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Traditional Irish Concertina | Beginner 2

Traditional Irish Concertina | Beginner 2 is a free online music course by Alison US CA, taught by musician Conor O'Loughlin. It builds on basic D-scale skills, teaching polkas like 'Kerry Polka' and 'Maggie in the Woods' using a 30-button G/C-tuned Anglo concertina. Ideal for progressing beginners seeking structured, slow-paced lessons with downloadable PDFs.

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Key features

  • Free online course format
  • Taught by Irish musician Conor O'Loughlin
  • Covers 'Kerry Polka' and 'Maggie in the Woods'
  • Includes downloadable PDF sheet music
  • Focus on G/C-tuned 30-button Anglo concertina
  • Teaches air button and bellows technique
  • Introduces C natural and alternate high notes

Pros

  • +Free access to expert-led instruction
  • +Clear, slow-paced lesson delivery
  • +Authentic Irish tune repertoire
  • +PDF resources enhance learning
  • +Builds confidence for intermediate play
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Cons

  • Requires prior D-scale knowledge
  • No live feedback or instrument included
  • Limited to G/C system concertina players

About Traditional Irish Concertina | Beginner 2

What is Traditional Irish Concertina | Beginner 2?

Traditional Irish Concertina | Beginner 2 is a free online course designed for learners who have completed Beginner 1 or already know the D scale and common concertina notes. Led by acclaimed Irish musician Conor O'Loughlin, this course deepens your understanding of the Anglo concertina, a 30-button instrument tuned in the standard G/C system. Perfect for those stepping beyond basics, it introduces essential techniques like air button use and proper bellows positioning, paving the way for confident, fluent playing.

Key features

  • Expert Instruction — Taught by professional Irish musician Conor O'Loughlin.
  • Progressive Learning — Builds from D-scale knowledge to complex tunes and octaves.
  • Popular Tune Repertoire — Includes 'Kerry Polka' and 'Maggie in the Woods' with full breakdowns.
  • Downloadable Resources — PDF sheet music available for each lesson.
  • Slow-Paced Teaching — Lessons designed for clear comprehension and skill retention.
  • Octave Transition Training — Teaches shift between lower and higher octaves common in Irish music.
  • Extended Note Mastery — Introduces C natural and alternate high D/E buttons for smoother play.

Who is Traditional Irish Concertina | Beginner 2 for?

This course suits self-taught beginners or graduates of Beginner 1 who can play the D scale and want structured advancement. It’s ideal for folk music enthusiasts, Irish trad learners, and adult hobbyists seeking accessible, expert-led training without financial commitment. No prior course purchase is required if skill level matches the prerequisites.

How does Traditional Irish Concertina | Beginner 2 compare?

Unlike generic online tutorials, this course offers a curated curriculum with downloadable support materials and a focus on authentic Irish repertoire. Compared to in-person classes, it provides flexible, free access to high-level instruction. While physical concertina courses may include instrument feedback, this program excels in affordability, clarity, and cultural authenticity for motivated learners.

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Best use cases

  • Learning Irish polkas step-by-step
  • Improving octave transition skills
  • Mastering C natural and high notes
  • Self-paced folk music education
  • Preparing for intermediate trad sessions
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Is Traditional Irish Concertina | Beginner 2 right for you?

This course is best for beginners who can already play the D scale and want to advance their concertina skills. No purchase is needed—just internet access. Ideal for fans of Irish traditional music seeking structured, free lessons. If you're starting from zero, take Beginner 1 first. Alternatives include paid video courses or local music schools, but this offers unmatched value for budget-conscious learners.

How it compares: Compared to standard polypropylene rugs or fixed overhead cranes, this concertina course serves a niche educational purpose. It stands out among free music tutorials through expert instruction, cultural authenticity, and structured progression in Irish folk tradition.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Traditional Irish Concertina | Beginner 2 course?

It's a free online course for learners who know the D scale and want to advance on the Anglo concertina. It teaches tunes like 'Kerry Polka' with expert guidance and downloadable PDFs to support practice and skill growth.

Does this course require prior concertina experience?

Yes, you should know the D scale and basic note positions. It's designed for those who've completed Beginner 1 or have equivalent skills on the G/C-tuned Anglo concertina.

How does Traditional Irish Concertina | Beginner 2 help with playing fluency?

It introduces C natural and alternate high D/E buttons, reducing finger movement. Lessons on bellows control and octave shifts also improve smoothness and confidence in playing Irish tunes.

Is the concertina instrument included with the course?

No, the course is instructional only. You’ll need your own G/C-tuned Anglo concertina, typically with 30 buttons, to follow along and practice the lessons effectively.

Can I access the lesson materials offline?

Yes, sheet music for tunes like 'Kerry Polka' and 'Maggie in the Woods' is available as downloadable PDFs in the course resources, allowing offline study and practice.

Is Traditional Irish Concertina | Beginner 2 in stock at Alison?

Yes, Traditional Irish Concertina | Beginner 2 is currently in stock at Alison.

Specifications

Category
Software
SKU
4009
Last updated May 14, 2026