Betty O’Shea
Waltons New School of Music Faculty
Concert Flute • Concertina • Irish Flute • Tin Whistle
Betty is a flautist and traditional musician from Enniskerry, County Wicklow, who began her musical journey at a young age through traditional Irish music. Alongside her professional training in concert or classical flute, she is an accomplished concertina, Irish flute and tin whistle player, winning a number of All-Ireland titles at the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann over the years. She went on to pursue third level classical training at the Royal Irish Academy of Music, studying under Bill Dowdall and Ríona Ó Duinnín, with additional piccolo tuition from Sinéad Farrell. Betty performed with leading ensembles while at RIAM, including the National Youth Orchestra of Ireland, the Irish Youth Wind Ensemble and the RIAM Symphony and Philharmonia Orchestras. She was selected for the RIAM Young Artist Programme in 2023–2024 and has participated in numerous masterclasses and performances. She was awarded first place at the 2022 Feis Ceoil in 2022 in the flute category and most recently reached the semi-final of the Maura Dowdall Competition, further highlighting her growing presence on the Irish classical music scene. Alongside her performing career, Betty is an enthusiastic and engaged teacher, offering tuition in both classical and traditional music, and she is deeply committed to nurturing young musicians. ‘I have always had a love for traditional Irish music, and I now teach both classical and traditional music to students of all ages, helping them build to confidence, technique and a love for playing. I believe the traditional way of learning by ear is extremely important; it makes you an adaptable musician and can be applied to the learning of any music genre, including classical, with huge benefit. My aim is to help all of my students find their own musical voices, whether it’s through solo performance, ensemble playing or exploring new styles and genres – and to have fun making music along the way!’
a comprehensive music centre in the heart of Dublin.