Please join us in welcoming the Center for Irish Music’s newest instructors, Sean Gavin (flute, uilleann pipes and tin whistle) and Kelsey Lutz (fiddle). Sean and Kelsey recently relocated to Minneapolis after Kelsey was accepted to the University of Minnesota’s School of Law, and we’re certainly glad they did!
Both Sean and Kelsey are integral members of the Irish-American traditional music scene and bring some impressive “trad” credentials to CIM’s team of instructors.
Sean Gavin is an award-winning flute and uillean player from Detroit. He was first encouraged to play by his father, Mick Gavin, a fiddle player and music educator from County Clare. In 2016, Sean was awarded the prestigious Seán Ó Riada Gold Medal competition on flute, a recognition given only to musicians of the highest standard and commitment to the tradition. His playing on both flute and pipes is remarkable for its deep roots in the past of the music combined with a vigor and creativity very much of the moment. Sean tours with critically acclaimed Irish-American band, Bua, Téada and fiddler, Jesse Smith. With multiple albums to his name, Sean is also a dedicated teacher and has taught at Irish music camps across the states including Catskills Irish Arts Week, the Minnesota Irish Music Weekend and Cascadia Irish Week.
Kelsey grew up in Ann Arbor, MI where she developed an interest in the fiddle at a young age. She learned most of her music from Mick Gavin and has spent the past several years living and playing in Chicago, where she quickly became part of the city’s vibrant music scene. Kelsey enjoys teaching and playing at sessions, as well as performing throughout the United States and regularly traveling to Ireland. Congratulations to Kelsey for getting into the very competitive program at the University of Minnesota School of Law!
We’re excited to add Sean Gavin and Kelsey Lutz to incredible roster of instructors. Sean is teaching on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and Kelsey teaches on Thursdays. If you see them around the Center for Irish Music, stop by and introduce yourself!