Comhaltas
Providers of Traditional Irish Music

Sessions are held regularly on the second Friday of the month at the Emerald Centre, from about 8.30pm onwards. At holiday times, there may be changes in times, so it is best to check with the Emerald Centre Office  on 0116 276 9186. 

Players of all ages and abilities are welcome. If enough dancers turn up, there is quite often some set dancing. Solo singers are also welcome to break up the evening with a song or two.

Music classes

Young people 6–18 years

Music classes for young people run on Monday evenings (in term time) from 7pm to 9.30pm. They are currently held at the Emerald Centre, Gypsy Lane, Leicester (see maps)

The age range is 6 to 18 years. New learners of all ages and backgrounds are welcome.

The young people receive individual and group tuition from our two highly experienced teachers of traditional Irish music. It is quite amazing how quickly the youngsters learn - they soon start to sound impressively accomplished. This valuable musical experience is not the only benefit - socially, it's a lot of fun too!

The cost is £3.50 per child per week (£3.00 for younger siblings). FIRST TASTER LESSON FREE!

Beginners generally start learning the whistle and progress on to other instruments. There is an instrument lending scheme to help keep the costs down.

Tuition is given in Whistle, Flute, Fiddle, Button Accordian, Piano Accordian, Banjo and Mandolin.

Youngsters are also encouraged to take part in the monthly sessions, where they have the chance to play alongside more experienced musicians.

Our young learners have the opportunity to take part, as individuals or in groups, in the Midland Regional Fleadh, held at Princethorpe School, near Rugby, in April. Success at this event means qualification for the All Britain Fleadh, and from there possibly even to the All Ireland. Every year a few of our young people find themselves playing at the All Ireland Fleadh.

Adult Music Workshop

In 2010 a group of adults began gathering on Monday evenings to learn to play Irish traditional music. The gathering has developed into a thriving group, who still meet on Monday evenings between 8pm and 10:30pm at the Emerald Centre.

There is no tutor at the moment so the Adult Workshop is more suited for people who have played in the past or can play basic Irish tunes on their chosen instruments.

There is a small weekly charge of £1.00 to go towards the room charge and light refreshments.
Contact Giotto Bonomaully 0780 806 0312