Belfast

Belfast Branch

Welcome to the Belfast branch of Ards CCE! We’re building a friendly, focused learning community in the city, with group tuition that suits all ages and stages. Whether you’re picking up an instrument for the first time or polishing your repertoire, there’s a place for you here.

Weekly Group Classes (Belfast)

Designed to build core skills, confidence, and ensemble playing. Perfect alongside instrument-specific tuition.

• Beginners Groups
  Learn the basics of rhythm, melody, ornamentation, and session etiquette in a supportive setting.

• Intermediates Groups
  Develop repertoire, lift and phrasing, ears-first learning, and playing in parts.

• Adult Session Group
  For adult players who want regular, steady-paced session practice with guidance on sets and arranging.

Why weekly groups?
Consistency builds muscle memory and session confidence. These classes also prepare you for our performance sets.

Fortnightly Instrument Classes

Targeted tuition on your instrument, focusing on technique, style, and repertoire.

• Beginners Bodhrán
  Foundations of tone, rolls, dynamics, and accompanying reels/jigs sensitively.

• Beginners & Intermediates Fiddle
  From posture and bow control to ornaments, double-stops, and regional styles.

• Beginner Flute
  Embouchure, breath control, cuts/taps/rolls, and tone development.

• Adult DADGAD Guitar
  Accompaniment patterns, modal voicings, right-hand rhythm, and tune-friendly chord choices.

• Adult & Secondary Fiddle
  Technique and repertoire tailored for adults and secondary-school learners.

• Adult & Secondary Tin Whistle
  Core ornamentation, breathing, intonation, and set preparation.

How it works
Instrument classes meet every second week. Pair these with a weekly group for the best progress.

Performing at the All-Ireland Fleadh 

We’re preparing set pieces for everyone to perform at the All-Ireland Fleadh in Belfast.
Every student will be part of a Fleadh exhibition/entertainment group—a unique opportunity only offered by our branch.

• Learn arranged sets in class (with parts suited to your level).

• Rehearse ensemble skills: blend, dynamics, intros/endings, and presentation.

• Take the stage together at the Fleadh and represent Belfast with pride!

Private Lessons (Strongly Recommended)

Group learning thrives when paired with 1:1 support. We strongly recommend private lessons on your instrument(s) to:

• Fix technique faster and avoid bad habits

• Personalise ornamentation and phrasing

• Prepare audition pieces or competition sets

Ask your tutor for recommended private-lesson options.

Communication & Resources

• WhatsApp Updates: Your tutor will add you to your class WhatsApp group for timetables, tune lists, audio/video resources, and announcements.

• Tune Sharing: We use standard session keys and provide reference recordings and notation where appropriate.

• Attendance: Please arrive a few minutes early and bring your instrument, notebook, and any sheet music provided.

Who Can Join?

• Adults: Absolute beginners through to returning players.

• Young People: Secondary-school learners welcome in the relevant mixed-age classes.

• Multi-Instrumentalists: You’re welcome to join more than one class/level if it supports your goals.

Getting Started

1. Choose your classes: Pick a weekly group and (at least) one fortnightly instrument class.

2. Register: Complete the short sign-up form (or contact us if you’re unsure where to start).

3. Prepare: We’ll send joining info and add you to your WhatsApp group.

Questions about levels, schedules, or availability? Get in touch and we’ll place you in the best-fitting class.

Why Ards CCE (Belfast)?

• Supportive, community-first learning

• Clear pathways from beginner to confident session player

• Real performance goal at the All-Ireland Fleadh

• Structured resources and consistent communication

We can’t wait to play with you—see you in class! 🎻🥁🎶