Programmes
Blas has a well developed ethos where access to the best of tuition from some of the most famous musicians, singers and dancers is combined with classes and lectures given by experts in the academic study of our traditions.
This follows the overriding ethos of all Irish World Academy of Music and Dance endeavors, where performance and reflection are seen as equal of stature and mutually beneficial.
Music and song
Music and song
Blas runs using a teaching structure developed over many years and used by most summer schools in Irish music.
It focuses its teaching around masterclasses given by leading experts and performers on a specific instrument.
It focuses its teaching around masterclasses given by leading experts and performers on a specific instrument.
Music and song
Dance
Dance
Blas gives access to some of the most prominent names within the Irish dance world as tutors at the school.
It features classes with some of Ireland's most renowned dance teachers who have successful track records training pupils to the highest dance titles and for entry in dance show troupes.
It features classes with some of Ireland's most renowned dance teachers who have successful track records training pupils to the highest dance titles and for entry in dance show troupes.
Dance
Programme design
These aspects of the Blas ethos are translated into the programme design which incorporates the following:
Expert tuition
Expert tuition
Masterclasses taught by renowned performers, experts and teachers of Irish traditional music, song and dance.
True to its name, Blas gives its students a taste of different styles with most students having more than two different masterclass tutors per study area each week.
True to its name, Blas gives its students a taste of different styles with most students having more than two different masterclass tutors per study area each week.
Performance and reflection
Performance and reflection
Blas is unique among summer schools in that it offers strong academic, as well as practical content.
Intimacy
Intimacy
The school is kept deliberately small in scale so that access to tutors remains intimate. Blas students receive a high level of attention from tutors and organisers.
As a result, numbers are limited so early booking is advised.
As a result, numbers are limited so early booking is advised.
International accreditation
International accreditation
Blas, through the University of Limerick, is linked to the international credit system in education.
Therefore study at Blas could count towards your education award back home. Blas is the only summer school in Irish traditional music and dance to offer this feature.
Therefore study at Blas could count towards your education award back home. Blas is the only summer school in Irish traditional music and dance to offer this feature.
Extra activities
Extra activities
During the two weeks of Blas, students can enjoy free concerts featuring renowned artists like Flook, Martin Hayes, and Denis Cahill, along with other events such as lectures and workshops.
Additionally, tutors provide free lunchtime concerts, offering students the opportunity to witness their performances and teaching skills
Additionally, tutors provide free lunchtime concerts, offering students the opportunity to witness their performances and teaching skills
Self-tailoring
Self-tailoring
As a student, you can specialise in an individual instrument, song or dance class, or can sample from a number of instrument/song/dance classes to your requirement.
