Milwaukee Irish Fest Summer School Instructors
Note: All times are listed in CENTRAL TIME ZONE. Thank you!
Devin Shepherd
Instructor Website: http://buamusic.com/band/
Teaching M08: Fiddle, Intermediate Irish and M12: Fiddle, Advanced Irish
Devin Shepherd began learning the fiddle at an early age and soon became enamored with Irish music, which was nurtured by his mother who immersed him in the deep-rooted Irish music scene of his hometown of Chicago. Devin was awarded an Illinois Arts Council Master- Apprentice grant to study with famed Liz Carroll when he was only twelve years of age. During this formative period he won first prize in the Midwest Fleadh Cheoil fiddle competition for nine consecutive years—another testament to his dedication to the tradition. Shepherd learned much about the styles and repertoire of Chicago by playing with many native born musicians including Phil Durkin, Frank Burke, Albert Neary, Pat Cloonin, and Úna McGlew. Most recently he has enriched his style through the recordings of legendary fiddlers Bobby Casey, Michael Coleman, and John Doherty, as well as living legend James Kelly and the late Paddy Cronin. Since 2000, Devin has been a full-time teacher and performer of Irish music throughout the US and abroad. While he currently resides in his home town of Chicago, he added to his knowledge of the music during a two-and-a-half year stint living and playing in New York City—another highly respected community for Irish traditional music. He is a member of the Chicago-based ensemble Bua, winners of the 2009 Irish Music Award for "best traditional band," and a former member of Chicago Reel. Devin has a degree in music composition from the Chicago College of Performing Arts.