Workshops and Concerts

Cincinnati is not like Chicago, Boston or New York City, where the Irish immigrants continued playing their traditional music, handing it down for generations. Although we had an Irish immigrant population in the mid-1800s, the music did not survive the years. We had to begin it again from scratch. Because of that the Riley School strives to expose our students to as much Irish traditional music from outside our little bubble as we can.

This quarter we are adding the following to our class offerings:

Lilting Workshop

This is a five-week workshop rather than a full 10-week class. It will meet at 11:00 am, and is open to everyone.
Note - the first day of class will be September 19th.

Lilting, also called "mouth music", "diddling", or port a'bhéil, uses sung vocable syllables such as 'dom', 'die', 'dee' ,'day', phrased to fit into the rhythm and contour of a tune. It is focused on rhythmic expression for dancing rather than the storytelling focus of sean nós singing. At the intersection of the instrumental, dance and song traditions, lilting has played an integral role in the transmission and continuation of Irish traditional music. This class will focus on learning Irish traditional music by ear through lilting. Though lilting is usually performed solo, we will spend much of the time lilting together as a class. Some focus will be made on using lilting as a learning/practice technique for other instruments. In addition to this class, you are invited to join bands at 11 or 12:30 pm (no additional fee). Going to band will allow you to practice the tunes outside of class with people playing.

Nancy Keyser will be the teacher for this class. Any questions can be directed to her at

Please take advantage of the workshops we sponsor and the Irish music events and concerts by touring professionals that take place around town. We want you to grow in your knowledge of the Irish music heritage and the culture surrounding it.