I don’t know why I haven’t asked this question on this message board before, because it’s been eating me up even more than “What’s the BEST whistle…”
I’m a college student - a music major. I’ve always wanted to focus on Traditional Gaelic music, but there’s a lack of accreditted programs in the American Midwest. (At least that I’ve been able to find.) I’ve accepted the fact that I may have to journey to Ireland in order to find a school where I can accomplish my dream. (Not that that’s a BAD thing by ANY means! )
So anyways, maybe some of you have some advice on schools I can look into that offer degrees in Gaelic music studies, or a least something close to that. Anywhere in the world is fine. I’ll go that far.
There is an Irish Studies program at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. I don’t know too much about it since it came along many years after I attended there, and I’m thinking it may focus more on the Irish-American experience. Mike Burke may be able to tell you more, since I know he volunteeers with the Irish Music and Dance Festival they put on each Spring.
If you think you could safely matriculate a mere seven miles from Mike’s shop, I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to contact them and see if they have what you want or might be able to put something together with the Music Department to fit your needs.
you might want to consider looking at some of the universities in Ireland such as Trinity. It’s been my dream to go to college in Ireland. I was looking at Trinity’s webpage and they have a great list of all the classes offered. This might help you in finding the classes you want.
Hi
UCC has a great UG program in trad - not purely trad, but it’s possible to do a large proportion of trad throughout the degree (either B Mus or BA in Music - that’s with another Arts subject). Check out http://music.ucc.ie or private message me for more details - I’m a music student there.
Deirdre
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