Academy of Irish & Celtic Studies 1106 N. Central Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85004
Good musician's execute their music, while bad ones murder it.
The Teachers
Pat McCrossan - DirectorGuitar, Tenor Banjo, 5 string Banjo, Piano, Mandolin, Music Theory.
A professional musician for more than half a century. Music degree from Trinity College of London (1957) on Piano. Switched to the Guitar after seeing Elvis in "Love me Tender" Taught Classical Piano & Guitar with "The Royal Conservatory of Music" in Toronto for 15 years. Added various other instruments to his repertoire, over the years. Toured all over the British Isles, and Europe, then Canada and US. Came to Phoenix to open a branch of "The Royal Conservatory" but became involved with the Irish community instead. Has recorded more than 40 Albums, CD's and DVD s covering all styles from Pop to Rock, Blues to Bluegrass, Country to Folk and everything in between.
Steve Colby - Guitar, Clawhammer Banjo
A veteran musician and performer in the Phoenix area for the past 20 years. Steve began his musical journey at age 5. Fretted stringed instruments became a passion in his youth, and since those days he has performed thousands of shows, with many ensembles highlighting Folk and Celtic music as their primary emphasis. He is currently a member of the Celtic duo "Ocean's Apart". Steve has been an instructor at the Irish Center since it's inception, and uses a variety of teaching techniques in his classes. Standard notation and tablature, pre-recorded material and numerous handouts are used, and tailor made to each student's personal needs.www.oceansapartmusic.com
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Michelle West - Bodhran
Michelle has studied the technique of bodhran playing with various teachers. She is now the official bodhran player in the academy band. Michelle welcomes beginners and advanced ofall ages.
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Sharon Judd - Step dancing (non-competitive)
Sharon has been an Irish dance teacher in the valley for many years. First with the McTeggart School and currently with the Phoenix Irish Step Dancers. She has offered to teach a non-competitive class for both Children and adults. Classes are non-commpetitive and open to all ages and genders. ***********************************
Jason Carns - Advanced Irish & Grammer
Maria Elena Rodriguez - Beginner Irish
Maria Elena Rodriguez - Beginner Irish
Sheila Maguire - Fiddle
Sheila is one of the best traditional Irish fiddlers in the country and has the old-time Irish style down to a "T". She has played with 'Lord of the Dance' and with the New York based all girl group, 'Chersh the Ladies'. Currently sheila plays with local Irish band, 'Biffo.'
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Rachel Bonn - Fiddle
Classical violinist Rachel teaches the proper fingering and bowing technique, and posture that is so important for beginners. Including the theory of music and the use of the scales related to Irish/Celtic style fiddle. Rachel playes with various string quartets in the valley as well as being a member of the academy band.
Sheila is one of the best traditional Irish fiddlers in the country and has the old-time Irish style down to a "T". She has played with 'Lord of the Dance' and with the New York based all girl group, 'Chersh the Ladies'. Currently sheila plays with local Irish band, 'Biffo.'
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Rachel Bonn - Fiddle
Classical violinist Rachel teaches the proper fingering and bowing technique, and posture that is so important for beginners. Including the theory of music and the use of the scales related to Irish/Celtic style fiddle. Rachel playes with various string quartets in the valley as well as being a member of the academy band.
John Good - Welsh Language
Born in South Wales, into a house where the Welsh language was spoken. Educated at Sandfields Comprehensive School, Hull, and Cardiff Universities. Taught in the London school system for a number of years. Emigrated to the USA in 1975, living in San Francisco, Los Angeles, then moving to Phoenix in 1989. Over the past twenty years has given bi-lingual presentations on Welsh culture , including, Poetry, Music and literature to various societies. John has a BA and MA, plus his teacher's certificate in music from Maricopa Community College. John's goal is to strengthen fledgling Welsh culture presence in the south west, and improve the quality of traditional Celtic music in Arizona.Sandy Voris - Bagpipes & Whistle
Sandy is currently the Pipe Sergeant for the Glendale Police Pipes and Drums. She has been playing pipes for more than ten years, and also plays Flute. Sandy has a Bachelor's degree in Music Therapy from ASU, and is nearing completion of a Master of Arts in intercultural Studies (Global Christian Worship) from Fuller Theology Seminary. Students will learn to read music, beginning on a Chanter then progressing to the full set of Highland Pipes. Sandy makes her home in the Willow district, she has three grown up children and a husband, Bruce, a drummer and Bodhran player. **********************************
Vicki Champion - Irish Language
Vicki studied the Irish language, with Jason Carns, at the Irish Cultural Center, as well as attending workshops, hosted by Walter Stock in Flagstaff and Prescott. Vicki became proficient in the language, and came to us as an associate teacher with Jason, before being offered the job of teaching a beginner class. Her goal is to bring as many people, Irish or other, into the world of the ancient Celts and their melodic Gaelic language.************************************
