Three kinds of workshops
1. Morning Workshops are tune workshops for all melody instruments divided into gentler, moderate and challenging levels and with specific themes with top Irish traditional musicians who were close to Brendan or Martin or both. On Monday, there will be two moderate level workshops: one with Daniel O’Brien teaching some Brendan or Martin compositions and one with Shannon Dunne teaching Dance music.
2. Afternoon workshops - from 4:30 to 5:30 are tune workshops with a different faculty member each day and dance workshops with Shannon Dunne.
3. Speciality workshops - 4:30 to 6 pm - are with guest artists coming just for the day but connected to Brendan’s music in a special way:
Monday: Reflections on the Music of Brendan and Martin with Daniel O’Brien - of North Kerry - who plays the fiddle that Brendan gave him over 20 years, won All-Ireland on that fiddle playing a hornpipe Brendan composed. He will talk about the compositions of Brendan and Martin and play some of those compositions.
Tuesday: Intersection of American Old Time Music and Irish Traditional Music with Emily Martin, from Maryland, a well-known and respected Old Time musicians who apprenticed with Brendan and performed with Brendan for a few years.
Wednesday: Laoise Kelly, on the harp, who has recorded playing the same hornpipe that Daniel O’Brien won All-Ireland playing and played the same hornpipe as part of the soundtrack for a brand new film - Trad - that will be in theaters in 2026 but just won the Audience Award at the Galway Film Fleadh in early July. She will perform a small concert at 1:30 in Shaughnessy’s on Wednesday and then host a workshop.
Friday: Catherine McEvoy, flute, who knew and played with Brendan before any one every knew his name (except in the Bronx), just released an album. She will perform a small concert at 1:30 in Shaughnessy’s on Friday and then host a workshop.
Music and Dance Workshops
Music Students can choose a track that features types of tunes, regional music, or musical style. The teaching faculty are all those who have a deep knowledge of the repertoire, influences, and style of the Mulvihills, ensuring that students receive a strong experience. Register for Glin Trad Week Workshops
O’Carolan Tunes:
Compositions of Turlough O’Carolan, particularly favorites of Brendan, will be shared at all three levels: Green, White and Gold.
West Limerick Tunes:
Tunes composed by West Limerick musicians, popular in West Limerick or considered standard for West Limerick musicians
Brendan’s Compositions:
Tunes composed by Brendan
Martin’s Compositions:
Tunes composed by Martin
Dance Music
This workshop specifically works on Brendan and Martin’s repertoire associated with dance (ceili, step, set) and how to collaborate best with dancers.
Standards:
Session tunes played all over Ireland and the World. This repertoire building track, participants will learn tunes based on Brendan and Martin’s collections and the knowledge of the faculty that can be played in any session
American Old Time Tunes ( Tuesday only - 4:30 to 6 pm)
Old Time Repertoire with Emily Martin
Level: All levels | All Acoustic Instruments Welcome
Step into the rich musical heritage of early American folk traditions during this Old Time Repertoire class. We'll explore classic fiddle tunes passed down through generations, focusing on melody, rhythm, learning by ear and how to play with others in a jam setting. Students will deepen their understanding of the cultural roots and regional styles that define American old time music. This one session, mini-class will introduce a mix of popular and obscure tunes to add to your repertoire. Perfect for fiddlers, banjo players, guitarists, mandolinists, and anyone eager to expand their tune list.
Green:
Gentler. Green Workshops are taught at a slower deliberate pace with careful repetition to help those still new to learning by ear or those who prefer an easy pace. These workshops will focus on simpler tunes.
White:
Moderate. White Workshops are taught by ear at a moderate pace. White classes will focus on mid level tunes, and a balance of style and repertoire.
Gold:
Challenging. Gold workshops are also taught at a moderate pace but may involve more challenging keys, complicated melodies, and quick acquisition to focus on style.