Buncrana teacher Dr Liz Doherty has launched the world’s first global online community for traditional music teachers today.
“It’s a place for teachers of traditional music to come together, be inspired, motivated, learn from each other, and share tips and ideas.” That’s according to leading Irish traditional music figure, Dr Liz Doherty of I Teach Trad, who developed this initiative. She says members can also access online courses for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to enhance their teaching skills.
The online community is open to all teachers of traditional music, wherever they are in the world, and whatever instrument they play. It’s carefully structured to maximise learning and sharing opportunities. It includes forums where you can chat to other teachers, ask questions, and share ideas. There will be interviews with expert teachers, interactive Q&A sessions, webcasts, podcasts, power hours and more.
Liz has experienced the Irish traditional music world from lots of different levels: as a fiddle player, performer, recording artist, teacher, academic, TV producer, author and arts consultant. She’s used this combined experience to create a new and innovative way to meet the needs of traditional music teachers.
“Irish traditional music teachers often feel like they are on their own. Everyone feels like they are having to make it all up as they go along. Every teacher I talk to says the same thing. Until recently there has been no real opportunity for professional development and support for teachers.”
To address these needs, Liz developed and launched I Teach Trad exactly one year ago. It’s an online platform for training and CPD for Irish traditional music teachers. It offers courses and workshops with Digital Certification Badges – the first of their kind for the traditional music world. The online courses include a customised set of resources for planning, organising and delivering traditional music teaching.
However, over the past year, it became clear to Liz that the teachers she has worked with wanted ongoing support beyond courses and workshops. “A resounding piece of positive feedback indicates that our I Teach Trad events create a place where traditional musicians come together and talk teaching. So, this online community aims to address this need long-term.”
Liz says there will be two levels of membership – the higher level includes free access to online teacher training courses. To sign up or get more details, click here.
