CCÉ Boston Music School is sponsored by the Reynolds-Hanafin-Cooley Branch of Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving traditional Irish music, song, dance, language, and culture. Founded in 1997, the school has enjoyed affiliations with the Boston College Irish Studies Program and the Harvard University Celtic Studies Program. Prior to moving our classes onto the Zoom online format, classes had been held at Saint Columbkille Partnership School and then St. Joseph’s Preparatory School, Brighton.
In-Person Tuition Returns — Fall 2025
We are excited to announce that beginning Fall 2025, CCÉ Boston Music School will resume in-person instruction with classes offered at two locations: Medford, MA and Dorchester, MA. This marks an important return to community-based learning after several years of virtual programming. We will also continue to offer online classes via Zoom for intermediate and advanced students on select instruments — expanding access to learners throughout Greater Boston and beyond.
The School has also, in the past, provided a “Trad Youth Exchange” program that matches our young musicians with other youngsters in Ireland for a musical and cultural exchange. In 2014-15, we partnered with Mary MacNamara from Tulla, Co. Clare, in Ireland and the TulÓg Music Group. This exchange culminated in the children performing in Boston and Ireland, and the release of the album “From Tulla to Boston: Live at the Burren.”
Interested members of CCÉ Boston Music School regularly participate in the local and international competitions featuring Irish traditional music, song and dance. Not all students are interested in participating in competition, but join our classes for many reasons, including improving their playing, making friends, and enjoying a sense of community with other musicians. However, over the years, our school has nurtured many competition medalists and champions who have gone on to compete in Ireland.
For a list of instruments and classes, see the Class Schedule.