Monday 22nd – Friday 26th July 2024 | 10am – 1pm | Ulster University, York Street, BT15 1ED

Having started playing the banjo at a young age, George McAdam has won numerous junior and senior All-Ireland titles. George is a highly sought-after performer, recording artist and tutor throughout Ireland, the UK, Europe and North America. He performs with the Blackwater Céilí Band and has featured as a guest artist on ‘Carlos, Sweeney, and McCartin’. Broadcast performances include TG4, RTÉ, RTÉ Radio and Na Píobairí Uilleann’s monthly Session with the Pipers. 

Founding member of Four Men and a Dog, Cathal Hayden was born into a deep musical background and grew up in an area immersed in traditional music. He won the All-Ireland title many times in both fiddle and banjo; absorbing many different playing styles from attending each year. Cathal has performed and collaborated with various musicians including Arty McGlynn, Mairtin O’Connor, Alan Kelly, Paddy Keenan and Seamie O’Dowd to name a few and has featured on featured on numerous TV and radio broadcasts. 

The Summer School’s team of tutors is made up of internationally renowned performers with proven track records as teachers and educationalists. The primary means of teaching and learning will be ‘by ear’ with an emphasis in the less experienced classes of assisting pupils to develop oral/aural skills in addition to instrumental competency and developing core repertoire. All classes are designed for intermediate to advanced (minimum 2 years instrument experience) adults and children over 6 years of age except bodhrán, set dancing, sean nós dancing, traditional singing & sean nós singing which are suitable for beginners.