The Center for Irish Music

The Center for Irish Music offers private lessons on traditional instruments, group classes, youth classes and ensembles, adult classes and ensembles, summer camps, and the Minnesota Irish Music Weekend. Youth programming includes Celtic Cuties, Irish Gaelic Song, Intro to Tin Whistle, Intro to Fiddle Playing, Singing Irish Songs at Home, and mixed instrument ensembles.

At a glance

• Ages: 0–18 years old
• General schedule: Year-round instruction is organized in three semesters: Fall term, Spring term, and Summer term; lessons and classes are offered both online and in person.
• Facility hours: Office hours Mon-Fri 9:30 am-5:30 pm; building open Mon-Thur 4:00 pm-9:00 pm

About the provider

The Center for Irish Music was founded in 2004, became a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization in 2008, and moved to its permanent home at the Celtic Junction in 2009. Its mission is to hand down the tradition to the next generation of musicians in the community. The program aims to inspire and support the traditional Irish music community in the Twin Cities, throughout the Midwest, and Canada, and it offers music programs for all ages in a welcoming, supportive, and intergenerational environment.

• Private Lessons — children, youth and adults · Year-round; scheduled in advance per term; usually weekly; every-other-week available depending on instructor availability; online or in-person · One-to-one lessons on traditional instruments; registration is handled internally; private lesson enrollment is ongoing; one-off or trial lessons may be available subject to instructor availability.
• Group Classes — children, youth and adults · Year-round; organized by term; mini-classes are 6-8 weeks long · Mixed instrument ensembles, song classes, children's programming and more; group class offerings for youth and adults are organized by term.
• Youth Classes & Ensembles — youth and teens; youngest learners start with the Celtic Cuties program · Offered each term; introductory group classes for youth each term · Includes Celtic Cuties, Irish Gaelic Song, Intro to Tin Whistle, Intro to Fiddle Playing, Singing Irish Songs at Home, and mixed instrument ensembles.
• Adult Classes & Ensembles — adults · Organized by term · Adult classes and ensembles are offered; specific class titles are not listed in the source.
• Minnesota Irish Music Weekend — Early June · An Irish music workshop/event offered throughout the year, including the Minnesota Irish Music Weekend in early June.
• Summer Camps — Summer · Listed as a program area and mentioned as another entry point into Irish music.

Private lessons are open to children, youth and adults; new students can register at any time during the year; returning students must re-register each term; students are allowed one rescheduled lesson per term with at least 24-hour notice; make-up week is the last week of each term; financial aid is available to all CIM students.

Last updated October 18, 2026.