Music classes for young people run on Monday evenings (in term time) from 7pm to 9.30pm at the Emerald Centre, Gypsy Lane, Leicester LE5 0TB (see map). Younger children receive tuition first and do not need to stay the whole time.

The age range is 6 to 18 years. New learners of all ages and backgrounds are welcome.

Autumn 2025 term: begins Monday 29 September; no classes on 20 October (half-term); final class before Christmas is on 8 December

Spring 2026 term: begins 12 January; no classes on 16 February and 16 March; final class before Easter is on 23 March

A parent/guardian must accompany their child at music class.

See our Child Protection Policy.

The young people receive individual and group tuition from our two highly experienced teachers of traditional Irish music. It is quite amazing how quickly the youngsters learn – they soon start to sound impressively accomplished. This valuable musical experience is not the only benefit – socially, it’s a lot of fun too!

For members, the cost is £4.00 per child per week (£3.50 for younger siblings); non-members £8.00 per child per week.

FIRST TASTER LESSON FREE!

Beginners generally start learning the whistle and progress on to one of the other instruments. There is an instrument lending scheme to help keep the costs down.

Tuition is given in Whistle, Flute, Fiddle, Button Accordion, Piano Accordion, Banjo and Mandolin.

At the music class, the children are prepared for the SCT (Scrúdú Ceol Tíre) programme. This is a graded series of tuition and optional exams designed to take the musician from basic proficiency in tune-playing through to a mastery of the tradition.They learn about music theory, improve their aural skills and research the history of music pieces, styles and players. 

Youngsters are also encouraged to take part in the monthly sessions, where they have the chance to play alongside more experienced musicians, while their parents enjoy some convivial company.