Irish Traditional Music Education
Comhaltas in Britain recognises the important contribution our teachers make in passing on our cultural traditions. Whether in branches or schools as volunteers or paid, without those teachers instilling a love and enjoyment of Irish traditional music we would not have the next generation of musicians to continue the living tradition.
Below, are just some of the ways we are continuing to support our teachers and their students' development.
Comhaltas’s TTCT Teacher Training Course 2025
The TTCT course is an intensive week designed to develop and enhance the teaching practices of an individual who's an experienced teacher. You'll cover topics around methodologies, child protections, learning styles and so much more.
This course is ideal for musicians who are:
-
Is aged over 20 at start of the year.
-
Experience in teaching groups and individual.
-
100hrs of teaching over a range of levels.
You can contact Majella Barley (Director of TTCT) for support.
TTCT course dates : 20th to 26th July
Deadline to apply: 30th of April
Caroline Judge Fegan TTCT Scholarship 2025
Comhaltas in Britain are proud to launch our third successive scholarship for a teacher of traditional Irish music to attend CCÉ's Testas i dTeagasc Ceolta Tíre (TTCT) diploma course. The award is made to one teacher from Britain each year and will cover the cost of the residential course and a contribution towards travel.
The closing date to apply for this year's scholarship award is 12pm on 14th of May.
Details and application form can be downloaded here
Scoil Éigse Summer School 2025
An essential part of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, Scoil Éigse offers young and up and coming musicians a unique opportunity to learn from traditional music’s best teachers and musicians. This week of intensive tuition and fun filled sessions at ‘Club na hÉigse’ culminates in a special concert featuring students and tutors.
They also provide adult mixed classes as well as special needs and support classes in the evenings.
Scoil Éigse dates : 3rd to 8th August 2025
Early Bird deadline: 21st July at 12pm
Deadline for applying: 25th July at 12pm
Scoil Éigse Part-Scholarship
The 1st and 2nd place winners of the following competitions at the All-Britain Fleadh will receive a discount for the school:
Banjo, Whistles, Irish Harp, Fiddles, Singing, Uilleann Pipes, Flute, Concertina, Button Accordion and Bodhran.
Pre - TTCT Online Course 2024
CLOSED!
Comhaltas is also running a one day online preparatory teaching course. It gives musicians the opportunity to explore their skills as aspiring teachers.
No previous teaching experience is required and the course will cover Methodology, Common Repertoire Types, Child Protection, SCT as a teaching tool, Teaching Practice/Demonstration and concludes with Reflection and Discussion.
You can contact Majella Barley (Director of TTCT) for support.
Pre-TTCT online course date : 21st Sep
Applications open: 1st Aug
Deadline for applying: 14th Sep
Scrúdú Ceol Tíre (SCT Exams)
CLOSED!
Apply between November - January
The SCT Exams is an examining board for Traditional Irish Music. Comhaltas in Britain and Music Teachers' Board partnered together to provide these exams in the UK.
The exams has now regulated by Ofqual which is a recognised awarding body of qualifications in the UK. Grades 6-8 are now eligible for UCAS points.
Watch this video from Majella (Director of SCT) breaking down the process of the SCT exams.
10 Week Lesson Plan
In this course you will be taken through the basics of Traditional Irish music, learning about the various instruments and tune types involved and you will learn to play the Tin-Whistle.
If you're interested in further lessons in Irish Traditional Music then please contact us.
