Classes Begin September 22nd!

If you would like to come check us out before registering, please send us an email and let us know when you would like to visit! info@slia.org Visitors are welcome by appointment only. One $50 annual family membership fee will be automatically applied to each registration. Make sure to register for all classes for your family at once to avoid incurring additional fees.

Schedule

Monday Class - 4:30-6pm. For beginner students 4-9 years old. In this class, students will learn tin whistle, harmonica, singing, dancing, and Irish culture - $400 for the fall semester (includes annual family membership)

Tuesday Class - 4:30-7:30pm - For students with prior experience over 12 years old. In this class, students will increase their repertoire in small instrument specific groups, work in small duets and trios, and prepare for performances and competitions in our large ensemble. (4:30-5:15pm soft shoe dance class, 5:15-6:45 music classes, 6:45-7:30 hard shoe dance class) - $450 for the fall semester (includes annual family membership)

Wednesday Class - 4:30-6:30pm (7pm finish for those doing hard shoe) - For beginners over 9 years old, and students with prior experience under 12 years old. In this class, students will have a one hour long music class, and a one hour long dance class - $425 for the fall semester (includes annual family membership)

Youth Singing Class Students - Wednesdays 4-4:30pm - For students under 18 years old with a particular interest in singing - $70 for the fall semester (includes annual family membership)

Adult Beginner Whistle - Mondays 5-5:45pm - For adults with little to no prior experience - $150 for the fall semester (includes annual family membership)

Adult Intermediate Whistle - Wednesdays 5:30-6:30pm - For adults already able to play a handful of tunes - $150 for the fall semester (includes annual family membership)

Adult Intermediate/Advanced Ensemble - Tuesdays 6:30-7:30pm - For anyone with a good working knowledge of Irish music and their instrument - $250 for the fall semester (includes annual family membership)

Adult Step Dance and Stretch - Mondays 6:15-7:30pm - For adults interested in solo Irish step dancing - $250 for the fall semester (includes annual family membership)

Embroidery Class - Wednesdays 4:45-6:15pm - Mrs G will guide you through the process of embroidering a pillow sham with your choice of celtic design. Materials included - $125 for the fall semester (includes annual family membership)

Adult Irish & Folk Song 3 Week Series - Select Tuesdays 7-8pm - This three week class will be led by SLIA teachers Eimear Arkins, Kevin Buckley and Dan Lowery. Each week the instructor will lead the class in Irish folk song(s) and share their unique perspectives on Irish singing, repertoire and technique. No prior experience required. Perfect for those looking for an opportunity to learn some Irish folk songs or sing with a group. Oct 21 with Eimear Arkins, October 28 with Kevin Buckley, and Nov 4 with Dan Lowery. Minimum of 5 signups needed to run course. $30 per class or $80 for all three. Please email us to signup at info@slia.org!

‘From Violin to Fiddle’ with Kevin Buckley - Nov 25
"From Violin To Fiddle" is a class designed for classical players who would like to get a taste of Irish fiddle. From jigs to reels, polkas to slides and everything in between, learn how to get that Irish lilt into your bowing and how to embellish and ornament different types of Irish dance tunes. Previous experience of learning by ear is not required but students need to be able to comfortably play in first position in the keys of A,C,D, and G. Minimum of 3 signups needed, $30. Please email us to signup at info@slia.org!

Guitar accompaniment with Kevin Buckley - Oct 7
Get a feel for Irish guitar accompaniment in this introductory class. Learn some of the chord progressions and patterns that appear in Irish tunes and familiarize yourself with some of the various rhythms and grooves that give tunes that distinctive Irish feel. Minimum of 3 signups needed, $30. Please email us to signup at info@slia.org!

Students will sometimes need to come to extra practices on Saturdays. We perform all over St. Louis throughout the year, and we expect our intermediate and advanced students to attend these whenever possible. You will be notified of these performances by email.

Costumes

Each student is fitted for a school costume to wear for performances and competitions (Feiseanna.) There is an annual fee to rent and clean your school costume. Advanced students may also purchase their own solo dress to wear at performances. These must be approved by the teacher. Solo dresses can also be custom ordered.

Dancing Shoes

You have a very limited supply of used small sizes for $20, or buy your own at https://onpointedancewear.com/

Tin Whistle

Your child will receive their first tin whistle when they register. There is no extra charge for the first tin whistle. However, if you lose that one, you will need to purchase subsequent tin whistles for $10.

Other Instruments

All students learn to play the tin whistle. Private Lessons/2nd Instruments: Dedicated and progressing students are also given the opportunity to play a second instrument of their choice. For these instruments, private lessons with SLIA teachers are recommended in order for students to progress. SLIA teachers are available to give private tuition on: Harp, Fiddle, Tin Whistle, Flute, Banjo, Concertina and Uilleann Pipes.

Extra Dance Lessons

Please email info@slia.org to arrange

Teaching Method

Our method of teaching music is the old traditional Irish way. The Irish traditional method of teaching music is very similar to the Suzuki method, which focuses on learning by ear. It has been the way Irish music has been taught throughout the generations. Encouragement of daily practice from parents is a must if children are to make progress.

Location

Classes are held at 5111 Southwest Ave, St. Louis MO 63110.

The school is located in The Hill neighborhood, near Favazza's Restaurant. Ample street parking is available, and there is an accessible entrance. Doors are kept locked and visitors must be buzzed in.