Updated: Sunday October 28, 2026
What is the Comhaltas Winnipeg Tune Learning Session*?
This is an open group for folks interested in learning traditional Irish and Celtic tunes.
*In October 2026, the session changed its name from the Winnipeg Slow Session to the Comhaltas Winnipeg Tune Learning Session
Where and when do we meet?
From January to the end of June and from September to the end of December we meet every Thursday: 6:00:00 - 7 PM at the Irish Association of Manitoba (the Irish Club) . (https://irishassociationofmanitoba.ca -- 654 Erin St, Winnipeg, MB R3G 2V9 https://goo.gl/maps/xkkpFbprgMr).
What instruments do people play?
Most tunes are instrumental and composed for dancers. Instruments include tin whistle, flute, recorder, guitar, mandolin, bouzouki’s, banjo, ukulele, fiddle, accordion, button accordion, harp, cooncertina, and bodran.
How does the session work?
Every second or third week, a new learning tune is taught by one of our players. The music PDF and audio clips emailed to everyone ahead of time so we can practice the tune at home before learning it together as a group. For the first 20 minutes of the session, the new tune is taught at a slow pace so everyone becomes more comfortable playing it. Following the “learning tune” we play some other tunes we have covered before. A suggested list is also sent out via the group email for the Winnipeg Slow Session.
More about the website
This basic site contains the “learning tunes” sheet music PDFs and links to the audio files. There is also a link to a more comprehensive library of tunes on the Comhaltas Ireland website. and the Comhaltas' Foinn Seisiún Books 1 to 3 (Books available here), is an excellent source of music. Comhaltas is an organization with chapters in many countries, dedicated to preserving and supporting traditional Irish music.
How do I get involved
The Slow Session is free to join. We encourage people to consider purchasing an annual membership in the Irish Association of Manitoba as they kindly provide us the space and regular time for us to have our sessions. Just show up any Thursday at 5:45 PM
Services at the Irish Association
Drinks are available at the bar, and meals may be offered in the future
For more information regarding the Comhalts Winnipeg Tune Learning Session, contact Erin Burns-Flett at erinburnsflett@gmail.com