Master Irish Fiddle with Gerry O'Connor
A 10-week structured online course for intermediate fiddle and violin players
About This Course
I have spent my life playing, teaching, and passing on this music. This course is the most structured thing I have built for students who are serious about making real progress.
It is not for complete beginners. You need to already be playing at an intermediate level, because from week one we are working from notation, play-through videos, and technique-focused material that assumes you can already hold a bow and read some music.
Over 10 weeks, I will take you through the things that actually matter. The things that separate someone who plays notes from someone who plays music. If you would prefer to work with me directly before committing to a self guided course ,you should purchase the course with live weekly mentoring.
Taught By One of Ireland's Great Fiddle Players
IrishFest.com called Gerry “one of the great fiddle players of his generation.”
He has won numerous All-Ireland titles across solo, duet, trio and Céilí Band competitions, and recorded four CDs on the Claddagh label with Lá Lúgh and Skylark. He has toured and recorded with members of Planxty, the Bothy Band, De Dannan, Boys of the Lough and The Chieftains. His solo album Journeyman was named among the top five albums of 2004 by The Irish Times. This course comes from a lifetime of playing, teaching and passing on the tradition, not performing it for show.
What Is Included Each Week
Each of the 10 weekly classes includes:
- A 20 to 30 minute video lesson recorded by me
- Two tunes with full sheet music provided
- Two private YouTube play-through videos so you can follow exactly what I am doing
- Focus on technique, phrasing, bowing, and authentic Irish style
- Written notes and practice guidance
The course is released weekly so you work through it at a structured pace, one class at a time.
What You Will Actually Work On
- Bow control and phrasing, the core of Irish fiddle sound
- Ornamentation used in traditional Irish music, cuts, rolls, and slurs in context
- Rhythm and timing that feels right, not just metrically correct
- How to move from playing notes to playing music
- Regional styles and the character that makes Irish fiddle distinctive
This Course Is For You If
- You already play fiddle or violin at an intermediate level
- You feel stuck and want to make real, structured progress
- You want to develop a more authentic Irish sound
- You are serious about improving, not just adding tunes to a list
Choose Your Level of Access
Choose Your Bow with the Flow Course
Both courses include the complete 10-week Irish fiddle programme. Choose whether you prefer to work independently or receive weekly live guidance directly from Gerry.
Self Guided Course
- Full 10-week course access
- All video lessons, sheet music and play-through videos
- Written notes and practice materials for every class
- Email support, with no guaranteed response time
- Learn at your own pace and work independently
Best if you prefer to work through the material on your own schedule without live interaction.
Live Mentored Course
- Everything included in the Self Guided Course
- Weekly 30 to 40 minute live session with Gerry
- Gerry plays live, introduces the material and answers your questions in real time
- Direct feedback on your technique and playing
- Priority email support, usually the same day or within a few hours
- Only 6 places available to maintain a high quality learning experience
Best if you want direct input, faster progress and personal guidance from Gerry each week.
Choose Your Course and Pay Your Deposit
Select the course you would like to join below. Your payment reserves your place. The remaining balance must be paid before the course begins.
Why This Works
Most players stay stuck for the same reasons. They learn random tunes without any structure. They never identify and fix their technique problems. They have no feedback on what they are actually doing wrong.
This course addresses all three. You follow a clear path from week one. You work on the right things in the right order. And depending on which edition you choose, you either work independently with full materials, or you get direct input from me each week.
The gap between the two editions is not about content. It is about access. The live sessions give you something no recording can replace. If you want a taste of working directly with me before deciding, you can contact me and I will gladly explain.
If you play violin and are also looking for an instrument or bow work, visit the O’Connor Violins page where I also sell instruments and carry out repairs.
What Happens After You Join
- You get immediate access to the course and all materials
- You start from week one with a clear structure in place
- You work through one focused class per week
- You build consistency and notice real improvement in your sound and control
- You finish the 10 weeks with a solid foundation and a clear sense of where your playing stands
Pay in Full
Prefer to Pay in Full?
Skip the deposit and balance and pay once. Your place is secured immediately.
Self-Guided Course (Full Payment)
Pay the full course fee now and you are set for all 10 weeks. No balance to remember later.
Live Mentored Course (Full Payment)
Pay the full course fee now and secure one of the 6 places outright.
Not Ready Yet?
Leave your email and let’s stay in touch about course updates. When you’re ready, you can hop in, pay your deposit or pay in full.