Oona Grady is a musician and educator living in Saratoga Springs, New York.  She performs with the duo Drank The Gold, a band specializing in creative arrangements of traditional Irish and American fiddle music, folk songs, and original compositions, as well as with other projects including The Grady Girls, Folk Club Kids, Carolyn Shapiro, and newest project The Millstone Rounders.  

Oona grew up in Ithaca, NY, nurtured by a family and community with a deep love of music.  After receiving a grounding in Suzuki violin and Irish fiddle, she began performing with her family band as a teenager, and moved to Ireland at age eighteen to continue her music studies at University College Cork, graduating with a B.Mus. in 2008.  

Oona works as a recording artist (credits include strings on What a Night'll Do, Dr. Dog), manages a private music teaching studio, and is a founding teacher at the Caffe Lena School of Music.  She also works as a guest instructor for weekend workshops and summer programs, including GrassRoots Culture Camp, the Flurry Festival, Winter Village Music Camp, and the Ithaca Suzuki Institute. 

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private lessons with Oona

pop up lessons: one offs, lesson packs, and other flexible options

offered in Saratoga Springs, NY and online: all ages

For adults, students not currently in my studio, and/or students not ready to commit to weekly lessons I offer a variety of flexible lesson options.

Topics we can cover include fiddle tunes (Irish/old time); classical technique; beginner setup; confidence learning by ear; theory + note reading; & more.

All levels welcome.

more info & sign up

join Oona's Studio

weekly private lessons + more throughout the school year: for youth only

Oona draws on her extensive experience studying fiddle music and absorbing the philosophies of the Suzuki Method to create a personolized curriculum for each student.

While studying Irish tunes and/or classical repertoire, we will also explore technique & posture, practice skills, and more.

The program includes weekly private lessons with ensemble and performance opportunities throughout the school year.

2026-2027 classes take place online or in-person, and registration is open on a rolling basis.

Please get in touch for rates and availability.

Contact

group offerings at Caffe Lena

After School Youth Folk Ensemble - SAMPLE CLASS

Wednesday, September 16th, 2026

Are you interested in our After School Folk Ensemble but not sure it is the right fit? Join us Sept 16th for a FREE sample class!
3:00 pm – 3:45 pm or 4:00 pm – 4:45 pm

Instruments provided

Mixed ages and abilities: Open to any level of experience with music; Learn through listening and participation.

Focus on repertoire: Learn classic tunes and songs from the American folk tradition as well as some favorite contemporary songs.

Explore string instruments and singing, learning basic skills: Opportunities to focus on guitar, ukulele, banjo, mandolin, bass, and violin/fiddle*; (*for students interested in violin/fiddle it is recommended that they also be enrolled in private or school lessons).

Learn music fundamentals: Develop strong and steady sense of rhythm; Learn how to listen and hear musically; Explore singing finding one's own unique voice.

Learning valuable life skills: Working in a group setting; Creative contribution and compromise; Being part of a team and playing your part; Building friendships.

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After School Youth Folk Ensemble with Oona Grady and James Gascoyne

Wednesday afternoons during the school year: Fall semester begins September 30th

11 weeks, September 30th - December 16th (no class 11/25)

Music is a gift best shared with friends! Here is an exciting opportunity for youth 7-14 to learn music by playing together.  

Weekly 45 minute classes will be focused on making music, including singing, exploring various string instruments, music theory basics, rhythm exercises, how to learn songs/tunes from scratch, confidence in performance practice, and more.

Youth Folk Ensemble is– 

Mixed ages and abilities: Open to any level of experience with music; Learn through listening and participation.

Focus on repertoire: Learn classic tunes and songs from the American folk tradition as well as some favorite contemporary songs.

Explore string instruments and singing, learning basic skills: Opportunities to focus on guitar, ukulele, banjo, mandolin, bass, and violin/fiddle*; (*for students interested in violin/fiddle it is recommended that they also be enrolled in private or school lessons).

Learn music fundamentals: Develop strong and steady sense of rhythm; Learn how to listen and hear musically; Explore singing finding one's own unique voice.

Learning valuable life skills: Working in a group setting; Creative contribution and compromise; Being part of a team and playing your part; Building friendships.

Need help with tuition or an instrument? Let us know how we can help by filling out this application for the Matt McCabe Scholarship Fund or email: musicschool@caffelena.org

After School Youth Folk Ensemble classes meet on Wednesdays at Caffe Lena, 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

The three time slots are 2:45-3:30 pm; 3:40-4:25 pm; & 4:35-5:20 pm.  Sign up for one or all!

This 11 week session is part of a school year long program, including 19 weeks of classes January 6th - May 26 (2/17 & 3/31 off), which will culminate in a student sharing at Caffe Lena’s Sing in the Streets Festival in May 2027.

Students are encouraged to sign up for the whole year (2027 link will be shared soon) – the more time we spend learning and practicing music together, the tighter our ensemble will be! Discounts of 10% when purchasing more than 1 class at a time.

learn more & register

2026 summer camps

Adirondack Music Getaway with the Millstone Rounders

June 28 - July 1 * all ages

Join us for a brand-new musical experience at Great Camp Sagamore, led by celebrated musicians Oona Grady & James Gascoyne, along with members of the Millstone Rounders. Known for their warm, timeless sound, the Millstone Rounders play and sing classic country, bluegrass, blues, and more — all completely acoustic, gathered around a single microphone. Their style is easy on the ears and food for the soul, capturing the heart of traditional American music.

Over the course of this immersive three-day retreat, participants will learn directly from our instructors in small group sessions tailored to a variety of instruments and skill levels. Whether you’re picking up an instrument for the first time or looking to refine your technique, you’ll find inspiration, guidance, and community. Bring your musical instrument(s) of choice (including your voice!), and play and learn in the company of others.

The Millstone Rounders (Oona, James, Scott Hopkins, Matt Griffin, and Dylan Perrillo) are beloved teachers as well as excellent musicians, having offered lessons, classes, and workshops at the Caffe Lena School of Music, Ashokan Banjo Camp, Flurry Fest, GrassRoots Culture Camp, and Winter Village Music Camp, and more.

Modeled on our beloved Mountain Music program, this new offering brings fresh instructors and expanded musical opportunities, all set against the historic backdrop of Great Camp Sagamore. Expect jam sessions, skill-building workshops, shared meals, and evenings filled with song in true Adirondack style.

Make music, make memories, and connect through the joy of acoustic sound.

Program Activities:

-Expert instruction and collaboration on instruments, songwriting, new songs & the history of the music

-Instructor concerts

-Grand finale student showcase

-Bring your musical instrument(s) of choice (including your voice!), and play and learn in the company of others

-The instrumental workshops will be focused on stringband instruments, including: fiddle, banjo, mandolin, guitar, ukulele, and bass

Great Camp Sagamore, Raquette Lake, NY

learn more

Youth Folk Ensemble Summer Camp with Oona and James

July 6 - 10 * ages 7 - 14

Music is a gift best shared with friends! Here is an exciting opportunity for youth 7-14 to learn music by playing together. Building on the format of the weekly After School Youth Folk Ensembles offered during the school year at Caffe Lena, this summer camp is a Monday through Friday day camp meeting July 6 – 10, 2026, 9:30am – 3:30pm (Friday 9:30am – 12:30pm).

Three hours each morning and midday will be focused on making music, including singing, exploring various string instruments, music theory basics, rhythm exercises, how to learn songs/tunes from scratch, confidence in performance practice, and more. Each day will finish with extracurricular activities including lunch in congress park! At the end of the final day there will be a recital/sharing session for family and friends.  

Youth Folk Ensemble is– 

Mixed ages and abilities: Open to any level of experience with music; Learn through listening and participation.

Focus on repertoire: Learn classic tunes and songs from the American folk tradition as well as some favorite contemporary songs.

Explore string instruments and singing, learning basic skills: Opportunities to focus on guitar, ukulele, banjo, mandolin, bass, and violin/fiddle*; (*for students interested in violin/fiddle it is recommended that they also be enrolled in private or school lessons).

Learn music fundamentals: Develop strong and steady sense of rhythm; Learn how to listen and hear musically; Explore singing finding one's own unique voice.

Learning valuable life skills: Working in a group setting; Creative contribution and compromise; Being part of a team and playing your part; Building friendships.

Scholarships are available as well as instrument loans.

Caffe Lena, Saratoga Springs, NY

learn more

Family Camp at Great Camp Sagamore SOLD OUT

July 10 - 12 * all ages

Oona & James will offer music activities throughout the weekend. About Family Camp:

Spend a fun-filled weekend with the family surrounded by the charm of the beautiful Adirondack Mountains. Great Camp Sagamore celebrates all kinds of family connections. Building on the success of our Grandparent & Grandchild Camp, we’ve created a welcoming space for families of every kind to come together and enjoy a shared experience. This two-night program is designed to offer something for everyone: kids, teens, and adults alike.

Enjoy a relaxed pace and a welcoming atmosphere in a National Historic Landmark brimming with history and heart. Throughout the weekend, enjoy music, nature-inspired art projects, swimming, canoeing, hiking, and plenty of outdoor fun. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning to make new memories, Family Camp is a chance to unplug, play, and simply enjoy time together.

Sold out, but consider joining the wait list.

Great Camp Sagamore, Raquette Lake, NY

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