Between 17 June and 16 September 2026, participants will receive eight one-to-one instrumental lessons with the relevant musician, in addition to three group lessons with others playing the same instrument. The project will conclude with three large ensemble sessions, where all participants will join together with the professional musicians to play the music learned during the project. As well as playing together, the participants will enjoy three informal coffee sessions which will include chats on wide-ranging musical topics.

Please note, participants must be available on all of the dates listed.

Places are limited to 15. Priority will be given on a first come first served basis, however additional criteria that will be taken into account for selection include availability of teaching slots, geographical spread throughout the county, availability of instruments, playing experience and ability to partake in the full programme.

Project Dates (June - September 2026):

For individual instrumental lessons 1-8, participants will each be allocated a 40 minute slot within the time frames set out below. Introductory session, group lessons, coffee sessions and ensemble sessions involve all participants for the full duration.

All events will take place at Lime Tree Theatre, Mary Immaculate College, Courtbrack Avenue, Limerick, V94 4D85

Wednesday, 17-Jun, 10-11am - Introductory session (everyone together)
Wednesday, 17-Jun, 10-3pm - Individual lesson 1
Wednesday, 24-Jun, 10-3pm - Individual lesson 2
Wednesday, 01-Jul, 10-11.30am - Group lesson 1 (everyone in their tutor groups)
Wednesday, 01-Jul, 11.30am-1pm - Coffee Session 1 (everyone together)
Wednesday, 08-Jul, 10-3pm - Individual lesson 3
Wednesday, 15-Jul, 10-3pm - Individual lesson 4
Wednesday , 22-Jul, 10-11.30am - Group lesson 2 (everyone in their tutor groups)
Wednesday , 22-Jul, 11.30am-1pm - Coffee Session 2 (everyone together)
Wednesday , 29-Jul, 10-3pm - Individual lesson 5
Wednesday, 05-Aug, 10am-3pm - Individual lesson 6
Wednesday, 12-Aug, 10-3pm - Individual lesson 7
Wednesday, 19-Aug, 10-11.30am - Group lesson 3 (everyone in their tutor groups)
Wednesday, 19-Aug, 11.30am-1pm - Coffee Session 3(everyone together)
Wednesday, 26-Aug, 10-3pm - Lesson 8
Wednesday, 02-Sept, 12-3pm - Ensemble 1 (everyone together). This session will take place at Belltable, 69 O'Connell St, Prior's-Land, Limerick, V94 FK0H
Wednesday, 09-Sept, 12-3pm - Ensemble 2 (everyone together)
Wednesday, 16-Sept, 12-3pm - Ensemble 3 (everyone together)

*Please note, dates may be subject to change, with the agreement of artists and participants

TG4 Gradam Ceoil 2024 Musician of the Year Derek Hickey is widely acknowledged as one of Ireland’s most prominent and influential master accordion players. From Adare in County Limerick, both his grandfathers played fiddle and his own musical career began at the age of ten, when his uncle left an accordion in the family home. Derek progressed to dance tunes within weeks, though he didn’t begin lessons – under the tutelage of Dónal de Barra – until aged twelve. His professional career began three years later when he joined the Shannonside Céilí Band, founded by the Liddy family. The band toured extensively in England and throughout Europe.

In 1992, at just eighteen, Derek joined Johnny ‘Ringo’ McDonagh’s band Arcady, along with Frances Black, Brendan Larrisey and Patsy Broderick. Other guest members of this band included Sharon Shannon, Cathal Hayden and Gerry O’Connor. Three years later he was invited to join De Dannan, recording two albums and touring extensively with the super group until they disbanded in 2003.

In 2023, Derek performed at the National Concert Hall as part of the third series of the Irish Traditional Music Archive’s Drawing from the Well series. His eponymous 2022 album was deemed “a recording of pure genius” by fellow box player Dermot Byrne. Derek is the button accordion tutor on the BA Irish Music and Dance at the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance, University of Limerick.

Described as “a musical wizard” by Music Network, Tara is a highly acclaimed Irish traditional musician from County Clare. A multiple All-Ireland Fleadh champion, she’s performed with legendary groups like The Chieftains and Stockton’s Wing, and tours internationally with the trio Breen | Rynne | Murray and the innovative band NOTIFY.

Her long-awaited debut solo album, Sooner or Later, was released in early 2025, showcasing a compelling mix of classic tunes and original compositions. The album captures her deep connection to her Clare roots, while offering a thoughtful reflection on her musical journey. Alongside her performing career, Tara is also a passionate teacher, sharing her expertise through workshops and music education.

Tommy Hayes has been at the forefront of traditional Irish music for over 50 years. As a number of ground-breaking groups. Stockton’s Wing, Puck Fair, Altan, Liam O Flynn, Eileen Ivers, Riverdance and has performed on more than 400 albums. As a filmmaker he has explored the link between culture and agriculture with Apples in Winter and his latest film The Garden where the Praties Grow. He has a Masters in music Therapy from the university of Limerick and continues to work in that area. As a teacher he has facilitated workshops for many years and has been a regular teacher at Fleadh Ceoil Na Heireann.