Lifelong Learning

Begin, deepen, or revive your relationship with music and performance with Ireland's leading teachers at the Royal Irish Academy of Music.

RIAM Lifelong Learning (new)

Welcome to RIAM Lifelong Learning.

Begin, deepen, or revive your relationship with music and performance.

The RIAM Lifelong Learning provides expert group coaching, special topic training, and Continuous Professional Development to music enthusiasts and professionals. No matter your ability, experience, or age, you can develop a deep and lasting connection to music through new learning, inspirational leaders, and shared experiences.  

RIAM’s world-class faculty of performers and educators lead courses across a range of musical disciplines including group performance (classical and jazz), musicianship, music history and appreciation, and Continuous Professional Development for music professionals.

Whether you are a full-time or part-time musician, teacher, hobbyist, or amateur with professional ambitions, the RIAM Lifelong Learning is a fun, creative and supportive home for music education in Ireland. 

Vibrant music courses, open to all. Find your passion.

If you are interested in joining an Adult Division Group lesson but unsure about your entry-level (Beginner/Intermediate/Advanced), please click here to access our self-assessment tool. 

Please note: Adult Division group class participants must supply their own instruments for their lessons. (Exception piano-related classes). 

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Autumn 2026 - Adult Division Instrumental / Singing Group Classes

Updated 16th September - 4.00 PM - (Click below "Instrument" links to go to booking page)

Instrument Level Day Time Teacher Remaining Places
Classical Piano Advanced (8 months) Friday 8pm-9pm A. Collins

  1 place available!

Cello Novice Monday 8pm-9pm D. Forti

2 places (contact [email protected])

Cello Intermediate Wednesday 7pm-8pm D. Forti

1 place (contact [email protected])

Clarinet/Sax Intermediate Monday 8pm-9pm S. Healy

2

Flute Intermediate Wednesday 6pm-7pm Martin Hughes

1 place available!

French Horn Intermediate Saturday 9.30-10.30am C. OhAodain

1 place available!

Jazz Guitar Intermediate Thursday 8pm-9pm B. Johnston

2

Percussion Beginner Monday 8pm-9pm C. Frost

1 place available!

Violin Beginner (Level I) Monday 5pm-6pm A.Sheeran

1 place available!

Violin Beginner (Level I) Monday 6pm-7pm D. McElroy

1 place available!

Violin Beginner (Level I) Tuesday 6pm-7pm D. McElroy

2

Violin Advanced (8 months) Monday 8pm-9pm

Request only (contact [email protected])

Autumn 2026

Family Drum & Beatz (Family percussion sessions)

Ditties for Dotes (Parent & Child) (6 weeks) - per course

Tunes for Toddlers (Parent &  Child) (various age groups available) (6 weeks) - per course

Autumn 2027

KEY SKILLS 2026 REPLAY (On-Demand Online) Piano Albums 2027-2030) - NOW LAUNCHED 

Sound Recording and Music Production (8 sessions - Thursdays)

Teaching Music to SEN (AEN) Students (4 Sundays - Online) - FULLY BOOKED

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All year 

MAP (Mentorship By Artist Programme)

Read Music the Trad Way (On Demand - Self-paced Learning all year round)

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Spring 2027

Teaching Traditional Irish Music & Song (Foundation Certificate) (6 weeks)

Autumn 2026

Beethoven: Behind the Music (5 weeks) - Music Appreciation Classes with Deborah Kelleher (online participation only - in person option is fully booked)

Music in Dublin in the 18th Century (5 weeks) - Music Appreciation Classes with Adrian Le Harivel 

Autumn 2026

All of our Adult Music Theory Classes are currently on hold until further notice. Previous participants will be informed by email as soon as a concrete offer (dates) for the various levels is confirmed.

A potnetial Progression Level (Grade 6) is being explored for feasibility to be offered later in 2026. Again information here will be circulated as soon as available.

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Spring 2027 (in preparation)

Adult Music Theory (Entry Level) (Beginner - Grade 2)   (10 weeks)

Adult Music Theory (Formative Level 1) (Preparation for RIAM Exams Grade 3/4) (10 weeks)

Adult Music Theory (Formative Level 2) (Preparation for RIAM Exams Grade 5) (12 weeks)

All Year (On demand)

Read Music the Trad Way (On Demand - Self-paced Learning all year round)

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Summer 2026

Read Music the Trad Way at Willie Clancy Summer School (in Clare) (1 week - Live course EPV Day approved) 

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Spring 2027

Teaching Traditional Irish Music & Song (Foundation Certificate) (6 weeks)

Autumn 2026

Well-Sing Choir (Lunchtime Group - Wednesdays 12:00 - 1:15 PM) - Autumn/Spring Subscription - FULLY BOOKED

Well Sing Choir (Evening Group - Wednesdays 5:45 - 7:00 PM) - Autumn/Spring Subscription

Well Sing Choir (Afternoon Group - Thursdays 3:30 - 4:45 PM) - Autumn/Spring Subscription - FULLY BOOKED

Autumn 2026

KEY SKILLS 2026 REPLAY (On-Demand Online) Piano Albums 2027-2030) - NOW LAUNCHED 

Adult Division Classical Piano Group Classes (Novice / Beginner / Intermediate)

Adult Division Classical Piano Group Classes (Advanced - 8 months subscription)

Autumn 2026

Adult Division Orchestra - some vacancies to be filled

Adult Division Violin Group Classes (Novice, Beginner, Intermediate)

Adult Division Violin Group Classes (Advanced - 8 months subscription)

Adult Division Cello Group Classes (Beginner, Intermediate)

Adult Division Cello Group Classes (Advanced - 8 months subscription)

Adult Division Classical Guitar Group Classes

Adult Division Jazz Guitar Group Classes

 

Autumn 2026

Well-Sing Choir (Lunchtime Group - Wednesdays 12:00 - 1:15 PM) - Autumn/Spring Subscription - FULLY BOOKED

Well Sing Choir (Evening Group - Wednesdays 5:45 - 7:00 PM) - Autumn/Spring Subscription

Well Sing Choir (Afternoon Group - Thursdays 3:30 - 4:45 PM) - Autumn/Spring Subscription - FULLY BOOKED

Adult Division Singing Group Classes (Novice, Beginner, Intermediate)

Adult Division Singing Group Classes (Advanced - 8 months subscription)

Autumn 2026

Family Drum & Beatz (Family percussion sessions)

Adult Division Orchestra - some vacancies to be filled

Adult Division Percussion Group Classes

Autumn 2026

Ditties for Dotes (Parent & Child) (6 weeks) - per course

Tunes for Toddlers (Parent &  Child) (various age groups available) (6 weeks) - per course

Family Drum & Beatz (Family percussion sessions)

Autumn 2026 

Ukulele Happy - Groovy Chords & Easy Action

Well-Sing Choir (Lunchtime Group - Wednesdays 12:00 - 1:15 PM) - Autumn/Spring Subscription - FULLY BOOKED

Well Sing Choir (Evening Group - Wednesdays 5:45 - 7:00 PM) - Autumn/Spring Subscription

Well Sing Choir (Afternoon Group - Thursdays 3:30 - 4:45 PM) - Autumn/Spring Subscription - FULLY BOOKED

Family Drum & Beatz (Family percussion sessions)

Spring 2027

Leaving Cert Music Technology (not yet bookable)

Leaving Cert Music Easter Review (YEAR B) (not yet bookable)

Suggestion Box

Invitation for Course Ideas Submission

Dear Music Enthusiasts, 

Do you have a passion for music and a knack for creativity? Are you bursting with innovative course ideas that you believe would captivate and inspire others in the realm of music? 

If so, we want to hear from you! 

We are excited to announce an open call for course suggestions in the following categories, all centered around the beautiful world of music: 

1. Adult Music/Drama Lessons 

2. Professional Development 

3. Chamber Music/Ensemble Participation 

4. Wellness/Holistic Experience 

Whether you're a seasoned musician, a music educator, a wellness coach, or simply someone who adores melodies and harmonies, we welcome your ideas with open arms. Share your vision for a course that would engage, educate, and entertain our community of music lovers! 

Submit your course proposal through the following link:

Together, let's create a harmonious learning experience that resonates with all who participate. We can't wait to see the symphony of ideas that you bring to the stage! 

With musical anticipation, 

RIAM

ChamberFest - Featured Image (String quartet)

Join a Group or Ensemble

Share your love of music with like-minded musicians at weekly group instrument lessons with expert tutors. Develop new relationships as you improve your performance skills, learn new repertoire and present concerts with your new group. (Max group size 3 - 5). Courses run for 12 weeks per session, twice per year (Sept-Dec, Jan-Apr) with opportunities to progress to more advanced classes.

Adult Division Group Classes: Click here to view the Autumn Term 2026 Schedule

Conductor with choir

Improve Musicianship & Performance

Explore a range of courses specially designed by industry professionals to improve your musicianship and performance skills, from Choral Conducting to Sight-Singing using the Kodaly Method.

An image of a child smiling playing the cello

Explore Talks and Seminars on Music History and Appreciation

Beethoven: Behind the Music (5 weeks) - Music Appreciation Classes with Deborah Kelleher

Music in 18th-century Dublin (5 weeks) - Music Appreciation Classes with Adrian Le Harivel

Clarinet student and teacher, RIAM

Upskill with specially designed CPD courses for music professionals

You're a busy music teacher with students to teach and prepare for, a school to promote and run, and a never-ending to-do list. It can be hard to find the time for Continuous Professional Development, yet you know it is essential. Join colleagues from all over the country on short, sharp CPD courses designed to upskill music professionals in the most important areas. A selection of courses are available on-demand to complete in your own time.

Are you interested in joining RIAM Adult Division?