Our story
History of the Music School
Established in 1997 under the Reynolds-Hanafin-Cooley Branch, the school has spent more than two decades passing the tradition on to new generations of Boston musicians.
Beginnings
Rooted in Boston's Irish community
The CCÉ Boston Music School was established in 1997 as part of the Reynolds-Hanafin-Cooley Branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann. Over the years it built historic partnerships with Boston College's Irish Studies Program and Harvard University's Celtic Studies Program.
Classes once met at Saint Columbkille Partnership School and St. Joseph's Preparatory School in Brighton, before moving to Zoom during the pandemic. From Fall 2025, in-person instruction resumed in Medford and Milton, while online Zoom classes continue for intermediate and advanced students.
Founded 1997
Under the Reynolds-Hanafin-Cooley Branch of Comhaltas.
University partnerships
With Boston College's Irish Studies and Harvard's Celtic Studies programs.
Back in person from 2025
In-person classes in Medford and Milton, with Zoom continuing online.
Connecting Boston and Ireland
Exchanges, recordings and competition
The former "Trad Youth Exchange" program linked young Boston musicians with peers in Ireland. In 2014–15, a collaboration with Mary MacNamara of Tulla, Co. Clare, and the TulÓg Music Group produced the album From Tulla to Boston: Live at the Burren.
Students may also, if they wish, compete in local and international Irish music competitions — an optional way to test their skills and represent the Boston tradition.
Be part of the next chapter
Join the school and help carry the tradition forward.