Description
Lake School of Celtic Music, Song and Dance
Jim McAlinden
TN181 Nov 26
Lake School of Celtic Music, Song and Dance is an immersive, inclusive, family friendly and culturally safe event held annually in the village of Koroit, Victoria, from 2–7 January.
For 27 years, the school has brought people together to celebrate and learn the Celtic traditions of spoken and written word, music, song, dance, art, traditional crafts and drama.
Welcoming participants of all ages, backgrounds and skill levels, it is a vibrant, intergenerational gathering grounded in a spirit of inclusion, learning, creativity and joy.
The school offers classes across a wide range of instruments, artforms and proficiency levels, catering for children, adult learners, professional musicians and recreational participants alike.
In 2027, the program will feature 62 classes during the day, complemented by evening showcases, exhibitions and seisiúns.
These shared experiences create opportunities for participants to develop their skills, explore new artforms, exchange knowledge and form lasting connections.
Inspired by the Willie Clancy Summer School in Ireland, the Lake School was established to provide a similar experience for musicians and families wishing to embrace traditional Celtic artforms in an Australian setting.
The program is reviewed annually, with participant feedback and requests helping shape its ongoing development.
This approach enables the school to honour its traditions while expanding opportunities across instruments, skill levels and cultural experiences.
The Lake School plays an important role in sustaining Australia’s folk music community.
Its impact extends beyond the week itself, supporting those working in the industry, aspiring professional artists and people who participate for recreation and enjoyment.
Participants travel from across Australia, with many returning year after year and carrying their experiences, skills and knowledge back to their own communities.
Through their continued involvement, they help sustain the traditions, audiences and networks that keep the artforms thriving.
Strong relationships with organisations and musical communities, including Comhaltas Melbourne, the Melbourne Scottish Fiddle Club, Tuniversal and local session players from south-west Victoria, further strengthen the school’s reach.
Collaborations with festivals such as the Port Fairy Folk Festival, Melbourne Irish Festival, Deloraine Celtic Music Weekend, National Celtic Festival and Robbie Burns Festival connect participants with opportunities to perform, collaborate and engage with the wider folk community.
While firmly rooted in Celtic traditions, the Lake School continues to evolve through creative collaborations and new experiences.
In 2026, a First Nations weaver led the creation of a traditional Celtic headdress for the annual parade, providing a meaningful example of cultural collaboration.
The program also introduced its first ever Trad Disco and hosted a live video session with a tutor from the Willie Clancy Summer School in Ireland, further strengthening connections between Irish and Australian musical communities.
A significant example of the school’s contribution to emerging talent is the Stars on the Lake program, established in 2017.
Selected young musicians come together to form a band and receive mentoring throughout the school in set selection and performance skills.
They are then supported to perform at a range of festivals over the following 12 months.
The program has helped launch the professional careers of many talented young musicians, including some of Australia’s leading traditional performers.
Alumni regularly appear in national and international festival lineups and feature among Folk Alliance Australia’s AFMA Award nominees and winners.
Their achievements demonstrate the lasting value of the school’s mentorship, performance opportunities and supportive musical community.
Through its commitment to education, cultural exchange, performance and community, the Lake School nurtures the next generation of traditional artists while sustaining the enthusiasm and participation of established musicians and audiences.
More than an annual event, it is a growing, interconnected folk community that celebrates Australia’s Celtic heritage, encourages artistic development and inspires an enduring commitment to traditional music, song, dance and culture.
The Stars on the Lake initiative offers emerging and established young adult musicians a unique opportunity to be mentored by accomplished, performing musicians for the week at The Lake School of Celtic Music, Song and Dance, and form a high calibre Celtic band.
This ensemble will represent the Lake School of Celtic Music, Song and Dance on a major festival stage at the Port Fairy Folk Festival, and potentially at the National Celtic Festival.
Selected musicians will participate in rehearsals and workshops (online and/or in person), learn and help arrange a setlist of traditional, contemporary, and original pieces, perform on the final day of the Lake School of Celtic Music, Song and Dance, perform at the Port Fairy Folk Festival, potentially perform at the National Celtic Festival, and, represent the Lake School community with professionalism, creativity, and respect.
Applications close November 29.
Contact admin@lakeschool.com.au for more information.
Recent past Star on the Lake bands are 2026 – The Surround, 2025 – Glór, and 2023 – Apolline.
