Some of the area's finest celtic musicians will visit the Groton Session and Indian Hill Music School's celtic ensemble to teach workshops, perform and play in the session. Read about these sessions, workshops and musicians below. Many of these musicians are also available to perform at your venue or special event. Call or email MUSICVisions for booking.

The Groton Session

A group of musicians who get together at J.P.O Hanlon's Irish Pub to play Irish traditional music and sing songs. We meet every Wednesday evening for a reely slow session from 6:45pm to 7:30pm, a practice session from 7:30pm to 8:30pm and a trad session from 8:30pm to 11pm. We also offer monthly workshops. On a workshop night, the workshop takes the place of our slow and practice sessions and we have our trad session immediately following the workshop. Please join our email list if you would like to receive a weekly email with updates about our session and local celtic events. Please come and join us!

www.TheGrotonSession.com

REELY SLOW SESSION - 6:45pm to 7:30pm

PRACTICE SESSION 7 to 8:30pm

TRAD SESSION continues each week at 8:30pm

The Groton Session Workshop Series

October 1st- Tony DeMarco

Dec 3rd Oisin McAuley- $25

January 7th & 11th Tommy Peoples-$25

Feb 3rd Steve Brown- Bones workshop-7 to 8pm $10 @ The Bull Run, Shirley

BREAK

Laurel Martin- April 1st $25

May TBA

Workshops

Our workshops usually take place on the first Wednesday the month (see schedule above). On these dates the slow session becomes an Irish traditional workshop taught by various guest musicians. The workshops last for approximately two hours and most instructors teach Irish traditional tunes (reels, jigs, etc.) by ear. Sheet music is provided at the end of each workshop for practice at home. In addition, workshop tunes are recorded and posted on this website (some sheet music will be posted too).

If you would like to sign up for the next workshop please contact Aisling: ashling@verizon.net

We need at least 12 pre-registered participants to offer a workshop and the cost is $25 per student. Payment should be made before the day of the class to reserve your seat.

Indian Hill Music School

www.indianhillmusic.org

Celtic Session and workshopsSessions on the Hill (Celtic Ensemble) All ages

Thursday, 7:00-8:30pm
$100 per semester
$10 per workshop for ensemble members
$20 per workshop for non-members
15 weeks starting February
Instructor: Laurel Martin

Indian Hill is pleased to host the region's newest Irish session, bringing Traditional Irish music to Littleton. Led by Irish traditional fiddler Laurel Martin, we'll develop a repertoire of traditional Irish session tunes. We will work "by ear", but written music will be available. Four times during the school year we'll offer a workshop and performance with some of the area's finest Celtic musicians. Prior experience with traditional Irish music is not necessary; however, an intermediate level of proficiency on your instrument is required. All traditional Irish instruments are welcome (violin, flute, concertina, tin whistle, guitar, button accordion, uillean pipes, etc.)If you are interested in registering for this celtic ensemble or just the workshops, you can contact Indian hill at www.indianhillmusic.org or CALL THE OFFICE AT (978) 486-9524.

Oct 2nd- Fiddler Hanneke Cassel-Scottish and Cape Breton fiddler

Nov 13th- Peter Maguire- Irish Traditional Music Workshop- Belfast flute and whistle player

March - Open house session all welcome

April 16th Flynn Cohen - Irish Traditional Music Workshop- mandolin/banjo

MUSICIANS

Steve Brown

The Bones Workshop and Session

Steven Brown has 30 years experience playing percussion instruments in traditional Irish music. He was All Ireland Bone Playing Champion in 2003 and 2004. He has contributed to several recordings, including Jimmy Noonan's Music from Clare.

How to play the bones with Steve Brown begins with how to hold the bones and produce the basic sounds, and progresses as far as the workshop participants want. The tap, rattle, double tap are thoroughly explained and demonstrated, with a progressive process on how to shape the sound to play with music. Focusing on how to play with traditional Irish dance music and the basic tune types, reels, jigs, hornpipes, slides, polka's, etc. Some discussion of other musical genre's including dixie land jazz, ragtime, the blues, etc. Bones will be provided for use during the workshop. Bones will also be available for sale.

Tommy Peoples

Tommy Peoples is one of the most renowned fiddlers in Irish traditional circles today, and a prime exponent of the Donegal style of fiddling, a technical master as well as powerful musician

Peoples was born in the 1948 in St. Johnston, Co. Donegal, and learned fiddle, in the distinctive Donegal style, from an early age. He joined the famous Kilfenora Band for a while and recorded with them in the sixties, as well as marrying the daughter of their famous pianist, Kitty Linnane.
He joined the traditional scene in Dublin in the seventies, playing with the likes of Matt Molloy, Paddy Keenan and Liam O'Flynn. For a while he played in the pioneering but short-lived group 1691, and joined the famous Bothy Band in late 1975, replacing Paddy Glackin as the band turned professional. He left the Bothies in 1976, after the release of their first album, and was replaced by Kevin Burke. He recorded a number of albums with varied other musicians in the late seventies, the best known of which is probably the Molloy-Peoples-Brady album. He now lives around Kilfenora, Co. Clare, and continues to play locally. His daughter Siobhan is also a fiddler, who has recorded with him on the Maiden Voyage album. His best regarded albums are the Molloy/Peoples/Brady album, the first Bothy Band album, and probably The High Part of the Road, though his solo albums have many fans, and have influenced many of the younger generation of fiddle players.

Oisin McAuley

Oísin McAuley - Donegal fiddler , member of Danu, teacher at Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann Boston Music School and Ceilí Band
Oísin was born in Carrick, Donegal and was steeped in the Irish Language and Music from a young age. He learned from=2 0Ben Lennon among others before pursuing a music degree at Queen's University Belfast. Oísin became a touring musician, playing with Stockton's Wing, Cran, Alan Kelly, Hot Club of Dublin and others before joining Danú in 2001. Oísin was certified by Comhaltas in Ireland to teach Irish Music. In 2007 he released a solo album Far From the Hills of Donegal.
This workshop is open to all traditional melody instruments.
Visit Oísin's web page http://www.myspace.com/oisinmcauley

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Tony DeMarco

www.myspace.com/tonydemarcomusic

TonyDeMarco is one of America’s finest folk fiddlers. A Brooklyn native of Irish and Italian decent, he is among the worlds leading exponent’s of the sophisticated County Sligo style of Irish fiddling. Tony’s playing has all the characteristics of great Sligo fiddling- swinging rythmic drive, a wealth of bowed and finger ornamentation, and a high degree of improvised melodic variation. Sligo fiddling has been closely associated with the New York Irish musical trdition for many yesrs. Imigrant Sligo fiddlers in New York, notably the great Michael Coleman, James Morrison and Paddy Killoran, made hundreds of classic recordings in “the Big Apple” during the 78-rpm era. the influence of these discs back in Ireland made the sligo style, as played in New York City, the de facto national standard for decades thereafter.

The Sligo Indians is a long-awaited solo debut for one of America's finest folk fiddlers. A Brooklyn native of mixed Irish and Italian descent, New Yorker Tony DeMarco is a master of the intricate ornamentation, swinging rhythm, and adventurous melodic improvisation that mark the famed County Sligo fiddle style. Mentored by the late Sligo master fiddler Paddy Reynolds, Tony has for decades been a pillar of the Irish session scene in New York City.
CD Now Available From tonydemarcomusic@gmail.com

Seamus Tansey

Famous flute player from Sligo, strong and energetic style with lots of ornamentation and penetrating tone.
Seamus Tansey is a living legend, not only as a flute player, but also as a singer, storyteller and historian. Hailing from County Sligo, he carries on the rich musical tradition of that region, as played by past masters such as Michael Coleman, James Morrison, and Paddy Killoran. His playing is marked by intricate ornamentation and a driving style

Seamus Connolly

Séamus Connolly is one of the world's most respected master Irish traditional musicians and teachers. A native of Killaloe, County Clare he now resides in Maine. Séamus won the Irish National Fiddle Championship 10 times, a feat unequalled by any other musician. He was also the winner of the internationally acclaimed "Fiddler of Dooney" Competition. http://www.seamusconnolly.com

Laurel Martin - Traditional Irish Fiddler

The Groton Session

www.laurelmartin.com

workshops in Groton and at Indian Hill Music

Traditional Irish fiddle player Laurel Martin performs in a subtle, lyrical style reminiscent of the regional music of County Clare and East Galway, areas in western Ireland rich with musical history. Laurel’s deep affinity and love for the old regional fiddle styles of Ireland distinguish her both as a performer and as a teacher of traditional Irish music. She has engaged audiences throughout the United States and Ireland with lively jigs, reels, waltzes, and airs. Laurel learned her music from master fiddler Seamus Connolly with whom she studied from 1990 to 1993 under a Traditional Arts Apprenticeship grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. Laurel teaches Irish fiddle at Boston College and has taught and performed at numerous festivals in the United States and in Ireland.
Laurel is currently celebrating the release of her new CD The Groves

Laurel is a gifted and versatile teacher of traditional Irish music. She is experienced in conducting classes and lessons for musicians of various backgrounds, engaging her students in the traditional aural learning method. Her teaching combines skillful instruction in the technical elements of musicianship with a spirit of deep respect and enthusiasm for the old traditional styles.
Among Laurel's recent teaching projects are the teaching of private lessons in the Albany area on a monthly basis, and a once-a-month workshop that she teaches locally in the town of Groton. For more information about the Groton workshops and session series, see www.thegrotonsession.com

Laurel Martin teaches Traditional Irish Fiddle at Indian Hill Music School in Littleton, MA

Brendan Carey Block - Cape Breton Fiddler-October 18th

Indian Hill Music School

www.myspace.com/brendanfiddle

workshops in Groton and Indian Music School

Constantly in pursuit of the boundaries of the violin, and in turn pushing them as far as he can, Twenty-two year-old Brendan Carey Block (the 2000 - 2001 US National Junior Scottish Fiddle Champion) has been performing since the age of ten. His love for the traditional fiddle music of Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia has had a huge part in crafting his current innovative and energetic sound which now incorporates Jazz and Rock elements as well as ideas from the many Celtic regions of the world. Brendan has toured and recorded with many great artists including the renowned Glengarry Boys and now plays with the new Boston- based band Annalivia, and his own duo project with guitarist Flynn Cohen.

Brendan Carey Block teaches private lessons every Wednesday in Groton.MA and every Thursday in Manchester, NH. He also teaches occasional Cape Breton and Scottish Music workshops and plays in a traditional Irish session on Wednesdays at The Groton Session at the Stage Coach Inn, Groton. He has composed " The Groton Session Jig" which can be found on the session website ( sheet music and recordings) www.TheGrotonSession.com

Peter Maguire- Belfast Flute player

Peter Maguire is a native of Belfast and has resided in the Boston area for the past 12 yrs. He inherited his music from his late father and renowned box player Tommy Maguire from Co Fermanagh. Legendary flute player Seamus Tansey was an early teacher and big influence on Peter's early development. His style of playing has very distinctive ornamentation, coupled with force and energy. Peter has traveled extensively throughout the USA performing with various musicians. He is currently working on a debut recording with renowned Belfast Piper Eamonn Dillon. Peter teaches a weekly Traditional irish music class at the Cambridge Center for Adult Education.

Matt and Shannon Heaton -Flute and Guitar

www.myspace.com/mattandshannonheaton

workshops in Groton and at Indian Hill Music School

Matt & Shannon Heaton blend Irish traditional music with original songwriting. An unusual blend of material? Sure. But a natural one for this Boston-based husband-and-wife pair, who have played in Irish sessions for years, while becoming involved in Bostons rich songwriting scene. Matt's inventive guitar and bouzouki playing provides a rich framework for Shannon's timeless, evocative lyrics and her stunning Irish flute playing. Their masterfully-arranged songs move seamlessly from full harmony singing, to driving wood flute riffs, to lush guitar lines, creating a big, layered, modern sound.

Shannon Heaton began her music career in Chicago, where she performed with some of Chicago's finest traditional playing while obtaining a degree in ethnomusicology from Northwestern University. Shannon's keen melodic and arranging sensibilities, discerning ear, and exquisite Irish flute style have been featured with numerous ensembles. She performs extensively throughout the U.S. and abroad with husband Matt Heaton (guitar, vocals). She has lived in Boston, Massachusetts since 2001

Flynn Cohen - Guitar and Mandolin

workshops in Groton and at Indian Hill Music School

Guitarist w/ ANNALIVIA, Halali, and The Sevens. Has also worked w/ Cathie Ryan, Aoife Clancy, John Whelan, Skip Healy, Adrienne Young & Little Sadie, Footworks Percussive Dance Ensemble, Malibu Storm, Airdance, Boston City Limits, John McGann, Joe Derrane & Frank Farrell, Jake Armerding, Bruce MacGregor, Lissa Schneckenburger, Laura Cortese, Mark Simos, Todd Denman & Aniar, etc. Specialist in the accompaniment of traditional fiddle music and flatpicking. Degrees in Music from Dartington College of Arts (Devon, England) and Mills College (Oakland, CA). Visiting Lecturer in Music at Bridgewater State College, Massachusetts.

Flynn Cohen currently teaches a traditional Irish music ensemble at Bridgewater State College. He also plays locally in a Sunday session at J.P. O Hanlons Irish Pub and Restaurant , Ayer

Hanneke Cassel

http://www.hannekecassel.com/

Exuberant and rhythmic, somehow both wild and innocent, delivered with captivating melodic clarity and an irresistible playfulness," says The Boston Globe about Hanneke Cassels playing. Such charismatic fiddling has brought Hanneke Cassel many honors and awards. She is the 1997 U.S. National Scottish Fiddle Champion, she holds a Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance from Berklee College of Music, and she has performed and taught across the U.S., Scotland, Canada, Sweden, New Zealand, Italy, China, and Austria.

In addition to her solo act, Hanneke has played for the Cathie Ryan Band, and is a member of Boston-based fiddle bands Childsplay and Halali. She has made guest appearances with Cherish the Ladies, Alasdair Fraser, Matt Glaser and the Wayfaring Strangers, Ensemble Galilei, and Joey McIntyre (from New Kids on the Block). Her fiddling has graced the stages of Bostons Symphony Hall (opening for Judy Collins), Mountain Stage, The Plaza Hotel, Lincoln Center, the Boston Hatch Shell, and the Kennedy Center Millennium Stage.

Native of Port Orford, Oregon, Hanneke started playing classical violin when she was 8-years old. She met Portland-based fiddler Carol Ann Wheeler when she was 10 at an Texas-style fiddle contest. She soon quit classical, started taking fiddle lessons with Carol Ann, and began competing in contests throughout the Northwest. In 1991, Hanneke entered the Columbia-Pacific Scottish Fiddle Contest in Portland. She won the Jr. contest and went on a year later to capture the U.S. National Scottish Jr. Championship in New Hampshire. With this honor came a scholarship to study on the Isle of Skye, Scotland with the renowned Scottish fiddler Alasdair Fraser and Cape Breton master Buddy MacMaster.

Hanneke set off for Boston in 1996 to attend Berklee College of Music on a string scholarship. She graduated in 2000 and continues to be an active member of the Boston music scene