Dates, Time, & Location:

Saturday 25th January , Saturday 22nd February, Saturday, 22 March, 2025

Recital Room, Music Department, Stranmillis University College

10.30am-1.30pm

The Workshop Series:

Following on her successful workshop in Autumn of 2024, this series of three workshops will focus on the arrangement of traditional Irish music with a mixture of traditional tunes and songs. A variety of different musical genres will be used to create the arrangements and this workshop is open to all musicians and singers over 12 years of age who are above beginner level. In addition to learning new tunes, these workshops focus on aspects of playing together with a mixture of intruments, for example: different rhythms, keys of the tunes and their chords, droning and harmonizing techniques, the differences between instruments, arranging tunes and songs, and variations of well known tunes.

Your Tutor: Catriona Ní Ghribín

Hailing from Gaoth Dobhair, is a versatile musician and vocalist deeply rooted in traditional music. From her early years, she was steeped in the rich musical heritage of the Gaeltacht area, performing with An Crann Óg, a local ensemble dedicated to showcasing the music and Irish language songs of the region. Their performances took them across Ireland, Scotland, Germany, and even to the Catskills in New York.

Now based in Belfast, Catriona holds a degree in Music and Audio Production from QUB, along with a Masters in Research. Her academic journey has not only honed her musical skills but also nurtured her talent in songwriting and composition. She has collaborated with musicians from diverse genres and contributed her compositions to various projects, including the acclaimed Bad Bridget podcast. Recently, she was commissioned by RCC Donegal to create a musical piece for the young musicians of Coirm.

Driven by her passion for collaborative music-making, Catriona is actively involved in several emerging bands such as Huartan, the Brigideens, and Lonesome George. Through her ensemble work, she continues to explore new musical horizons while staying true to her traditional roots.

Cost and booking:

Registration is £50 for the series, or £20 for a single workshop.

Open to all improving traditional musicians and singers. We encourage students to enrol in the series of three.