Caroline Keane has been playing the concertina for more than twenty years and professionally since 2007. Growing up in Limerick, she was surrounded by the musical richness of both Clare and Sliabh Luachra, influences which have become the cornerstone of her uniquely vibrant, passionate and emotive style of concertina playing.
At the age of seven, Caroline began taking tin whistle lessons at her local Comhaltas branch, and soon afterwards progressed on to concertina. Under the guidance of her teacher, Noel Hill, she developed proficiency in her art, and by fifteen, was performing both nationally and internationally. In 2006, Caroline was awarded the prestigious Lán Mara award, in recognition of outstanding achievement in national music examinations.
She holds first-class honours degrees at both BA and MA levels in Irish Traditional Music and Traditional Irish Music Performance respectively from the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance at the University of Limerick. Caroline is also a prolific composer of contemporary Irish repertoire inspired by her interaction with traditional music on a local and national level, since studying composition within her BA degree.
In addition to her TTCT diploma in Irish traditional music teaching, Caroline also completed a Professional Diploma in Music Education in 2012. Her versed approach to tutelage is not only a testament to her musical expertise, but demonstrates the patience and empathy of experience. She has toured extensively throughout Europe, Canada, America, Australia and New Zealand performing at festivals such as Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, Goderich Celtic Roots Festival, Celtic Colours, Dublin Ohio Irish Fest, Woodford Folk Festival and many others in both solo and ensemble capacities, Caroline is truly a world musician.
Since 2013, Caroline has been a member of the group FourWinds, performing “An exciting landscape of tunes and lyrics that present Irish traditional music in a modern and creative context”. Caroline has just released a duet recording of traditional Irish music with uilleann piper and OAIM tutor Tom Delany entitled ‘Never Say Goodbye, Say Good Luck’ which has received rave reviews and international critical acclaim since its release. Caroline has just released her debut album “Shine”. While on home soil, Caroline currently lives in Dingle, Co. Kerry, where she performs regularly.
