Why Group and Private Instruction Matter in Irish Traditional Music
- charliecoughlinmus
- Sep 26
- 3 min read
At the Buffalo Academy of Irish Music, we believe that learning Irish traditional music is more than just mastering tunes—it’s about building a deep connection to a living tradition, to a community, and to the music itself.
“Should I start with group classes or private lessons?”
It’s one of the most common questions we hear from new students (or their parents). At the Buffalo Academy of Irish Music, our answer is simple:
Both group and private instruction play a unique and important role in learning Irish traditional music.
This tradition isn’t just about playing the right notes—it’s about connecting to a deeper musical culture, and growing as part of a living, breathing community. Here's why we encourage students to take advantage of both approaches.
Private Lessons: Focused, Flexible, and Tailored to You
Private instruction gives students the time and space to focus on the details. Whether you're learning your first notes on the fiddle or polishing your ornamentation on the flute, one-on-one lessons allow us to meet you exactly where you are. We can go at your pace, adjust for your learning style, and dive into the technical aspects of the music in a personal and focused way.
Here is what you can expect:
Move at your pace
Customize lessons to your learning style
Work closely on tone, technique, and ear training
Build a solid foundation for learning by ear
For students who are new to Irish music, private lessons can be especially helpful in building a strong foundation—tuning the ear, understanding the structure of the music, and getting comfortable with the feel of a reel or jig. It’s where we build your toolkit.
Group Classes: Living the Tradition
But Irish music doesn’t live in isolation—it lives in community. That’s where group classes come in.
Group instruction captures this spirit. In our group classes, students:
Learn to play with others
Practice matching phrasing and rhythm
Strengthen listening skills
Build musical friendships
Discover the joy of shared tunes and spontaneous sessions
In group settings, students get to experience one of the most beautiful parts of the tradition: playing together. Irish traditional music is inherently social. It's passed down by ear, shaped by listening to others, and strengthened by the rhythm of the group. Group classes give students the chance to learn new tunes together, match phrasing, and develop the all-important skill of listening and blending with others.
They’re also just plain fun. Students build friendships, gain confidence, and feel a sense of belonging within a community that shares their love of the music.
Why We Combine Both
We’ve found that students who take both private and group lessons grow in a more balanced, well-rounded way. The individual attention from private instruction helps them improve faster, while the group environment gives them the motivation and joy that comes from playing with others. The two formats support each other beautifully.
In many ways, this mirrors how Irish traditional music has always been taught: through close mentorship and shared experience.
Ready to Begin?
Whether you're brand new to Irish music or returning after time away, we’d love to welcome you into our community. At the Buffalo Academy of Irish Music, we’re here to help you grow—not just as a player, but as a part of the tradition.
Feel free to reach out with questions, or better yet—come try a class and see for yourself!
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