Song for Ireland and Celtic Connections

MHI2251.01
Course System Home Terms Spring 2026 Song for Ireland and Celtic Connections

Course Description

Summary

Celtic history and music from Ireland, Scotland, Bretagne, Galatia, and Cape Breton will be experienced, studied, and performed using instruments and voices. We鈥檒l find and cross the musical bridges between regions鈥揻rom the ballads of Ireland, Scotland and Wales to the Alalas of Spain and dance tunes of Brittany. An end-of-term presentation will be prepared drawing on inspiration from traditional forms. Students must bring a guitar, banjo, mandolin, or fiddle (or other social instrument) to class for purposes of furthering personal music making through traditional forms. We will practice and perform as a group, improving our reading and aural skills.

Learning Outcomes

  • Expanding awareness of Celtic derived traditional folk music and dance forms from an historical viewpoint.
  • Learning these music and dance forms through direct, hands on experience.
  • Opening and deepening an awareness of multi-cultural originations of these music and dance styles.
  • Learning personal music making skills through daily practice.
  • Learning to teach yourself how to write, play, and practice as a life long art.

Cross List

  • Education
  • Ethnomusicology

Instructor

  • John Kirk

Day and Time

TU,FR 10:30am-12:20pm

Delivery Method

Fully in-person

Length of Course

Full Term

Academic Term

Spring 2026

Credits

4

Course Level

2000

Maximum Enrollment

16

Course Frequency

Once a year