The Center for Irish Music

The Center for Irish Music Non-profit Irish music school located in St. Paul’s Hamline Midway neighborhood in the Celtic Junction. Paul’s Hamline-Midway neighborhood.

We have 26 teaching artists offering culturally-unique, year-round irish music instruction for students of all ages. The Center for Irish Music (CIM) is a thriving music school based in St. The CIM is dedicated to handing down traditional Irish music to the next generation of musicians in our community. Through private lessons, group classes, traditional music sessions, and events featuring world-class artists, the CIM aims to inspire and support the traditional Irish music community in the Twin Cities, throughout the Midwest, and Canada. In just 16 years, the CIM has grown into Minnesota’s leading gathering place for professional artists, students dedicated to learning the music, and community volunteers who are passionate about traditional Irish arts. Founded by Kate and Jode Dowling in 2004, the school was originally hosted by the St. Paul Conservatory of Music. Due to overwhelming interest and community support, it quickly evolved into its own music school, becoming a 501(c)3 non-profit organization in 2008. In 2009, the CIM moved to its permanent home at the Celtic Junction Arts Center, an Irish cultural center that hosts a consortium of Irish cultural groups. Our beautiful permanent space inside the Celtic Junction has helped to make our programs more accessible to a core audience of Irish music lovers and has enabled us to grow and engage a wider audience across the region.

We're excited to present this concert next Friday night at the Celtic Junction Arts Center, featuring the musical artist...
10/09/2026

We're excited to present this concert next Friday night at the Celtic Junction Arts Center, featuring the musical artistry of Sorcha Costello - innovative traditional fiddler from Tulla, County Clare. Sorcha has toured worldwide for over ten years, and is in high demand on the Irish music festival circuit.

Sorcha will be accompanied by Brian Miller on guitar and bouzouki - one of the most sought after accompanists in the American Irish music scene, born and raised here in Minnesota.

There are still tickets available! Get yours at https://secure.qgiv.com/for/centerforirishmusic/event/sorchacostelloinconcertwithbrianmiller/

This concert is part of our inaugural Artist In Residence (AIR) program, October 14-20. For more information about workshops, and additional opportunities to meet Sorcha, visit our website!
www.centerforirishmusic.org/calendar/sorcha-costello-artist-in-residence/

Exciting news! Recent MIM visiting artist Michael Rooney arranged the parts for this incredible musical collaboration be...
10/08/2026

Exciting news! Recent MIM visiting artist Michael Rooney arranged the parts for this incredible musical collaboration between U2 and Music Generation Ireland. The surprise performance (be sure to watch it below) was to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the beginning of this iconic Irish band at their alma matter Mount Temple (north Dublin) where Larry Mullen Jr. posted a notice on the school bulletin board looking for bandmates.

Many years later, U2 is supporting music education across Ireland.

Congratulations to Michael on this amazing opportunity to collaborate with youth musicians and U2!

What an honor for our Advanced Youth Ensemble open for the amazing The Hounds of Finn as part of the Midway Music and Ar...
10/03/2026

What an honor for our Advanced Youth Ensemble open for the amazing The Hounds of Finn as part of the Midway Music and Arts Fest. Come on by tonight!

Join us for our Singing Sweeties class for kids ages 4-7, starting this Saturday, October 3rd! In this class, children w...
09/28/2026

Join us for our Singing Sweeties class for kids ages 4-7, starting this Saturday, October 3rd! In this class, children will explore traditional Irish music and learn fundamental music concepts through songs, rhymes, movement, instrument play, and listening exercises.

Saturdays, 11:30am-12:00pm, October 3 - November 21, 2026

Register now on our website by visiting www.centerforirishmusic.org/programming/

Join us Friday, October 16th for a concert featuring Artist In Residence Sorcha Costello, accompanied by Brian Miller on...
09/24/2026

Join us Friday, October 16th for a concert featuring Artist In Residence Sorcha Costello, accompanied by Brian Miller on guitar and bouzouki!

Sorcha is a world-class traditional Irish fiddler from Tulla County Clare and hails from a family immersed in traditional Irish music. Combining Sorcha’s rich and innovative fiddle-playing with Brian’s intricate yet driving accompaniment style will make for a fabulous evening of music – we can’t wait!

Tickets are available now at www.centerforirishmusic.org/calendar/sorcha-costello-artist-in-residence/

For more information about the residency, workshops, and additional opportunities to meet Sorcha, visit our website: www.centerforirishmusic.org/calendar/sorcha-costello-artist-in-residence/

pc: Tim Van Cleave

Thanks to the Open Sky Ensemble for sharing their music at the Bald Eagle Lake Art Crawl this Saturday and spreading the...
09/16/2026

Thanks to the Open Sky Ensemble for sharing their music at the Bald Eagle Lake Art Crawl this Saturday and spreading the word about the Center for Irish Music! What a gorgeous day!

We're looking forward to Celtic Cuties starting in just a few weeks! Is your little one registered yet?Class details & r...
09/16/2026

We're looking forward to Celtic Cuties starting in just a few weeks! Is your little one registered yet?

Class details & registration link in our course catalog, viewable at www.centerforirishmusic.org/programming

Singing Sweeties starts October 3rd! Register now for this super fun & educational Irish song class for 4-7 year-olds wi...
09/14/2026

Singing Sweeties starts October 3rd! Register now for this super fun & educational Irish song class for 4-7 year-olds with Alisa Mee. **In this drop-off class, children will explore traditional Irish music and learn fundamental music concepts through songs, rhymes, movement, instrument play, and listening exercises. Parents and caregivers are welcome to participate for the first two sessions.** Saturdays, 11:30am (30 minutes). The class runs 10/3-11/21. https://centerforirishmusic.asapconnected.com/ =3067467

Address

836 Prior Avenue N, Suite #400
Saint Paul, MN
55104

Opening Hours

Monday 9:30am - 9pm
Tuesday 9:30am - 9pm
Wednesday 11am - 9pm
Thursday 9:30am - 9pm
Friday 9:30am - 3pm

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