Guitar Accompaniment with Seán Ó Meara

Open to intermediate to advanced players

This workshop focuses on developing confident and creative guitar accompaniment for traditional music. Designed for intermediate to advanced players, Seán will explore the essential skills needed to support tunes and songs with sensitivity, drive and musicality.

Participants will work on rhythm and groove, chord choices, voicing, bass movement, and how to shape an arrangement without overpowering the melody. Seán will also look at common tune types (reels, jigs, hornpipes and airs), discussing how accompaniment can shift depending on style, tempo and ensemble setting. With a strong emphasis on listening and feel, the session will offer practical tools for playing in sessions, bands and performance contexts.

Seán Ó Meara is a highly regarded guitarist, multi-instrumentalist and educator whose work spans folk, rock, pop and traditional Irish music. A winner at the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in 2012, he has performed in over 20 countries across five continents, appearing at festivals, concert halls and major venues worldwide. He has collaborated and shared stages with artists including Sting, Bob Geldof, David Gray, Denise Chaila, Hermitage Green, GavinJames and Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, reflecting his versatility and musical range.

Seán released his debut solo album, Notions, Potions & Emotions, showcasing his distinctive voice as a composer and performer, and is also known for his work with the internationally acclaimed group The olllam. Alongside performing, he has taught with Music Generation Limerick and lectured at the University of Limerick.

This workshop offers a valuable opportunity to learn from one of the most dynamic accompanists working in Irish music today, and to bring new confidence and depth to your playing.