With Seachtain na Gaeilge 2023 in full swing, now is the perfect time to incorporate some traditional Irish music into your music lessons for primary school! Ireland has such a rich history of music and culture. Considering this, introducing children to the world of Irish music will add so much to your music lessons for primary school pupils! Read on for some great Irish songs that could be included in your music lessons for primary school classrooms!
Music Lessons for Primary School- What is Irish Traditional Music?
Traditional Irish music, or ‘trad’ music, began over 2,000 years ago, coming with the Celts into Ireland. Influenced by Eastern music, the Celts introduced new instruments, such as the harp, to Ireland. Other Irish traditional instruments include the fiddle, the flute, the tin whistle, the uilleann pipes, and the bodhrán. However, the harp was the most popular of these instruments, and to this day remains a symbol of Irish music.
Irish music was not formally written down in the beginning. Rather, it was passed on from generation to generation by oral tradition. This means that the music was learnt by ear, with musicians picking up the tunes from one another. This practice is still encouraged in Irish traditional music today. However, in the 1700’s, Irish music began to be written down and collected. An example of this body of work can be found in the Irish Traditional Music Archive in Dublin, the largest body of Irish traditional and folk music in the world.
Music Lessons for Primary School- Fun Irish Songs for the Classroom
Óró Sé Do Bheatha ‘Bhaile
This traditonal Irish song dates back to the 1700’s. The term ‘Óró’ is a cheer, “while “sé do bheatha ‘bhaile” translates as “you are welcome home.” This nostalgic and cheerful song is bound to be a hit in the classroom.
Peigín Litir Móir
This upbeat and lively song will have all the pupils on their feet! Why not let the children practice their Irish dancing in the classroom along with the song?
Amhrán na bhFiann
The Irish National Anthem is arguably the most important Irish Traditional Song! Considering this, why not introduce it to your music classroom, and teach it to the pupils line by line.
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