Manus McGuire
Manus McGuire will teach intermediate and advanced fiddle classes with a particular emphasis on fiddle styles, ornamentation and lots of fiddle tunes, he will also teach a bank of new tunes to students on all instruments, including fiddle of course!
Manus McGuire is an internationally recognised traditional fiddle player from Sligo in the north west of Ireland. He is now resident in Dungarvan.
Allied to his 16 fiddle recordings over the past 45 years, he has extensive teaching experience here in Ireland but also in colleges in the US, Australia and New Zealand.
Ellen Harrison
Ellen Harrison is an accomplished multi-instrumentalist, playing the tin-whistle and harp, as well as singing. She has a Grade 8 Distinction in Tin-Whistle, alongside a Grade 8 with honours in Harp. She also has a Grade 5 Distinction in Music Theory from ABRSM. She tailors her lessons for a wide variety of students, with enjoyment, expression and a love for music her priorities in teaching.
She recently appeared alongside fellow trad teacher Kate (and her twin sister!), on TG4’s “Réalta agus Gaolta”, as well as playing the Tin-Whistle on RTÉ when her secondary school performed their anniversary mass. She had been playing in Irish music ensembles since she was a little girl.
She dips her toes between classical and Irish Traditional Music, playing the concert harp and singing in award-winning choirs, such as Ad Hoc Chorale and Lumina, and she was recently selected for and performed in the Irish Youth Choir.
Colin Harries
Originally from Manchester, Colin Harries has called the South East of Ireland home for over twenty years. A classically trained guitarist, he is known for his versatility across multiple musical styles, making him both a highly regarded performer and an inspiring teacher.
Colin holds a Master’s degree in Classical Guitar Performance from SETU, where he studied under renowned guitarist Michael O’Toole. He has been teaching guitar and ukulele at the Dungarvan School of Music and Trad for over a decade, where his patient, encouraging approach has helped students of all ages and abilities to develop confidence and creativity in their playing.
Alongside teaching, Colin maintains a vibrant performance career. His classical work includes solo recitals, collaborations with other guitarists, and ensemble performances across Ireland. Equally at home in traditional music, he has toured throughout Europe and North America with various groups, gaining recognition for his adaptability and musicality.
Whether guiding beginners through their first chords or preparing advanced students for performance, Colin’s lessons balance technique, expression, and enjoyment—instilling a lifelong love of music in all who learn with him.
Ellen O'Gorman
Ellen O’Gorman is an accomplished fiddle player and dedicated teacher from Ballinamult. Currently a third-year student at Mary Immaculate College in Limerick, she has been immersed in traditional Irish music from an early age and continues to make her mark as both a performer and educator.
Ellen’s musical achievements are extensive. She won her first All-Ireland medal at just ten years old and has since earned numerous provincial and national titles in fiddle and viola, including becoming the All-Ireland Senior Duet Champion in 2022. She is also a proud recipient of the Fiddler of Dooney and Ed Reavy awards.
Her talent has taken her across Europe, performing in Italy, France, Denmark, and Sweden, as well as on national television and radio, including RTÉ, TG4, Raidió na Gaeltachta, Fleadh TV, and Céilí House on RTÉ Radio 1. Ellen was also a featured fiddle player in Riverdance at Dublin’s Gaiety Theatre.
As a teacher, Ellen takes great joy in sharing her passion for traditional music. She offers tailored, student-focused lessons that balance technique and expression, inspiring each musician to play with confidence and heart.
Brendan Clancy
Brendan Clancy has been teaching Fiddle & Banjo in Waterford, South Tipperary & East Cork, for almost 20 years. He was taught the Fiddle locally by Máire Govers, Gearóid Ó Laoghaire & Gerry Harrington The famed accordionist and Music teacher, Bobby Gardiner, started teaching him on the Banjo when he was 15. While completing his BA in Irish Music & Dance in the University of Limerick, he was fortunate to have Banjo lessons from Olive Brennan, Brian Carolan & John Carty, & Siobhán Peoples for Fiddle. He has taught in group and one-on-one settings and to adults and children alike.
Kay Wolf
Kay Wolf, who joined Dungarvan School of Music in 2022, has been playing the violin and viola from the age of 5. Raised in a musical household, she has a background in a range of instruments and styles from the baroque recorder to modern pop vocals. Kay spent her formative years under the instruction of baroque/early classical violin teacher Ulrike Moehn in Frankfurt, Germany. She especially enjoys ensemble and orchestra playing at every opportunity, including at her musical-focus secondary school, where she first started teaching and leading groups.
In 2019, Kay was selected to participate in the Peer Music Instruction course delivered at the State Music Academy of Hesse. The intense workshops in conducting, didactics, and chamber music cemented her enthusiasm for teaching music.
Since moving to Dungarvan, Kay has built a varied new musical network. She is now a regular player at local trad/folk sessions, supprter and accompaniest to Harmony Children’s Choir, plays in SETU orchestra, and recently formed a pop/rock two-piece with local guitarist/singer Tom Walsh.
Kay is eager to meet new violin, viola and cello students of any age, and “game” for all styles or genres of music.
Calvin Leahys
This is Calvin Leahy’s first year teaching button accordion and bodhrán at the school. A lifelong musician, Calvin began his musical journey at just four years old and has since performed with a wide range of groups on some of Ireland’s most renowned stages, including Croke Park and Siamsa Tíre, as well as at festivals and venues across the country.
Through his years of performing, Calvin has not only developed his technical ability and stage presence but also gained confidence and a deep appreciation for the community that music creates. His experience spans from lively sessions and home teaching to live radio performances, where his passion for traditional Irish music continues to shine.
As a dedicated musician and teacher, Calvin aims to share that same enthusiasm and love for music with his students. His lessons focus on enjoyment, self-expression, and steady growth—encouraging each student to develop their own unique musical voice.
