Lilting is a form of mouth music which uses nonsensical vocables to convey a tune, i.e. deedle-di-do diddle dee dum... Lilting is a great way for musicians to learn new tunes and for vocalists to add variety to their songs. Non-musicians are also welcome! No experience is required, so join us to learn about this fun and entertaining style of singing and performing Irish tunes with rhythmic and melodic pizazz.. The class is taught by IrishFest 2023 feature artist Eimear Arkins, multi-instrumentalist, singer, dancer, and All-Ireland champion from County Clare.

Olivia is an Irish vocalist, bodhran player, and Irish dancer. A graduate of Clayton State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music, she has performed with professional Irish musicians all over the US and is a touring member of the Celtic Angels. Olivia is a national champion Irish Gaelic singer, competing on the world stage in 2015 at the All Ireland competition in Sligo, Ireland. Olivia’s class focuses on common traditional Irish and Irish-American songs in English and Irish Gaelic for singers with a basic understanding of vocal technique. Perfect for singers looking to build their traditional song repertoire or who simply want a tune to sing at the session.

In this workshop for All Instruments, we’ll discuss how to take your playing from where you are to where you want to be. Whether your goal is to play a local session, join a ceili band or compete in the All Ireland Fleadh; Katherine will take you through building repertoire, creating sets, goal-setting and practice journals to build your skills and performance confidence. We’ll discuss continuing education, home practice routines and how you should pick tunes as well as staying motivated. A school orchestra teacher and fiddler, Katherine enjoys helping others realize their music dreams!

John Maschinot has been playing Uilleann pipes, Irish flute and tin whistle for nearly four decades of teaching experience both privately and as an instructor with the Phoenix School of Irish Arts and The Frank Hamilton School. He’s also a teaching artist, doing programs in schools throughout the Southeast. John’s workshop will highlight important aspects of playing Irish music, with an emphasis on learning to play “by ear”, listening, phrasing, rhythms and tune types, and basic ornamentation. This workshop is suitable for beginner and intermediate musicians who have at least some experience on their instrument.

Join award winning folk-singer, guitarist and featured artist David McKindley Ward to explore how to create interesting solo arrangements of Irish/English songs and ballads. The class will focus on the benefits of alternate/open tunings, how to use finger picking to create more interesting accompaniment, and how to find your own "voice" in traditional music.

Mary Branick Ujda, TCRG, has been introducing dancers of all ages to the fun of ceili dancing for over 20 years and has been a part of IrishFest Atlanta since the very beginning. This year’s workshops will start with the basic ceili footwork followed by a selection of dances from the Irish social dance tradition. The instruction will start with simple progressive dances working towards more involved figures. Different dances will be taught each day so that dancers can enjoy back to back workshops. All ages and experience levels are welcome. Dance partners are not required. Wear comfortable dance or athletic shoes, and clothes that are easy to move in.

Join us for a journey of songs and ballads with legendary Irish singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and featured artist Cathy Jordan of Dervish. Cathy is widely revered for her stunning vocals and good humor, and this workshop is an opportunity not to be missed. Cathy will teach songs from her extensive repertoire, and participants will have an opportunity to learn new songs and sing them with Cathy. As time and interest allow, the workshop will also cover singing in groups, harmonies, arrangements, working with instrumental musicians, and tips on making a song your own. Singers of all experience levels are welcome, as are instrumentalists with an interest in songs.

This workshop is offered by featured artist Liam Kelly, flute and whistle player, co-founder of Irish supergroup Dervish, and IrishFest Atlanta 2023 featured artist. Participants will learn tunes with Liam, and work on techniques and ornamentation in the style played by Dervish. This flute workshop is suitable for intermediate and advanced flute players. While taught as a flute workshop, whistle players interested in learning from Liam are also welcome to register for this class.

This workshop is offered by IrishFest 2023 featured artist Shane Mitchell, accordion player and co-founder of Irish supergroup Dervish. Participants will learn tunes with Shane, and work on techniques and ornamentation in the style played by Dervish. As time allows, the workshop will also consider topics such as playing with other musicians and accompanying songs. Workshop is suitable for all players comfortable with playing tunes on the accordion.

This workshop is offered by All-Ireland fiddle champion Tom Morrow, an IrishFest 2023. featured artist and member of Irish Supergroup Dervish. Participants will learn tunes with Tom, and work on techniques and ornamentation in the style played by Dervish. Workshop is suitable for advanced fiddle players, and intermediate players comfortable learning at a faster pace.

This workshop is offered by Michael Holmes and Brian McDonough, co-founding members of Irish Supergroup Dervish. Michael and Brian will discuss some of the history of the band, and talk about how they work together rhythmically and melodically to create the unique sound of their much-loved band. The workshop is targeted towards musicians with an interest in how the band creates arrangements and brings the music to life. Non-musicians may also find this workshop of interest and are welcome to register.

Shannon is a professor and program director at the University of Notre Dame, developing and leading classes and performing ensembles in Traditional Irish Music and Dance. She is the founder of Shannon Dunne Dance/Capital Irish Arts and produced several All-Ireland medalists. She has been the recipient of many grants awards for her work and in 2016 she received a special commendation from the CCE at the All-Ireland Fleadh in Ennis. Sean-nós dancing literally means “old style” in Irish, the style is an exciting, improvised battering style dance, characterized by a loose, playful upper body, close to the floor steps and a strong musicality. This workshop will provide an introduction to the basic movements of this dance style, learning to interpret the music through rhythmic and percussive movement. Class suitable for all levels, beginner through advanced. Dance partner not required. (No taps or hard Irish dance shoes please.)