Lifelong Learning
Lifelong Learning
Begin, deepen, or revive your relationship with music and performance with Ireland's leading teachers at the Royal Irish Academy of Music.
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).
RIAM GIFT VOUCHERS (€25/ €50 / €100 / €200) now available from our RIAM SHOP online.
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Lifelong Learning Courses / Classes Spring 2026
ON DEMAND
KEY SKILLS 2025 REPLAY (ONLINE) from mid-September (ON-DEMAND until May 2026)
Read Music the Trad Way (On Demand - Self-paced Learning all year round)
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Spring 2025
Sound Recording & Music Production
MAP (Mentorship By Artist Programme)
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Currently in Preparation (Spring 2026)
Inclusive Teaching for Tutors in the Arts
Teaching Music to Students with Additional Needs
Teaching Traditional Irish Music & Song (Foundation Certificate)
Autumn 2025
Sound Travels: A Cultural Expedition Through Latin America (Music Appreciation Course) (5 weeks)
Spring 2026
Soon to be announced "A new Music Appreciation Course" with RIAM Director Deborah Kelleher (details to follow) - Starts Friday 23rd January 2026
ON DEMAND
Read Music the Trad Way (On Demand - Self-paced Learning all year round)
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Currently in Preparation (Spring 2026)
Teaching Traditional Irish Music & Song (Foundation Certificate)
Spring 2026
Well-Sing Choir (Lunchtime Group - Wednesdays 12:00 - 1:15 PM) - registration opening 15th of November
Well Sing Choir (Evening Group - Wednesdays 5:45 - 7:00 PM) - registration opening 15th of November
Well Sing Choir (Afternoon Group - Thursdays 3:30 - 4:45 PM) - registration opening 15th of November
ON DEMAND
KEY SKILLS 2025 REPLAY (ONLINE) from mid-September (ON-DEMAND until May 2026)
Spring 2026
Adult Division Classical Piano Group Classes - registration opening 15th of November
Adult Division Jazz Piano Group Classes - registration opening 15th of November
Spring 2026
Adult Division Violin Group Classes - registration opening 15th of November
Adult Division Cello Group Classes - registration opening 15th of November
Adult Division Classical Guitar Group Classes - registration opening 15th of November
Adult Division Jazz Guitar Group Classes - registration opening 15th of November
Ukulele Happy - Groovy Chords & Easy Action (NEW sessions)
Spring 2026
Adult Division Singing Group Classes - registration opening 15th of November
Well-Sing Choir (Lunchtime Group - Wednesdays 12:00 - 1:15 PM) - registration opening 15th of November
Well Sing Choir (Evening Group - Wednesdays 5:45 - 7:00 PM) - registration opening 15th of November
Well Sing Choir (Afternoon Group - Thursdays 3:30 - 4:45 PM) - registration opening 15th of November
Spot On - Performance Classes for Singers (New Spring 2026 dates to be announced)
Spring 2026
Adult Division Clarinet/Saxophone Group Classes - registration opening 15th of November
Adult Division Flute Group Classes - registration opening 15th of November
Adult Division French Horn Group Classes - registration opening 15th of November
Adult Division Orchestra (Phase II) - Recruiting Wind/Brass/Percussion Players (link soon to follow)
Spring 2025
Adult Division Percussion Group Classes - registration opening 15th of November
NEW: Family "Drum & Beatz" (Family Events) (Afternoon sessions)
Adult Division Orchestra (Phase II) - Recruiting Wind/Brass/Percussion Players (link soon to follow)
Spring 2026
Family "Drum & Beatz" (Family Events) (NEW Afternoon sessions)
Ditties for Dotes (Parent & Child) (6 weeks) - per course
Tunes for Toddlers (Parent & Child) (various age groups available) (6 weeks) - per course
Spring 2026
Ukulele Happy - Groovy Chords & Easy Action (NEW sessions)
Family "Drum & Beatz" (Family Events) (NEW Afternoon sessions)
Well-Sing Choir (Lunchtime Group - Wednesdays 12:00 - 1:15 PM) - registration opening 15th of November
Well Sing Choir (Evening Group - Wednesdays 5:45 - 7:00 PM) - registration opening 15th of November
Well Sing Choir (Afternoon Group - Thursdays 3:30 - 4:45 PM) - registration opening 15th of November
(See below for a performance sample from our combined choirs)
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Currently in Preparation (Spring 2026)
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 centred around the beautiful world of music:
1. Adult Music/Drama Lessons
2. Professional Development
3. Chamber Music/Ensemble Participation
4. Wellness/Health 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
Course Suggestions
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). Course lengths range from 8 to 12 weeks per session, running twice per year (Sept-Dec, Jan-Apr) with opportunities to progress to more advanced classes.
Adult Division Group Classes: Click here to view the Spring Term 2026 Schedule
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.
Explore Talks and Seminars on Music History and Appreciation
Sound Travels: A Cultural Expedition Through Latin America - Join Annalisa Monticelli, RIAM vocal studies lecturer as well as the pianist and singer for the Latin band 'Baile an Salsa' and quintet 'Hibertango', in this 5 session course participants will explore Latin America's rich musical heritage, tracing its evolution through cultural fusion, historical context, and regional expression. Exploring countries such as Argentina & Uruguay – 'Tango traditions and the evolution of the Bandoneón', The Caribbean - 'Salsa, Merengue and the influence of African rhythms' and Peru, Bolivia & Ecuador – 'Indigenous legacies and Andean soundscapes'.
ANNOUNCING...
Join RIAM Director Deborah Kelleher as she discovers the delights of one of classical music's greatest forms - chamber music. This lively series will explore why this music, beyond solo repertoire, opera or even the mighty orchestra, is regarded as the essence of true musicianship. The series carries an 'access all areas' free pass to RIAM's ChamberFest (April 2026). (Starts Friday 23rd January 2026) - Registration to open soon.
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. Many courses are available on-demand to complete in your own time.