Today we’d like to introduce you to Claire Shirey.
Hi Claire, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
In 2019 we started an Irish music school in Donelson with a simple goal: to share the joy of traditional Irish music with our community. Since then, we’ve grown into something really special—a fun, family-friendly place where people of all ages can learn, play, and perform Irish music and dance!
In the spring of 2024, we expanded and opened our Irish dance school in Lebanon. It’s been an amazing experience watching students tap into the energy and spirit of Irish dance. And the excitement keeps growing—this fall, we are expanding to Cookeville to bring Irish music and dance to even more folks in Middle Tennessee!
We perform all around the Nashville area and also host traditional Irish music sessions at Homegrown Taproom & Kitchen in Donelson on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of every month. These sessions are open to the public and are a great way to hear live music in a laid-back setting (and maybe even join in on our Learning Session at 5pm!).
Whether you’re totally new or have some experience, we welcome students of all ages and backgrounds. No matter your level, there’s a place for you here.
If you’ve ever been curious about Irish music or dance—or just want to be part of a welcoming, creative community—come check us out!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Starting our Irish music and dance school has come with its share of challenges. In the beginning, one of the biggest hurdles was simply getting the word out—Irish arts aren’t very well known in Middle Tennessee, so we had to rely on word of mouth, small performances, and community events to build awareness. Like many others, the pandemic disrupted our in-person classes and performances, pushing us to quickly adapt and find new ways to stay connected with students virtually. Finding traditional Irish instruments and teaching materials hasn’t always been easy either, which is why we’re proud to offer an instrument library to help students access what they need without the upfront cost. We actively fundraise and accept donations to grow this library and provide more instruments for our students to borrow, making Irish music more accessible to everyone.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
We offer music lessons for students ages 7 and up. Most students start with the tin whistle, a fun and approachable instrument that lays a strong foundation in Irish melody and rhythm. After a year or so, many students choose to continue on the whistle or branch out to other traditional instruments like fiddle, flute, or bodhrán, building technique and learning new tunes along the way.
A sister school of Scott-Ellis School of Irish Dance, our dance classes are open to kids ages 5 and up. Whether it’s their first time in dance shoes or they’re ready to work on more advanced steps, we focus on building confidence, rhythm, and a love of movement—all while having a blast.
You can catch us performing around Nashville and hosting traditional Irish music sessions at Homegrown Taproom & Kitchen in Donelson on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of each month. We also host Irish cultural days throughout the year, offering workshops, performances, and hands-on experiences for all ages. This spring we added an Irish singing workshop with Karen Thames Ballew and are continuing the classes through the rest of the year!
We’re lucky to collaborate with some of Nashville’s amazing Irish organizations, including Irish Network Nashville, Gaelic Athletic Association, Ancient Order of Hibernians, and the Scott-Ellis School of Irish Dance. Together, we work to celebrate and share Irish heritage with our community.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Our success as a school comes from a mix of strong community values, cultural purpose, and a passion for teaching. We’ve created a space where students feel encouraged to grow, starting with accessible instruments like the tin whistle and gradually building skills and confidence in both music and dance. With classes starting at age 7 for music and age 5 for dance, we welcome families into a learning environment that’s both supportive and fun. Under the direction of Claire Shirey, our programs blend skilled instruction with a genuine love for Irish music and dance.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://middletnirish.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/middletnirish/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MiddleTNIrish/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNhVGxHMX-MAjsXjhs7eyWQ/featured
