Monday 28th July - Friday 1 August 2025 | 10am – 1pm | Ulster University, York Street, BT15 1ED

We have a fantastic Summer School accommodation offer starting at only £349 for 7 nights in Belfast City Centre, click here to find out more.

A founding member of Dervish, Liam Kelly was born into a musical family and began playing traditional Irish music at a very young age. He initially started on the accordion but later switched to the whistle and, in turn, the flute, learning primarily from local musician Carmel Gunning. While still in school, Liam formed the traditional music group Poitín with Shane Mitchell. The level of success and media attention Poitín received was remarkable, but their youth prevented them from fully capitalizing on it. Liam plays a central role in Dervish, as the band's core sound revolves around the tight and intuitive interplay between flute, accordion, and fiddle. To mark 20 years with Dervish, he released a solo album, Sweetwood, which received great acclaim. The album features Michael Holmes on bouzouki and Donnchadh Gough on bodhrán.

Born in County Antrim, flute player Brendan Mulholland began playing at the age of 11 and is now widely regarded as one of the finest exponents of the Irish wooden flute. A familiar face on the European circuit for flute workshops and lectures, Brendan has performed and recorded with numerous artists, including Tempest, Bríd Harper, Gráinne Holland, John Carty, Mick O'Brien, Jean-Michel Veillon, and Mary Dillon.

Deirdre Havlin is one of Ireland’s most accomplished flute and whistle players. Her playing is characterised by her vibrant and ornate style accompanied by a mighty tone. Earlier in her career she won 7 all Ireland titles on flute and whistle and was a member of several Comhaltas tours travelling though-out England, USA and Canada. Deirdre was a leading member with the critically acclaimed bands, Déanta and The London Lasses. Déanta toured extensively throughout the USA and Europe becoming established members of the traditional music scene. Deirdre went on to join renowned traditional Irish band, The London Lasses and Pete Quinn. Today Deirdre is the prime organiser of the Causeway Sessions on the north coast of Ireland, promoting traditional music in the area. She teaches whistle and flute at North Coast Trad Music School which provides weekly music classes in the community for all ages and abilities.

The Summer School’s team of tutors is made up of internationally renowned performers with proven track records as teachers and educationalists. The primary means of teaching and learning will be ‘by ear’ with an emphasis in the less experienced classes of assisting pupils to develop oral/aural skills in addition to instrumental competency and developing core repertoire. All classes are designed for intermediate to advanced (minimum 2 years instrument experience) adults and children over 6 years of age except beginner instrument classes, whistle and sing, set dancing, sean nós dancing, traditional singing & sean nós singing which are suitable for all levels including beginners.