Traditional Irish Sean-nos Singing Beginner 2

Course Overview

What does this course tell?
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These free online sean-nós singing lessons are ideal for anyone who has completed our basic beginner course and wants to progress, or for anyone who would like to be able to sing in the distinctive sean-nós style. There are particular techniques that distinguish Irish sean nós singing from the folk music of other countries. Here, professional performer Nell Ní Chróinín builds on the basics that any beginner sean-nós singer needs to know, reinforcing the importance of pronouncing the lyrics clearly and adding emphasis in such a way that it embellishes the meaning behind the music. No prior knowledge of the Irish language is required. This course will build on your repertoire and teach you techniques for 'colouring' your singing to create that authentic Celtic singing sound.
The lessons begin with the song, 'Dá bhFaighinn Mo Rogha de Thriúir Acu', a matchmaking song that translates as, 'If I had my Pick of the Three'. Nell breaks the tune down into parts over the course of three videos and although the lyrics are provided in the course notes, she encourages you to learn the tune by ear and write the sounds phonetically. She explains the meaning of this humorous song, in which the singer is weighing up the merits of the local fisherman, tailor and blacksmith before rejecting them all in favour of the fiddle player. The next tune you will learn is the love song, 'Táimse 'gus Máire', which means, 'Myself and Máire'. It was written by the famous Irish poet Seán Eoin Ó Suilleabháin (also known as Sean Owen O’Sullivan in English) and is a beautiful portrayal of contentment with the important things in life. Again, Nell breaks the song into segments and teaches this touching ballad over three lessons, demonstrating how and where you might add ornamentation to colour the tune. The final tune of this 11-part course is the poignant lament, 'Cá Rabhais Ar Feadh An Lae Uaim'. This is translated as, 'Where Were You For The Day?' and is a conversation between a mother and her son who has been poisoned. Again, Nell gives examples of where ornamentation can be added in the last section of these easy-to-follow sean-nós singing lessons.
Whether you’re relatively new to Irish sean-nós singing or want to broaden your repertoire and learn how to give your voice an authentic traditional Irish sound, this free online singing course provides the perfect training. You will be learning from a highly respected recording artist and performer. As well as touring internationally as the vocalist with top Irish group Danú, Nell Ní Chróinín is an experienced teacher. Having been raised in the Múscraí Gaeltacht area of County Cork, Nell’s life has been steeped in Irish culture and she began singing at a young age. Among her many achievements was becoming the youngest person ever to win the prestigious ‘Corn Uí Riada’ prize, which is in honour of the legendary Seán Ó Riada, also from Múscraí. By completing this course, you can follow in the footsteps of generations of traditional Irish singers, learning, as they did, through the oral tradition. You may wish to progress to the next course in this series, Traditional Irish Singing, Intermediate Level, where you will learn tunes in the English language, and more of the secrets of ornamentation. Throughout our three sean-nós courses, you can learn vocal techniques that form an intrinsic part of Irish music’s cultural heritage. If you would like to learn how to interpret songs in this highly respected tradition, register for free and begin today!


We considered the value of this course from many aspects, and finally summarized it for you from two aspects: skills and knowledge, and the people who benefit from it:
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What skills and knowledge will you acquire during this course?
During this course, learners will acquire the following skills and knowledge:
1. Pronunciation and emphasis: Learners will learn how to pronounce the lyrics clearly and add emphasis in a way that enhances the meaning behind the music.
2. Techniques for 'colouring' singing: Learners will be taught techniques to add ornamentation and embellishments to their singing, creating an authentic Celtic singing sound.
3. Repertoire building: Learners will expand their repertoire of sean-nós songs by learning three traditional Irish tunes: 'Dá bhFaighinn Mo Rogha de Thriúir Acu', 'Táimse 'gus Máire', and 'Cá Rabhais Ar Feadh An Lae Uaim'.
4. Song interpretation: Learners will gain an understanding of the meaning and context behind each song, allowing them to interpret and convey the emotions effectively.
5. Oral tradition: Learners will follow in the footsteps of generations of traditional Irish singers by learning through the oral tradition, just as they did.
6. Vocal techniques: Learners will learn vocal techniques that are integral to Irish music's cultural heritage, allowing them to sing in the distinctive sean-nós style.
Who will benefit from this course?
This course is ideal for individuals who have completed the basic beginner course in sean-nós singing and want to progress further. It is also suitable for anyone who is interested in learning how to sing in the distinctive sean-nós style, regardless of their prior knowledge of the Irish language.
Specifically, this course will benefit:
1. Beginner sean-nós singers: The course builds on the basics of sean-nós singing and teaches techniques for creating an authentic Celtic singing sound. It reinforces the importance of clear pronunciation and adding emphasis to enhance the meaning behind the music.
2. Singers looking to expand their repertoire: The course introduces three traditional Irish songs, including a matchmaking song, a love song, and a lament. By learning these songs, singers can broaden their repertoire and explore different styles within the sean-nós tradition.
3. Individuals interested in Irish culture and heritage: Nell Ní Chróinín, the instructor, is a highly respected recording artist and performer with a deep connection to Irish culture.