This summer, eight students from the Mary Pappert School of Music traveled to Ireland for the inaugural 2026 Maymester: Musical Ireland study abroad program. During this three-week experience, students explored Ireland’s rich music, history, and culture through academic coursework, experiential learning activities, and visits to some of the country’s most iconic attractions.

Accompanying the students was Dr. Joseph Sheehan, Associate Professor of Open Music, and Program Coordinator Shannon Baird, who is also a Student Success Coach in the School of Pharmacy.

Duquesne’s partner in Dublin, the International Learning Academy (ILA), introduced students to Ireland’s history through a walking tour of the city and visits to Trinity College, the Book of Kells, and the National Museum. ILA Founder and Director Francis Kelly taught a course on Northern Ireland: Conflict, Peace, and Identity, while ILA’s Damien Kelly led two excursions: one to Galway, the Aran Islands, and the Cliffs of Moher, and another to Northern Ireland, with stops in Belfast, Derry, and Giant’s Causeway. Students heard firsthand stories from people on both sides of “The Troubles” in Belfast and further explored this history through an inspirational peace workshop in Derry.

The music curriculum took students to four live performances: two traditional Irish music sessions at renowned pubs in Galway and Dublin, a concert by Hillary Hahn at the National Concert Hall, and a show by the Irish alternative rock band Hermitage Green at Whelan’s. There were also interactive workshops led by local experts on the bodhrán, Irish harp, uilleann pipes, and Irish set dancing, as well as a visit to the Irish Traditional Music Archive.

One of the program highlights was a student-designed concert hosted by the Spiritans at Kimmage Manor in Dublin. Built around the theme of “connection”, the multi-genre concert was organized by and featured performances by all eight students and was attended by more than 140 parishioners. It featured the music of J.S. Bach, Frédéric Chopin, James Curnow, Fleetwood Mac, Jason Mraz, Frank Ocean, and an original work by current music technology student Dante Dedola.

"The Music Maymester in Ireland exposed me to many opportunities, perspectives, and challenges that I never would have had the ability to explore if I had not gone on this trip,” explained Dedola. “Engaging with Ireland’s strong musical culture, rich history, and welcoming people resulted in a deep effect on my education and outlook on the future. I strongly feel that I’ve grown as both a musician and a person during this time, and I’m extremely grateful for all the wonderful experiences I got to share with my peers."

Abigail Drezewski, a Music Education major who participated in this experience also praised the trip, saying, "The Ireland Maymester enhanced my learning at Duquesne in ways that I would not have experienced without attending the trip. I feel so lucky to have immersed myself in a new culture. Not only did I become more knowledgeable in the musical aspects of the country's culture, but I also participated in everyday activities that gave me insight into what Irish citizens live like on the daily. I learned so much about myself and those around me while on this trip. As much as I valued the guidance and knowledge from the instructors, I was also able to be independent and explore on my own. I would do it all over again if I could!"

The Mary Pappert School of Music extends its thanks to Joe DeCrosta and Danielle Genemore of the Center for Global Engagement, as well as Michael Wright, Director of European Programs, for their help and support.

Reflecting on the experience, Dr. Sheehan shared “I’m so proud of our students. They embraced this study abroad experience with a shared sense of exploration, curiosity, and support for one another throughout their travels. I believe they left Ireland with a greater sense of possibility—a deeper awareness of our world, and how their musical passions and future careers could contribute to it. It was a joy and an honor to share Ireland with these students.”

By Dr. Joseph Sheehan

News Type

Stories

School

Published

July 13, 2026

Images from Maymester: Musical Ireland

Six participants stand together on a rocky coastal overlook with the ocean stretching behind them. Dressed in jackets and hats against the wind, the group smiles for the camera beneath a bright sky reflected across the water.
Students and instructors gather indoors holding traditional Irish frame drums during a hands-on music workshop. The group poses with their instruments while seated and standing around the classroom.
A group of students wearing bicycle helmets lines up on rental bikes before a ride through a coastal town. An instructor smiles behind them as the group prepares to set off under sunny skies.
Two people share a conversation during a traditional Irish music session, with one seated and demonstrating a set of uilleann pipes while the other crouches nearby listening and smiling.
Students and faculty pose together in a classroom following a guest presentation, smiling for a group photo in front of a whiteboard and large display screen.
Student musicians and faculty stand before an applauding audience following a performance inside a church. Stained glass windows frame the ensemble as audience members applaud from their seats.