Claire Shirey

Fiddle, Concertina, Whistle

A Fiddle/Concertina player, champion Irish dancer, and Director of the Nashville Irish Music School (est. 2019). At age 7 Claire began playing the Fiddle and Irish Dancing in her hometown of Canton, Georgia. Starting with an upbringing in the Atlanta Irish Music School gave her the Irish Music education she needed to pursue her love for performing. Claire started off her professional career in 2012 while based in Atlanta, Georgia with “Ah Surley” of the Atlanta Celtic Company. During her time in Atlanta Claire performed with the band all throughout the Southeast at festivals, concerts, and workshops. 
Since 2018, Claire has been a prominent Fiddle Player in the Irish Dance Competition Scene, “Feiseanna” traveling across the US and Mexico to provide music for these high level competitions. Currently Claire performs across North America as the primary Fiddle Player for the Irish Dance Show, Celtic Illusion in their Canadian/US tour and a resident member of the Michael Londra Band of “Ireland with Michael”
As a competitive dancer, Claire has competed at the highest level of dancing, qualifying for the World Championships for 6 consecutive years. Claire concluded her competitive career in 2016 placing 4th in the Southern Region Oireachtas Qualifier. Claire currently dances for bands performing across the Southeast including Gaelic Storm, Nashville Celts, and Jamie Laval Christmas Tour.  
She is a graduate from the University of Georgia with a degree in Communications Studies and a certificate in Music Business. In 2019 Claire moved to Nashville, TN and eventually started the Nashville Irish Music School.