Accordion and Concertina

Accordion & Concertina Classes – Tuesday Evenings
We have a limited supply of accordions and concertinas for hire for up to three successive terms. Please email info@belfasttrad.com to express interest.

CONCERTINA – ELLA mcDonnell & Niamh Howell

  • Beginners – 7:00-8:00pm
    Suitable for complete beginners. Learn the layout of the notes on the concertina and start with some very simple tunes.

  • Intermediate – 6:00-7:00pm
    Progress to this level after a term or two at beginners (your tutor will advise) or if you have a few tunes on the concertina and can learn new tunes by ear.

  • Advanced – 6:00-7:00pm
    For those with experience on the concertina and ready to learn complex tunes at a faster pace.

BUTTON ACCORDION – Sean Dolan

  • Beginners – 6:00-7:00pm
    Suitable for complete beginners. Learn the layout of the notes on the accordion and start with some very simple tunes.

  • Intermediate – 7:00-8:00pm
    Progress to this level after a term or two at beginners (your tutor will advise) or if you can learn new tunes by ear.

  • Advanced – 8:00-9:00pm
    For those with experience on the accordion and ready to learn complex tunes at a faster pace, adding ornamentation and left-hand accompaniment.

 
 

SEAN DOLAN

Sean Dolan, from Castlederg in Co. Tyrone, is a multi-All Ireland medallist at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann on button accordion and has been teaching music since 2011. Sean is a member of the Lagan Ceili Band and National Folk Orchestra of Ireland, notably performing for Pope Francis on his 2018 visit to Ireland. Sean is a patient and adaptable teacher keen to develop box-playing skills at all levels..

NIAMH HOWELL

Niamh Howell is a concertina player from Castlewellan, now living and teaching in Belfast. Niamh is an All Ireland medalist at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann and has been teaching music since 2012. Niamh began learning the concertina from one of our former tutors Tom McGonigle. With further tuition from Mícheál Ó Raghallaigh and Lorraine O’Brien, Niamh is passionate about passing on her love for traditional Irish music through concertina playing. We are delighted to have her join our team of tutors.

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Ella McDonnell

Ella is a concertina player from County Tyrone and a final-year Music student at Queen’s University Belfast. Coming from a family of music, she has been been involved in Irish traditional music from a young age and have taken part in many Fleadh competitions over the years. Ella has had the privilege of being mentored by Noel Hill, whose influence has greatly shaped my style today. She is currently Chairperson of Queen’s Traditional Irish Music Society and am a member of Michael Rooney’s Music Generation Monaghan/Cavan Orchestra. She loves sharing what she has learned through teaching, mentoring, and helping others discover the joy of the Irish tradition.