Welcome
My name is Mark Blackwell
I am an Irish traditional musician and I have been on an instrument-making journey since 2018.
See my journey with Irish music
Pictures of my work and my performances
Flute lessons, tin-whistle lessons, workshop lessons
Instrument repairs/maintenance and custom Uilleann Pipe reeds
About Me
For much of my early life I played the tin-whistle. However, my Irish music journey really began in 2011 when I discovered the community accidentally online. I began learning to play the flute immediately and this is where my passion for Irish music started.
Once I graduated at Ballyfermot I built up a fit-for-purpose workshop and continued the craft. Uilleann pipe making is a complex process with a steep learning curve and I spent a further year studying the subject, training under other pipe-makers and working in my own workshop. I also repaired and maintained several instruments while producing a number of Uilleann Pipe reeds as a service. Currently I have re-enrolled in the Ballyfermot CFE Irish Music programme in the hopes of further developing my workshop skills under expert guidance.
My interest grew and I was fortunate to find a multitude of talented teachers that taught me how to play the traditional wooden flute. A few years later, I decided to start learning the uilleann pipes, and later enrolled and graduated with a Higher National Diploma in Irish Music Performance in Ballyfermot CFE, where I learned the craft of making Uilleann pipes.
Gallery
Teaching
I currently teach Irish music to children and adults. I also teach workshop skills to aspiring instrument makers. My lessons are designed to teach my students what I have learned through years of experience and what I wish I was taught when I first began playing music and making instruments. I take lessons step by step and we'll advance at your pace, however fast or slow that may be.
Flute Lessons
I have been an avid flute player for over a decade and my beginner and intermediate flute lessons take inspiration from the dozens of master musicians that I have learned from over that time. My lessons will provide the learner with a clear path to skill advancement and a large repertoire for personal enjoyment and performance.
Tin Whistle Lessons
The tin whistle has been a part of my life since I was a child and still remains as one of my favourite instruments to this day. A tin whistle can be brought anywhere and as such is often a go-to for spontaneous performances and travel entertainment. I offer beginner and intermediate lessons and would highly recommend the instrument as an introduction to Irish music.
Workshop Lessons
My workshop expertise focuses on the skills required to hand-craft musical instruments, particularly Uilleann Pipes. I also repair and maintain traditional flutes which require particular care. My workshop lessons will be tailored to your goals, whether it be to improve your machining skills or provide insider instrument-making expertise.
Coming soon!
Workshop Services
My expertise in particular relates to traditional wooden flutes that require special care and an experienced practitioner to repair and maintain them. I have years of experience with the handling of historic flutes and have formal education on the art of Uilleann Pipe making and repair. I also produce custom reeds for Uilleann Pipes.
Contact me for more information as every job is custom and unique.