Tina McLoughlin

Whistle and Button Accordion

Born in Bremen in Germany, I began my musical career at the early age of six when I received classical training as a recorder player. These studies were later augmented with lessons on the harpsichord. The rapid progress on these instruments ensured that my natural talent and flair were quickly recognized. This soon led, quite naturally, to valuable exposure as a concert soloist and was followed by many offers of Radio, Television and Theatre work as well as affording me the opportunity to gain much valuable experience in the recording studio as a “session” musician.
I discovered Irish traditional music in my teens,  groups such as Planxty , De Dannan, Clannad and the Dubliners had a huge musical influence on me and I felt an immediate affinity with the complexity and spontaneity of this form of music. Awakened to the possibilities of developing my skills through contact with and encouragement from Irish musicians such as John Sheahan and the influence of musicians like Mary Bergin, Sean Ryan and Sharon Shannon.

I developed a huge interest and love for the music of the world renowned band Kila and started studying their music intensively. I have appeared many times at Kilas Concerts as a guest musician.

I was a member of the locally based band “Clann Eadair” from Howth in County Dublin who together with Phil Lynott released the highly acclaimed single “A Tribute to Sandy Denny”. With Clann Eadair I appeared on many Radio and Television Programmes including the Late Late Show.

My first solo album ” Just For Now ” has been released on Claddagh Records and gained an extremely positive critical response. Produced by Ian Vance Melrose, the album is a stunning collection of music that brings together the many stands of my musical personality, allowing me the space to integrate my classical skills and feel for traditional music in the company of some of Ireland’s finest musicians.

I also teach Whistles, Button Accordion, and Bodhran ,having lived in Dublin until recently I was teaching students drawn from many of the schools on Dublins northside. A number of my students were prize winners at the all Ireland Fleadh. My students also compete regularly at Fleadh Cheoils and Feiseanna.

I am now living in Bantry, West Cork and play with the loacally based Tradtional Irish group Lorg.