Traditional Instruments

With our Full-Time Program, students can experience Hanrahan School of Music exactly how they want.

Hanrahan School of Music is an ideal School of Music for students to build a solid foundation with their traditional instrument of choice.

We offer traditional instrument lessons for tin whistle, fiddle, banjo, trad flute and the harp.

Banjo
A 4 or 5 string instrument which is either plucked with bare fingers or a plectrum. Although it's fairly new in Irish traditional music, it's rising in popularity in not only Irish Traditional music but in other genres as well.  
Some popular players include Barney McKenna of the Dubliners and Gerry O'Connor.








Fiddle
Although violin and fiddle are the same instrument, the fiddle is held in a different position and use a shorter bow stroke. The fiddle is an extremely popular traditional instrument.
Some well known fiddle players include Martin Hayes and Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh.









Harp
Similar to a classical harp, the traditional harp is smaller. The harp tradition was dying out in the 19th century but thanks to continued efforts of various contributors and revivers, the harp has rose in popularity over the last few years.
Some well known harp players include Turlough O'Carolan and Derek Bell of The Chieftains.








Tin Whistle
One of the most popular instruments, tin whistle is one of the most widely taught instruments including being taught in schools. Tin whistle is a 6 holed flute usually tuned to a certain key.
Well known players include Seán Potts of the Chieftains and Mary Bergin.









Wooden Flute
The wood flute is not to be confused with the classical flute. Most wood flutes have no keys to cover and of course the biggest difference, it's made of wood and not metal!
Some well known players of the wood flute include Matt Molloy and Catherine McEvoy

Programmes
No matter which instrument you pick, you’re guaranteed a quality education from passionate instructors. Whether you’re enrolled or thinking of applying, continue browsing to read about our programs, and so much more.

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Junior Beginners (ages 6-9)

Will start using a programme aimed completely at this age group. Lots of cartoon characters to bring them on their musical journey and lots and lots of games to play

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Middle Beginner (ages 9-12)

Aimed at older students this programme moves at a pace that keeps the older student engrossed and progressing fast enough that they can feel they are learning a lot quickly.

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Teenage Beginner (age 13+)

Aimed at the older beginner we access what the student might already know musically and what they what to get from the lessons we will then develop a programme especially for that student.

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Adult Beginners or Reintroduction

Introducing morning & evening classes for the adult beginner. This is ideally for one to one classes and will move at a pace that the student can handle and their busy lives can cope with!

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Progressive Learners

May be you have decided to take up the instrument again or maybe you have decided to move to our studio. We will discuss what might have been covered and where you would like to go and build a programme from there.