Classes Begin September 14th 2026!
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. Make sure to register for all classes for your family at once to avoid incurring additional fees.
Youth Classes
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 - $450 for the spring semesterTuesday Class - 4:30-7:30pm - For intermediate and advanced students 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. (4:30-5:45pm music classes, 5:45-7:30 dance classes.
Wednesday Class - 4:30-6:30pm (7:15pm finish for those doing hard shoe) - For beginner and intermediate students over 9 years old. In this class, students will have a one hour long music class, and a one hour long dance class -
Youth Singing Class Students - Tuesdays or Wednesdays 4-4:30pm - For students under 18 years old with a particular interest in singing - $20 per semester
Adult Classes
Adult Beginner Whistle - Mondays 5-5:45pm - For adults with little to no prior experience - $150 for the semesterAdult Intermediate Whistle - Wednesdays 5:30-6:30pm - For adults already able to play a handful of tunes - $150 for the semester
Adult Intermediate/Advanced Ensemble - Tuesdays 6:00-7:00pm - For anyone with a good working knowledge of Irish music and their instrument -
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 - $75 for the semester
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 arrangeTeaching 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.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.
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.