Jennifer Nolan’s Blog

Recently, Comhaltas in Britain has announced that Jennifer Nolan received the Caroline Judge Fegan TTCT scholarship 2025. The full scholarship supports Irish music teachers to attend the TTCT course, which provides an intensive week-long course and finishes with an in-depth exam. Caroline Judge Fegan was a true believer in teaching and passing on Irish music to the next generation. This scholarship is designed to support teachers in leading the next generation of musicians. 

Jennie shares with us why she applied for the scholarship and what it means to her to receive this award.

“My Dad's family were from Carlow and my Dad, throughout his life, played Irish Traditional music on banjo, button accordion, guitar and he even sang. He took me to join my local Comhaltas branch at around age 10, as I already started learning tunes at my local sessions. He really wanted me to be connected with other families and musicians in the Liverpool Irish community. It was great as we could learn and play Irish Traditional music together, and with other people. I have great memories of attending sessions and Fleadhanna with my Dad and making friendships with other children at the branch. 

I first started properly teaching when I was 20  years old as a way to expand my knowledge but also to pass on my heritage to new members and create memories like I had done with my Dad. Decades on, I’m still a member and teacher, as well as being a representative of the Northern Region. The instruments I teach are button accordion and whistle, but I also play the concertina, piano accordion and piano.

I decided to apply to the TTCT course because I have been teaching Irish Traditional music for around 35 years. The course will help me to ensure my teaching is of the highest standard possible to do it justice and help continue passing on the tradition. I am looking forward to learning the  different teaching methodologies with a focus on aural, and the skills needed to help students progress to their full potential. I'm excited to meet and learn from the Tutors, other Teachers and students. Plus we might get some time to enjoy sharing some tunes together. 

I was delighted to receive the Caroline Judge Fegan scholarship 2025 because it meant that I can honour Caroline’s memory and legacy in Irish Traditional music. Whilst continuing to pass on the tradition, in the same way that both Caroline and I had learned through our families and wider Comhaltas members. I also want to honour my Dad's gift of music and how he gave that passion to me. This scholarship will help me to inspire the next generation of musicians in the Irish music scene both in Liverpool and beyond.”