Traditional Irish Flute | Intermediate
Traditional Irish Flute | Intermediate is a free online course that teaches intermediate flute players the ornamentation techniques—cuts and rolls—essential to Irish folk music. Priced variably (often at no cost), it’s ideal for students who have mastered basic tunes and want to add authentic Irish flair.
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Key features
- Expert instruction — lessons led by former All-Ireland champion Brian O'Loughlin.
- Ornamentation focus — detailed teaching of cuts and rolls for Irish tunes.
- Downloadable resources — PDF sheet music for each taught tune.
- Self-paced format — study lessons at any time, on any device.
- Live demonstrations — instructor shows ornamentation on actual flute recordings.
- Community forum — access to peer feedback and Q&A with the instructor.
Pros
- +Free or low-cost entry for intermediate flute players.
- +Instruction from a recognized Irish music champion.
- +Focus on practical ornamentation that translates to performance.
- +Downloadable sheet music simplifies practice.
Cons
- −Requires completion of beginner courses; not suitable for absolute beginners.
- −Limited to video lessons; no real-time in-person feedback.
- −Internet connection needed to access streaming content.
About Traditional Irish Flute | Intermediate
What is Traditional Irish Flute | Intermediate?
Traditional Irish Flute | Intermediate is a free online flute course offered through Alison, taught by former all-Ireland champion Brian O'Loughlin. It picks up where basic flute instruction leaves off, focusing on the ornamentation, phrasing, and tune learning that give Irish traditional music its distinctive lift and drive.
Key features
- Champion instructor — lessons guided by Brian O'Loughlin, a former all-Ireland flute champion with deep roots in the Irish tradition.
- Ornamentation training — dedicated lessons on cuts and rolls, the small flourishes that turn plain tunes into authentic Irish playing.
- Tune-based learning — work through Mrs Galvin's Jig, The Sailor on the Rock reel, and a closing tune, broken into manageable parts.
- Demonstration approach — Brian teaches each part of a tune, then revisits it to show exactly where and how to add ornaments.
- Downloadable notes — printable tune notation and resources in the course section so you can follow along away from the screen.
- Slowed-down reel coaching — your first reel is taught at a reduced tempo so you can lock in the rhythm and decoration before bringing it up to session speed.
- Self-paced format — work through the modules whenever practice time allows, with no schedule or deadlines.
Who is Traditional Irish Flute | Intermediate for?
This course is aimed at flute players who can already get a clean tone and play simple tunes from start to finish, particularly anyone who has worked through Alison's Beginner 1 and Beginner 2 flute courses. It also suits self-taught players, classically trained flautists curious about folk style, and ear players who want a structured way to add Irish ornamentation to their repertoire. Sessions, ceilis, and informal home practice are all natural places to use what you learn here.
How does Traditional Irish Flute | Intermediate compare?
Compared with paid subscription tune libraries and one-to-one private lessons, this course covers the same intermediate ground at no cost, with a single experienced teacher guiding the whole journey. Against generic YouTube tutorials, it offers a structured sequence with downloadable notation and clear progression from technique to repertoire. Players who want a personalised practice critique may still want a private teacher alongside, but for self-directed learners it is a focused, tradition-rooted alternative.
Best use cases
- →Prepare for a traditional Irish session at a local pub.
- →Add authentic ornamentation to a school band’s Irish repertoire.
- →Learn fast reels for competition or performance preparation.
- →Practice with downloadable sheet music for personal improvement.
Is Traditional Irish Flute | Intermediate right for you?
Buy the Traditional Irish Flute | Intermediate if you’ve completed beginner lessons and want to deepen your Irish style. The course offers expert guidance from Brian O'Loughlin, focused on cuts, rolls, and reel technique, plus downloadable sheet music. It’s ideal for self-motivated players seeking flexible, online study. Alternatives include generic flute technique courses, but they lack the specific Irish ornamentation focus this program provides.
How it compares: Compared with general flute tutorials, this course zeroes in on Irish ornamentation, offering live examples and downloadable music that generic programs lack. While broader courses teach overall technique, they don’t provide the focused cuts, rolls, and reel practice essential for authentic Irish performance.
More from Alison
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Traditional Irish Flute | Intermediate course cover?
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The course teaches intermediate flute players the essential ornamentation techniques of Irish music, focusing on cuts, rolls, and fast reel execution. It includes step-by-step video demonstrations, practice drills, and two signature tunes—‘Mrs Galvin’s Jig’ and ‘The Sailor on the Rock’—with downloadable PDF sheet music for each.
Does the course require prior flute experience?
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Yes. The program assumes you have completed the Beginner 1 and Beginner 2 modules or have comparable basic flute skills. It builds on that foundation by adding Irish-specific ornamentation, so absolute beginners should first master fundamental note reading and tone production before enrolling.
How are cuts and rolls taught in the lessons?
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Cuts and rolls are demonstrated in slow motion, then repeated at performance speed. Each ornament is broken into its finger-movement components, with on-screen notation highlighting where the embellishment fits. Learners practice alongside the instructor’s audio, using the provided PDF to track progress.
Is there any certification upon completion?
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Upon finishing all lessons and completing the practice assignments, you receive a digital certificate of completion. While the certificate acknowledges your proficiency in Irish flute ornamentation, it is not a formal accreditation; it serves as a personal milestone and can be shared on professional profiles.
Can I access the Traditional Irish Flute | Intermediate course on mobile devices?
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Yes, the platform is fully responsive and works on smartphones and tablets. You can stream video lessons, download PDFs, and practice anywhere with an internet connection, making it convenient for on-the-go learning.
Is Traditional Irish Flute | Intermediate in stock at Alison?
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Yes, Traditional Irish Flute | Intermediate is currently in stock at Alison.
Specifications
- Category
- Software
- SKU
- 4081