound more authentically Irish and will learn at least two common session tunes that they can play at sessions during the weekend.
All students will be immersed in the history and style of Irish fiddle music and will come away with practical techniques for improving on their own.
Whistle/Pipes
(Beginner/Novice/Intermediate)
Bring your own instrument
Tin whistles will be available for purchase.
Please indicate on your registration form if you would like one
or
New learners will learn the basic skills of holding the instrument, proper breathing ,air management, tone and fingering. We will explore simple rhythms and discuss learning styles and practice tips.
Students with some experience will review these skills but also take a deeper look at tone and breath control. We will introduce basic ornamentation and variations into a basic tune.
During this class we will explore different dance tunes commonly found in Irish music and the group will choose 2 tunes to learn during the week. In order to provide the best learning experience the group may be divided to provide more individualized instruction.
Bodhran
(Beginner/Novice)
Bring your own instrument
This workshop will cover different bodhrán playing techniques suitable for practitioners of all levels, including various double- and single-ended sticking patterns, the primary emphasis of this workshop will be on introducing participants to different approaches of rhythmic accompaniment in Irish traditional music. This means developing skills for listening carefully to the individual phrasing and contour of tunes. In addition to working on possibilities for ‘slotting in’ effectively in sessions and concerts, we will explore options for using the skin-hand to create tonal variation in dialogue with a harmonic accompanist, as well as subtle basslines and grooves that will be especially supportive to a melody instrumentalist.
Guitar/Bouzouki
Rhythm Playing
(Beginner/Intermediate)
Bring your own instrument
Steel strings is a must, but Nylon strings works fine too.
This workshop is focused on acoustic guitar and bouzouki. Participants will explore alternate tunings like Standard, DADGAD for guitar, and GDAD on Bouzouki. Will experiment with modal chord voicings, and develop rhythm techniques tailored to jigs, reels, and other core dance forms. Through group playing, guided exercises, and peer feedback, this workshop emphasizes practical skills, stylistic awareness, and musical intuition. Whether you're new to Irish accompaniment or looking to refine your approach, you’ll leave with a deeper understanding of how these instruments shape the pulse and harmony of traditional tunes.