Kids Classes

Kids’ classes are on MONDAYS after school in the Music Department of Stranmillis University College

Kids Whistle - Deirdre McGrory & BRendan Kerr

Beginners Whistle (6yrs+) 4:45 - 5:30pm (45 minutes)

This course is designed for those who are just starting out on the whistle and have no previous experience. We will learn skills in holding and playing the whistle and start with tunes that go with simple songs like Mary Had a Little Lamb.

Improvers Whistle 5:30 - 6:15pm (45 minutes)

This class is designed for those who have already completed a term or two of beginners whistle with us or can play a few simple tunes like Mary Had a Little Lamb or Twinkle Twinkle. If you are new to Belfasttrad and ready to learn tunes like I’ll Tell My Ma then this class is for you.

Intermediate Whistle 5.15 - 6:00pm (45 minutes)

This course is designed for those who have completed at least three terms at improvers level and are ready for learning reels, putting tunes together in sets and applying ornamentation like cuts, taps and rolls.

Advanced Whistle 6.15 - 7.00pm (45 minutes)

This class is for players who have completed Intermediate Whistle and are ready for more challenging tunes. . The course will focus on building confidence with a wider range of traditional tunes and ornaments.

Kids Fiddle- Róise Ní Mhurhcu

Beginners (7yrs+) 4.45 - 5.30pm (30 minutes)

This course is for new beginners to the fiddle. Learn how to hold the fiddle, the names of the strings, simple scales and tunes. (30mins)

Improvers 5.30 - 6. 15pm (45 minutes)

Thes courses are for kids who have completed a number of terms at beginners level and are confident playing a tune or two. (45mins)

Intermediate 6..15 - 7.00pm (45 minutes)

This course is designed for those who have completed at least three terms at improvers level and are ready for learning reels, putting tunes together in sets and applying ornamentation.

Róise Ní Mhurchú

Kids Fiddle
Róise Ní Mhurchú is a singer and multi-instrumentalist from Derry. Róise has very strong links with the Donegal Gaeltacht, where she spent her childhood speaking Irish, playing music and learning songs. She is widely respected in the singing community and has performed and taught all across Ireland. She is a multiple All-Ireland Champion in Singing and Lilting. Róise is now in Belfast, continuing her studies to be an Irish Language Primary School teacher. Róise is very passionate about sharing her love for singing and really enjoys passing on our traditional songs.

Deirdre McGrory

Kids Tin Whistle Classes
Deirdre is an emerging tin whistle player and singer from the Inishowen Peninsula, County Donegal. In 2016 she was selected as part of Feis Spè Ceilidh Trail performing throughout the Highlands of Scotland. Deirdre has years of teaching experience, teaching whistle at Ceolan School of Music, Ceol na Coille Summer School, Belfast Trad Music School and Millstreet Trad Fest. She has performed at music festivals nationally and internationally. In 2021 she graduated with a First Class Honours in Irish Music from the University of Limerick. In October 2021, Deirdre with her sister Ella, released their debut EP ‘Loinnir’. In 2022 she collaborated in a project with the Brosky Quartet. Most recently she performed in the National Concert Hall, Dublin, as part of the Inishowen Trad Orchestra and Choir, in January 2023.