Back in 1966 the founders of Armagh Pipers Club were not really thinking of anything more ambitious than starting a teaching based club to promote the playing of Irish traditional music.
Certainly, they didn’t think that 60 years later the club would have grown to an internationally renowned award winning music academy with hundreds of pupils staffed by 24 dedicated tutors, of whom, no less than 16 are former pupils of the club.
The new term which began this week with a tutor induction night last Monday in the clubs new base at Armagh’s Culturlann, Aonach Mhacha, in Upper English Street.
Classes will commence on Monday September 8, in Colaiste Chaitriona, the Irish medium unit of St Catherine’s College.
The club now offers tuition in tin whistle, flute, fiddle, banjo/mandolin, concertina, harp, button accordion, singing and of course uilleann pipes.
Teaching is offered at four levels – beginners, improvers, intermediate and advanced level. In recent years the club has developed the very successful adult session class for mixed instruments.
Singing tutor Cathy Kelly With a group of very young singers at the annual concert
Singing is an important part of the club’s curriculum with three classes each week including a special class for very young children aged between four and seven.
In addition to formal classes the club has an extensive programme of concerts and sessions including the monthly family session.
In November the club will promote the William Kennedy Piping weekend which contains many of the events popularised during the 30 years of the Internationally renowned William Kennedy piping festival.
This starts on Friday November 14, with a major concert featured the world famous band Lunasa plus some guest pipers from Spain and France. Tickets for this are available online and which are already selling well.
Then on November 28, there is a celebration of harp playing from pupils led by their tutors Sabina McCague and Tara Gilsenan with a special guest Eilis Lavelle.
The International Uilleann Piping Day is on November 1, when the Armagh Pipers will be joining with pipers throughout all five continents to promote the playing of the Uilleann Pipes.
Gerry Lapin and Michael Coney with their pupils
The second term will include a very special singing even led by Niall Hanna and friends on February 20. Then the annual concert in the Market Place Theatre on March 21, will showcase the work of the club with over 200 pupils and tutors on stage.
Since 1972 the club has been publishing tutor books now used all over the world as well as song and tune collections.
Registration for all classes in the 2025/2026 year is now open online at https://armaghpipers.com/product-category/student-music-class/ and also at
the first class on September 8.
A full list of Club classes and events can be found at https://armaghpipers.com/student-area/student-calendar/
Class fees have remained at the same level over the last few decades and offer great value packages for families of two and more.
