BRIMS Fall Session 2026

Ages 5-6
4:00 - 5:00pm
Lori Madden
Early Bird Pricing $400 ($380 for members)
After 8/12 $420 ($400 for members)

For the absolute beginner to Irish dance. In this class we will cover the basic repertoire of movements, form and technique that are the foundation for Irish dance. Students should wear leggings; no special shoes needed as students can dance in bare feet or in traditional ballet flats, if they prefer.

Ages 7-11
4:00-5:00pm
Mimi Vidaver-Davis
Early Bird Pricing $400 ($380 for members)
After 8/12 $420 ($400 for members)

For students that have taken at least one semester of Irish dance. Dancers will continue to expand their repertoire of steps while working to improve style, technique, rhythm and timing. No special gear needed. Advanced beginners can still dance in bare feet or ballet flats. Comfortable clothing that allows for free movement of legs and feet is a must!

Ages 7-13
4:00-4:30pm
Matthew O'Donnel
Early Bird Pricing $200 ($180 for members)
After 8/12 $220 ($200 for members)


For kids who are completely new to the instrument. In this class, students will learn the basics of 4-string tenor banjo or mandolin in the Irish style; how to hold and play the instrument, how to read tablature, and how to play a selection of Irish waltzes and polkas. Students may bring or rent either instrument as the fingerings and basic technique are the same.

Rental instruments may be available for this class. Contact the instructor at [email protected] for availability and cost."lass.

4:00-5:00pm
All Ages
Shannon O'Leary
Early Bird Pricing $400 ($380 for members)
After 8/12 $420 ($400 for members)

Starting at the very beginning - a very good place to start! The focus of this introductory class includes learning the parts of the harp and how to tune it, beginning technique and ergonomics of injury-free playing, some written note identification, ear training, practice habits and, of course, playing tunes. BRIMS has a number of harps to rent at a very reasonable price.

4:00-5:00pm
All Ages
Brenda Cox
$285

**Starting in the first week of November and running through the full spring semester**

Something new this semester! A Harp Ensemble Class!! Be aware that we will need a minimum of three harpists to sign up for this class for it to happen. The ensemble class is for players who have had at least 1 year of harp instruction, although the music will be somewhat adapted to your experience level. The focus will be on playing well with others in a group rather than as a soloist. Remember that actual harp instruction is provided in the Level 1, 2, and 3 classes, and we will play some of the same repertoire. The ensemble class requires that you can read music and enjoy playing with a group of your fellow harpists. The eventual goal is to work up enough repertoire to perform in public as an ensemble representing the BRIMS harp program.

4:30-5:00pm
Ages 9-13
Matthew O'Donnell
Early Bird Pricing $200 ($180 for members)
After 8/12 $220 ($200 for members)

For kids who are completely new to the instrument. Drums provided if needed. In this class, students will learn how to hold and play the Irish bodhran drum, and the basic rhythms for accompanying different kinds of Irish tunes.

5:00pm-6:00pm
All Ages
Shannon O'Leary
Early Bird Pricing $400 ($380 for members)
After 8/12 $420 ($400 for members)

This class is for students who have had at least two semesters of beginning harp classes. We take a closer look at technique, playing with both hands together, reading bass and treble clef, and group and solo playing. Technique exercise are presented as well as Celtic harp repertoire. Classes are taught by ear along with printed sheet music.

5:00-6:00pm
Ages 7-12
Lori Madden
Early Bird Pricing $400 ($380 for members)
After 8/12 $420 ($400 for members)

In this class we will cover the basic repertoire of movements, form, and technique that are the foundation for Irish dance. Students should wear leggings; no special shoes needed as students can dance in bare feet or in traditional ballet flats, if they prefer.

5:00-6:00pm
Teen/Adult
Fiona Balestrieri
Early Bird Pricing $400 ($380 for members)
After 8/12 $420 ($400 for members)

Sean-nós or “old-style” dancing is an improvised percussive dance style that shares roots with flatfooting, clogging, and modern Irish hard shoe. In this class, you will learn the “basic” foot rhythms of Jigs and Reels and build a repertoire of “steps.”

5:00-6:00pm
Teen/Adult
Matthew O'Donnell
Early Bird Pricing $400 ($380 for members)
After 8/12 $420 ($400 for members)

For adults and teens new to the instrument, with or without prior musical experience. In this class, students will learn basic technique specific to playing in the Irish style, along with practice exercises and a selection of Irish tunes. Students may bring or rent either instrument as the fingerings and basic technique are the same.

Rental instruments may be available for this class. Contact the instructor at [email protected] for availability and cost.

5:00-6:00pm
Ages 11-16
Randy Seelye
Early Bird Pricing $400 ($380 for members)
After 8/12 $420 ($400 for members)

This class can only accept 2 youth who want to begin to learn the Uilleann Pipes. Each student will receive a BRIMS rental practice set which will be fitted to them. The class will focus on the foundational aspects of piping important to beginners: posture, bellows work, hand placement, bag pressure, tuning, and, of course, learning tunes. (Prospective students must participate in a free “Try the Pipes” session to make sure their hands are long enough for the chanter and to have a basic understanding of the instrument). *At least one parent will be required to attend the class.

5:00-6:00pm
By Permission
Mimi Vidaver-Davis
$200

BRIMS’ Traditional Music Ensemble (Trad) is an opportunity for Irish musicians (teens and adults), within the BRIMS community, to showcase their skills in and around Charlottesville. The Trad Ensemble functions as the public face of BRIMS, playing at local venues and providing community outreach in keeping with BRIMS’ status as a non-profit arts organization. Trad Ensemble allows members to hone the craft of musical performance by encouraging participants to arrange sets of tunes, play for and collaborate with dancers, and build a general comfort around interacting with an audience. Ensemble members will work with ensemble leaders to develop a well-crafted set list that can be used in a variety of performance settings. Please contact Lori Madden at [email protected] for more information and specific details regarding guidelines for musicians.

6:00-7:00pm
All Ages
Shannon O'Leary
Early Bird Pricing $400 ($380 for members)
After 8/12 $420 ($400 for members)

Generally for students who have had at least two years of harp training. The repertoire for this class includes technique building exercises as well as standard Celtic harp repertoire. Emphasis is placed on consistent fingering, placing, and musicality. Solo and group playing are explored. All classes are taught by ear along with printed sheet music. And we have great fun making beautiful music!

6:00-7:00pm
Teen/Adult
Fiona Balestrieri
Early Bird Pricing $400 ($380 for members)
After 8/12 $420 ($400 for members)

For students having completed one or more semesters of sean-nós dance class or by permission of the instructor

6:00-7:00pm
All Ages
Alex Davis
Early Bird Pricing $400 ($380 for members)
After 8/12 $420 ($400 for members)

Come join us in learning new tunes to expand your personal tune library and build your confidence in playing in a session. We will learn a range of Irish tunes while exploring rhythm, tempo, lift and how to play in a group. Players of all instrument types are welcome, though basic proficiency on an instrument is expected. We will learn tunes primarily by ear, though sheet music can be provided on request.

6:00-7:00pm
Teen/Adult
Matthew O'Donnell
Early Bird Pricing $400 ($380 for members)
After 8/12 $420 ($400 for members)

For adults and teens new to the instrument, with or without prior musical experience. Drums provided if needed. In this class, students will learn how to hold and play the bodhran drum, rhythms for accompanying common types of Irish tunes, including jigs and reels, introduction to advanced techniques like triplets and left-hand tone changing, the basics of improvisation, and tips for playing bodhran in a session.

6:00-7:30pm
Teen/Adult
Mimi Vidaver-Davis
Early Bird Pricing $610 ($590 for members)
After 8/12 $630 ($610 for members)

This class is for students with several years of previous Irish dance experience, or with instructor permission. Class will include warm-ups and drills designed to improve technique and foot placement in both soft shoe and hardshoe dancing. The softshoe section of class will include repertoire building of soft shoe jig, reel, and slip jig steps in addition to figure dancing and group choreography. The hardshoe component will emphasize musicality and forming a deep understanding of the rhythms of Irish music, all while building a class repertoire of hornpipe, treble reel and treble jig steps (along with some traditional set dances!)

7:00-8:00pm
Teen/Adult
Matthew O'Donnell
Early Bird Pricing $400 ($380 for members)
After 8/12 $420 ($400 for members)

For adults and teens who have some experience playing the bodhran. In this class, students will learn more complex rhythmic patterns for accompanying Irish tunes, how to incorporate left-hand tone changing and triplets into their playing, how to accompany less common tune types and songs, and how to effectively improvise complex accompaniment in a session.

This class is designed to build on the techniques taught in the Beginner Bodhran class. If the student has not taken that class, contact the instructor at [email protected] for a summary of rhythms and techniques they should be familiar and comfortable with before taking this class.

7:00-8:00pm
Teen/Adult
Fiona Balestrieri
Early Bird Pricing $400 ($380 for members)
After 8/12 $420 ($400 for members)

In this class we join in a vast and diverse oral tradition of song that links Ireland to its many diasporas. We will build a repertoire of songs in Irish and English, and use them to explore vocal ornamentation and harmony singing. As we sing, we will also work on relaxing the tension that many of us bring to singing through deep breathing and mindfulness. I hope that each one of you will come out of the class with your own versions of the songs we learn and the heart to sing them with confidence in the shower, the pub, or wherever songs are sung.

7:30-8:30pm
Teen/Adult
Mimi Vidaver-Davis
Early Bird Pricing $400 ($380 for members)
After 8/12 $420 ($400 for members)

Cape Breton step dancing is a percussive, close-to-the-floor dance tradition rooted in Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia. In this class, students will learn the subtle—but important!—similarities and differences between Cape Breton step dance and Irish dance traditions. Class will focus primarily on mastering “the basic” reel step and all of its many variations, followed by an introduction to the rhythm of the strathspey and some foundational strathspey steps and movements. No previous dance experience required.

6:00-7:00pm
Teen/Adult (16+)
Randy Seelye
Early Bird Pricing $400 ($380 for members)
After 8/12 $420 ($400 for members)

This is a group class for beginners in Uilleann Piping. Students must at least have their own practice set of pipes - or a rental set through BRIMS. The class will focus on the foundational aspects of piping that are important to beginners, such as posture, bellows work, hand placement, bag pressure, tuning, and of course learning new tunes.

4:00-4:30pm
Ages 5-7
Mimi Vidaver-Davis
Early Bird Pricing $200 ($180 for members)
After 8/12 $220 ($200 for members)

This class is an introduction to playing the Irish tin whistle. Students will learn about finger placement and how to make clear, distinct sounds. This class will also introduce the concept of learning tunes “by ear,” starting with already-familiar rhymes and melodies before moving on to simple Irish tunes. No previous tin whistle or music experience necessary.

4:30-5:00 PM
Ages 8-12
Mimi Vidaver-Davis
Early Bird Pricing $200 ($180 for members)
After 8/12 $220 ($200 for members)

This class is an introduction to playing the Irish tin whistle. Students will learn about finger placement and how to make clear, distinct sounds. This class will also introduce the concept of learning tunes “by ear,” starting with already-familiar rhymes and melodies before moving on to simple Irish tunes. No previous tin whistle or music experience necessary.

4:00-5:00pm
Ages 5-6
Lori Madden and Lexie Worth
Early Bird Pricing $400 ($380 for members)
After 8/12 $420 ($400 for members)

For the absolute beginner to Irish dance. In this class we will cover the basic repertoire of movements, form and technique that are the foundation for Irish dance. Students should wear leggings; no special shoes needed as students can dance in bare feet or in traditional ballet flats, if they prefer.

5:00-6:00pm
Ages 7-12
Lexie Worth
Early Bird Pricing $400 ($380 for members)
After 8/12 $420 ($400 for members)

**This continuation class is for students previously signed up in this timeslot last semester.** In this class we will continue to build a growing repertoire of foundational steps while refining the form and technique associated with Irish dance. Students should wear leggings; no special shoes needed as students can dance in bare feet or in traditional ballet flats, if they prefer.

Ages 8-13
5:00-6:00 PM
Mimi Vidaver-Davis
Early Bird Pricing $400 ($380 for members)
After 8/12 $420 ($400 for members)

For students who have taken at least 2 semesters of soft shoe dance, or by instructor permission. Students at this level should have ghillies (softshoes) and be prepared to wear them in class and for performances.

Ages 8-13
6:00-6:30 PM
Mimi Vidaver-Davis 
Early Bird Pricing $200 ($180 for members)
After 8/12 $220 ($200 for members)

This introduction to dancing in hardshoes requires at least two semesters of soft shoe classes. In this class students will learn the basics of making music with their feet! We will start every class with a series of warm ups and drills that help build foot and ankle strength as well as familiarity with the different sounds that Irish hardshoes can make. We will then work on mastering some of the foundational movements and rhythms (including trebles, brush downs, treble hop backs,and treble downs) eventually incorporating these movements into basic 8 bar steps to fit the music. To make the most of our time, students must arrive to class with hardshoes on and ready to dance.

Ages 8-13
6:30-7:00 PM
Mimi Vidaver-Davis
Early Bird Pricing $200 ($180 for members)
After 8/12 $220 ($200 for members)

This class gives students with previous hardshoe experience the opportunity to hone their skills and build their repertoire of hardshoe steps. Each class will include warm-ups and drills, the chance to reinforce known steps, and the introduction of new material. Through the course of the semester we will spend time exploring the different time signatures within Irish music and focusing on the musicality of our feet and the sounds that they make. Additional performing opportunities may come up for this class throughout the semester, so students will also have the chance to get creative with arranging steps and creating their own class choreography. To make the most of our time, students must arrive to class with hardshoes on and ready to dance.

6:00-7:00pm
Teen/Adult
Chloe Hellerman
Early Bird Pricing $400 ($380 for members)
After 8/12 $420 ($400 for members)

This class focuses on learning and refining the basics of Irish step dance, building a repertoire of steps, and collaborating to develop group choreography. No previous dance experience required!

6:30-7:30pm
16+
Randy Seelye
Early Bird Pricing $400 ($380 for members)
After 8/12 $420 ($400 for members)

This class is for teens and adults who have their own pipe set and have taken a beginner class or equivalent, and have a good grasp of the instrument's mechanics (bellows, bag, and chanter). The student should be able to comfortably play all types of tunes with basic ornamentation. This class will build on foundational skills--focusing on technique, ornamentation and repertoire. Drones will also be addressed if the student has them.

Teen/Adult
6:00-7:00 PM (Zoom Meeting Only)
Fiona Balestrieri
Early Bird Pricing $400 ($380 for members)
After 8/12 $420 ($400 for members)

In this class, we will spend time learning about the intricacies of flute technique: breathing, phrasing, tone, and ornamentation. Each week we will pick one or two tunes to explore, and find out just what we can do with them! We will also spend some time listening to different players and discussing what techniques they are using to create their own personal style.

Ages 9-14
7:00-8:00PM
Tes Slominski
$200

The BRIMS Bridge Ensemble teaches tunes, songs, performance, and teamwork skills to musicians ages 9 and up. The ensemble will perform several times per semester and will occasionally collaborate with other BRIMS groups (dance students, the adult Trad Ensemble, etc.). Admission by permission of instructor.

7:00-8:00pm
Teen/Adult
Mimi Vidaver-Davis $200

BRIMS’ Dance Ensemble is an opportunity for experienced Irish dancers (teens and adults), within the BRIMS community, to showcase their skills alongside BRIMS' Trad Ensemble. Just as the Trad Ensemble functions as the public face of BRIMS, playing at local venues and providing community outreach in keeping with BRIMS’ status as a non-profit artsorganization, the Dance Ensemble represents the connection between music and dance within the Irish musical tradition. Dance Ensemble gives dancers the opportunity to collaborate with other dancers, create choreography for performances, learn and practice existing traditional figure dances, and the chance to work closely with musicians to create entertaining live shows. Participation is by permission only.