Rig-a-Jig
Irish Traditional Music Group
Waltons New School of Music
Under the direction of a renowned whistle player, teacher and Irish music scholar, Rig-a-Jig is a lively ensemble that selects, arranges and performs traditional music and song in an innovative and dynamic way.
Ensemble Description
Under the direction of the renowned whistle player, teacher and Irish music scholar Harry Long, the New School’s Rig-a-Jig group is a lively ensemble that selects, arranges and performs traditional music and song in an innovative and dynamic way. In addition to the vast repertoire of Irish music and song, some material from other traditions (such as those of Brittany, Galicia, Scotland, Newfoundland etc.) may be selected. The group will be encouraged to discuss and experiment with musical arrangements, and the possibilities for composition of new music and song in a traditional style will also be explored.
The group is open to students of all instruments, of at least intermediate standard (with or without experience playing Irish music).
Harry Long is available to speak by phone with those interested in joining Rig-a-Jig. Please let us know via our Contact Form or by phone if you would like him to get in touch.
Questions about this ensemble?
or call us on (01) 478 1884.
Fee Discount
Students concurrently enrolled for private or group tuition at the New School receive a 20% discount off the fee for this ensemble.
Safety & COVID-19
The health and safety of both students and staff at the New School is of the utmost importance to us, and we have made a number of changes to the school, its equipment and our policies to make in-school tuition (tuition taking place on the New School premises) safe during the time of COVID-19. These include:
- Perspex screens in every classroom.
- Installation of HEPA air filtration/purification units where necessary.
- Cleaning and disinfection of both classroom instruments and furniture between lessons and classes.
- Regular cleaning of public spaces.
See our COVID-19 Safety Policy page for more information on what we have done, as well as the protocols we expect all in-school students and visitors to follow.
Harry Long
Coming from a family steeped in Irish music, with a PhD in Irish History and author of The Waltons Guide to Irish Music and the Leaving Cert. Music coursebook Soundscapes: Irish Music & Aural Awareness, Harry has devoted a lifetime to the study and teaching of Irish history and traditional music, in all its forms. He has played tin whistle, low whistle and bodhrán for over three decades and has performed with the Irish National Folk Company at St. Enda’s National Historic Park and both solo and in sessions at music and dance festivals throughout Ireland and internationally. He currently performs with the trad/folk band Coscán and has released three albums with the group, most recently Firedance (2019). Harry has composed and recorded music for RTÉ radio and television documentaries, including Head Waters (1991), on the area where Turlough O’Carolan was born, and A Change of Heart. His solo whistle playing can be heard on the album Rinka (2002), as well as the Waltons double CDs, Ireland’s Best Tin Whistle Tunes, Volumes 1 and 2 and Ireland’s Best Tin Whistle Tunes for Children. As a teacher, he has guided hundreds of students at both private and national schools in Dublin, Meath and Wicklow. Harry has taught tin whistle, low whistle, bodhrán and Irish Music Tasters, as well as directing the Rig-a-Jig traditional music group, with the New School since 2000.
Harry talks about his background and love of Irish music.
Harry talks about his main instrument, the low whistle, and plays two Irish tunes.
2023-2024 Ensemble Schedule
Rig-a-Jig is not currently offered. Please contact us (providing your name) if you would like to be notified when it becomes available again.
Enrolment
Enrolment in Rig-a-Jig requires a completed Enrolment Form and full payment of the ensemble fee or payment plan arrangement, if applicable.
Late Enrolment
New members can join the group, subject to places being available, up to two weeks after it starts each term. Tuition fees for late-enrolling students are pro-rated and depend on the number of classes remaining in the term or year. See the following pages for more information:
First Term Late Enrolment Fees
Second Term Late Enrolment Fees
Third Term Late Enrolment Fees
Purchasing an ensemble enrolment as a gift?
Please complete a Gift Certificate Booking Form.
Questions about Rig-a-Jig?
or call us on (01) 478 1884.
a comprehensive music centre in the heart of Dublin.