International melodeon making course showcases traditional craftsmanship in Glenarm

Esteemed French luthier and folk musician Emmanuel Pariselle in Glenarm, County Antrim.

Images: Paul Faith

A unique week-long melodeon-making course has concluded at Seaview Primary School in Glenarm, drawing musicians and craftsmen from across the UK, Ireland, and France.

The course, which ran from 24 to 31 May 2025, was led by esteemed French luthier and folk musician Emmanuel Pariselle and organised by local musician Sean Leyden.

The workshop gave participants the rare opportunity to handcraft their own melodeons—traditional diatonic button accordions—in custom tunings suited to their preferred musical genres, including English folk, Irish traditional, and Cajun styles.

Pariselle, who is widely recognised for his craftsmanship and his contribution to European folk music, transported specialist equipment from his workshop in Poitiers, France.

“Mr Emmanuel Pariselle makes instruments at his workshop in Poitiers, France. Mr Pariselle also provides courses in instrument making for up to 10 students who make their own instrument in the tuning for their own genre of music, English folk, Irish, cajun etc.”

Raw materials and parts for the instruments were sourced from Italy and France, ensuring the highest quality in the final builds.

A total of 13 individuals were involved in the course, including Mr Pariselle, two assistants, and a reed tuning specialist.

Participants came from various counties in both Northern and Southern Ireland, as well as from England, bringing with them a shared passion for folk music and craftsmanship.

“All the students and support team are musicians, some playing in well known ceili and folk bands,” a spokesperson said. “Those involved hoped to provide some entertainment with music sessions organised to show off the finished instruments in local pubs in the Antrim coastal village of Glenarm.”

The group brought entertainment to the village with spontaneous music sessions in Glenarm’s local pubs, where participants showcased the newly crafted melodeons—each one a unique instrument made by hand and tuned to the player’s own style. These sessions brought a festive air to the village, combining traditional sounds with international collaboration.

This bespoke event not only supported the preservation of traditional folk music and instrument-making techniques, but also highlighted Glenarm as a hub for cultural exchange and musical heritage.

Organiser Sean Leyden praised the community’s support and the enthusiasm of those involved. The success of this year’s event has sparked interest in making it an annual gathering for folk music enthusiasts and artisans alike.