Does anyone have comments regarding the Donegal School of Traditional Irish Music? I’m thinking of spending a week there this summer.
I took this to mean, “Donegal school of thought” on Irish music. I don’t have any experience with the school, but I’d like to mention how awesome Donegal music and style is (particularly on the flute). It’s underrepresented and under-acknowledged in my opinion!
I have no experience with the school. But any excuse to spend a Summer week in Donegal is a good one in my book.
It’s underrepresented and under-acknowledged in my opinion!
Donegal music was pretty much the flavour of the month from the late eighties through to the the mid nineties. After the initial hype died down it has been going steadily. It’s only one corner of Ireland though and from that point of view I don’t think these days it’s particularly under represented.
Can’t help m uch with the school, looks like a bunch of local people setting up a course: http://www.dstim.ie/
Suitability really depends on what you’re looking for and what you hope to achieve by taking a course. FWIW, I would probably sooner recommend the total immersion of one of the established summer schools, Willie Clancy, Tubbercurry, Drumshambo with their high concentration of visiting players, lectures and concerts. YMMV.
If you plan going for a local style, bear in mind Donegal isn’t exactly known for its flourishing whistle or flute tradition, it’s fiddle country.