Greetings from the Center for Irish Music,

We are looking forward to our 16th year of offering lessons and classes in Irish traditional music. Fall term starts today!

It's not too late to register for private lessons and group classes. Just peruse our group classes for students of all ages on our registration site. Contact Hannah Carr Murphy to set up private lessons with any of our wonderful instructors.

There are two changes to children's classes that we want to bring to your attention:

Tin Whistle Troupe 2, for continuing students ages 6-9, has been moved later on Thursdays, to 5:30pm-6:15pm. There is still room in this class taught by Iain Dove Lempke. Register here

Tin Whistle Troupe 1, for 6-9 year-olds, has been moved to Mondays at 5:00-5:45pm with junior instructor, Adrienne O'Shea. Adrienne has been playing whistle for over 12 years and is a great teacher for young students. Register here

Thanks to all of the volunteers who helped out at our annual Open House last Sunday afternoon. The event was a great success, with some really sweet tunes played by students, instructors, visitors Nathan Gourley and Joey Abarta - even a few steps from a young O'Shea Irish Dancer & CIM musician, Jordan.

Enjoy the turning of the seasons, get out there and play a tune or sing a song! I look forward to seeing you soon.

Norah Rendell
Executive Artistic Director
Center for Irish Music

*CIM students: The " students " webpage is updated on a weekly basis. We request that current students bookmark this page and check in regularly to find out about upcoming dates, deadlines, events and student-related announcements. Thank you!
Welcome to Fall Term at the CIM!
The Center for Irish Music is a thriving music school, providing valued instruction in traditional Irish music to students in the Twin Cities. The CIM is also a welcoming, vibrant community of professional artists, dedicated staff, highly motivated students, and devoted volunteers.

We invite you to get to know our community by:

  • Introducing yourself to our staff, fellow students, and parents while waiting for classes. We want to meet you!
  • Chatting with your instructor (or your child's instructor) for a few minutes before and/or after class.
  • Viewing our Annual Report to find out what we do and why we're so committed to CIM.
  • Becoming involved as a CIM volunteer. 
  • Perusing our website and learning all about our staff, board, and instructors.
  • Supporting CIM at our many events each year. 
  • Joining in the learner session at Keegan's Pub, Sundays from 4-6pm. 
  • Making a donation to our Annual Fund. Any amount of support helps us to continue offering high quality instruction in Irish music.
Register Now for Late-Start Fall Classes
Fridays from 9:30-10:15 am | Sept. 27 - Nov. 15
Saturdays from 9:30-10:15am | Sept. 28-Nov. 9

Come learn the Fall collection of Celtic Cuties rhymes, finger plays, and songs that will introduce your little ones to Irish music and dance! This is a parent/grandparent participation class and a great way to connect with other families who are interested in Irish culture. Please come in comfortable clothing ready to sit, stand and move around.
Tuesdays from 8-9pm | Dec. 3 - Jan. 14

Poetry has always been central to Irish culture, from the earliest surviving examples—dating from as early as the 6th century—to today. The focus of this series of classes will be Irish language poetry from the 16th century up to now. The group will read and discuss a variety of wonderful examples of our rich tradition in translation, and Dáithí looks forward to students bringing their own particular interests and loves to the conversation.

CIM Youth Ensembles start next week, and many are welcoming new members! Once you have reached a basic level of proficiency on your instrument, an ensemble can be a great way to take your music to the next level. If you're interested in joining an ensemble, contact Norah Rendell at nrendell@centerforirishmusic.org . Please note:
Pints & Polkas Adult Student Social
September 20th from 6:00-8:30 pm
Take a night to relax, enjoy a pint, and get to know the CIM community at the Dubliner Pub & Cafe!

The Dubliner hosts a traditional Irish music session every Friday night from 6-9pm - and you are all invited.

We hope all of our adult students (and their partners), CIM parents, and friends will join us for "Pints & Polkas", an evening of great music, door prizes, and food and drink specials. Be sure to bring your instruments for an open session - all tunes are welcome, not just polkas! 

The Dubliner has generously offered $1 off all apps for everyone wearing a CIM wristband, and happy hour drink specials are available until 7 pm. We hope to see you there!!
Welcome back from the All Ireland Fleadh!
Ten CIM students and their families have just returned from the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Drogheda, Ireland. The All-Ireland Fleadh is a world-class competition, and we are proud to announce that our students competed alongside the best of the Irish-born musicians. In fact, Joe De Georgeo and Ian McKenna earned a 3rd place medal in the 15-18 duet competition! This is an incredibly impressive achievement, and we send them the heartiest congratulations for this well-deserved accomplishment!

Putting competition aside, some incredibly valuable learning happened at Scoil Éigse, at the sessions, over meals, and through the relationships we developed through shared experiences in Ireland. Thanks to each and every one of you who supported our "Putting Minnesota On the Map" fundraising campaign this summer. Your work is helping to fortify the international Irish music community, and to connect it to Minnesota in a lasting, meaningful way.
Elizabeth Dillon Redshaw Scholarship Winners
Congratulations to Hannah Flowers and Adrienne O'Shea, the first recipients of the Elizabeth Dillon Redshaw scholarship for young adult musicians. The goal of the scholarship is to encourage and enable musicians to continue studying music through their young adult years. Scholarship recipients demonstrate the skill, drive, inspiration and potential to become lifelong traditional Irish musicians, and have also shown an interest in teaching music.
Join the Éigse CIM Planning Committee!
We're looking for a few dedicated volunteers to join the Éigse CIM Planning Committee !

Éigse CIM is our annual fundraiser featuring dinner, a concert, a silent auction, and more. This event takes a dedicated group of volunteers to run smoothly, and we're looking for committee members who can rise to the challenge! If you have experience with fundraising, communications, event planning, silent auctions, food service and prep, or just want to lend a helping hand, contact Aja McCullough Beers abeers@centerforirishmusic.org to learn more. You can also visit our É igse CIM volunteer page for details. This year's event is scheduled for February 22, 2020.
Save the Date for Give to the Max Day
November 14th, 2020
Save the date for Give to the Max Day on November 14th, and watch our website for updates on how we'll be celebrating Minnesota's annual day of giving!
Upcoming CIM Student & Instructor Events
SATURDAY, SEPT. 7 | 2:30-3:30pm
The Two Tap Trio at the Hamline Midway Library's Birthday Party

SATURDAY, SEPT. 14 | 7:00-10:00 PM
The Frothy Band (Tom Klein, Mary Vanorny)

SUNDAY, SEPT. 15 | 4:00-6:00 PM
Norah Rendell & Brian Miller @ Burren Girl Documentary Film Preview

FRIDAY, SEPT. 20 | 7:30 PM
Dorain Album Release Party (Iain Dove Lempke, Mattie Ernst)
SATURDAY, SEPT. 21 | 7:30 PM
MN State Championship Feis Music Competition, with judge Chad McAnally

SUNDAY, SEPT. 22 | 7:30 PM
St. Paul Autumn Feis Music Competition, with judge Cory Froehlich

SUNDAY, SEPT. 22 | 6:00-8:00 PM
Tom Klein (playing with the McNordiques) Waldmann Brewery

SATURDAY, SEPT. 28 | 12:45-1:15 PM
CIM Ensemble (TBD)
This is not an exhaustive listing of all events within the Twin Cities Irish community. For more listings, please visit the  IMDA Event Calendar , and the  Celtic Junction Arts Center .
Support the CIM
The Center for Irish Music is a 501c3 nonprofit, and we depend on your support to continue passing down the tradition of Irish music and song. Please consider joining us as a volunteer or making a gift to the CIM today!
We have a new mailing address!
The Center for Irish Music has a new mailing address, which now includes a suite number. Our updated address is: 836 Prior Avenue North, Suite 400, St. Paul, MN 55104
This activity is made
possible by the voters of
Minnesota through
a Minnesota State Arts
Board Operating Support
grant, thanks to a
legislative appropriation
from the arts and
cultural heritage fund.