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kevin elam

about kevin

Kevin Elam is a multi-instrumentalist and All-Ireland Champion in Men's Singing. Although he boasts a strong background in classical piano and choral singing, and a degree in jazz keyboard, Kevin is rooted in Irish traditional music. In August of 2019, he was awarded first place in Men's English Singing at the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, held in Drogheda, Ireland, and took home the coveted “Dalaigh Shield”, an award only won by one other American in its 65-year history.

Kevin has also won more than a dozen other awards in Irish music, including second place medals in Accompaniment and in Newly Composed Songs at the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, and nine first-place awards in multiple categories at the CCE Mid-Atlantic Fleadh. In 2020, Kevin was awarded a grant from George Mason University’s Young Artist Commissioning Project, and consequently recorded his debut album of traditional ballads, If I Were A Small Bird, released in September 2021. 

Kevin enjoys a busy performance schedule in the U.S. and abroad, appearing both as a soloist and with several ensembles at many of the top Irish and Scottish festivals, venues and concert series. Kevin was honored to be selected as one of six Artists in Residence at Strathmore Music Hall in Bethesda, MD for the 2023 season. Kevin also teaches students in multiple instruments and styles, both through private lessons and Patreon content, as well as at prestigious programs such as DC’s premiere Irish traditional music camp, MAD Week.

Kevin stays quite busy with other musical pursuits outside of the Irish traditional music scene. Holding a BM in Jazz Studies from George Mason University, Kevin performs regularly as a pianist in jazz and popular styles in the DC area. He has also developed a reputation as a skilled chamber singer, and enjoys singing Renaissance polyphony (as well as other choral works) with several professional choirs, as well as directing his own a cappella chamber group, Ars Gratia Populi. 

http://www.kevinelammusic.com

http://patreon.com/kevinelammusic

student reviews of kevin

“I started guitar lessons to learn how to accompany traditional Irish music in performance settings.  Kevin adapts our sessions to my learning style and pace, blending theory, practical skills, and encouragement while staying focused on my goal. His skills as a multi-instrumentalist and vocalist enhance the learning experience, allowing him to demonstrate ideas and techniques in a variety of ways. We focus on Irish tunes in our lessons, but Kevin can expertly dip into classical, jazz, rock, and even medieval songs to get a point across (and demonstrate his infectious enthusiasm for all music). Although I still play in mostly informal settings, I’ve also had great fun performing professionally as a result of what I’ve learned.” - John Roberts, guitar

“I have been taking piano lessons from Kevin for the past 8 years and in this time, I have only had positive experiences… Kevin made sure that I wasn’t only learning how to play the piano, but that I was also gaining an appreciation for every aspect of music. Through my lessons, I have learned how to read music, use my ear to transcribe songs, compose melodies to match a specific mood, and have become aware of many music theory topics…The key thing that I have learned about Kevin is that he will adapt his teaching style and expertise to ensure that it fits how you learn…He is able to use his expertise and extensive knowledge and experience as a musician and a teacher to provide the most valuable lessons that a person could ask for. Overall, I couldn’t recommend Kevin enough to be your child’s music teacher. I have never met a teacher who is so informative, insightful, and passionate about what they do. Words can't explain how amazing it is to have the opportunity to learn from him." - Nadia Daly, piano

“I just wanted to say that I am very grateful for how much you have taught me with classical and jazz piano. Your teaching helped me cultivate a strong interest in music not only as a means of entertainment or stress relief but also of self expression. I believe that your approach to teaching significantly breaks down the difficulties of advanced piano. While you enable students with a learning-by-doing approach, you also provide us with demonstrations or examples that help us understand the end goal with a piece of music or a musical technique. This makes your teaching not only very effective but also very unique.” - Michael Volkman, Piano

kevin performance photos & videos