The Iron Ring is Tyler St. Clare (wooden flute, vocals) and Joel Michael-Schwartz (guitar, mandolin, vocals), two classically-trained musicians with a lifelong interest in celtic music. Drawing influence from the likes of Chris Norman, Martin Hayes, and John Doyle, they are carving a small new corner of the tradition in the Mid-Atlantic region.
Tyler is a cheerful multi-instrumentalist and instrument-maker, and co-founder of the Four Hour Day, a community music hub and instrument-building shop in Baltimore. He has a degree in music from St. Mary’s College of Maryland, where he studied under the illustrious pianist and all-around great human Brian Ganz. He was also a Peace Corps Volunteer in Nicaragua and an apprentice wooden flute-builder with master craftsman Rodger Young.
Tyler took up the wooden flute to alleviate some of the stress from classical piano studies, and it has since become his primary musical passion. He plays primarily on restored 19th-century American instruments, including a couple of rare William Whiteley flutes. He performs both in the Irish/celtic genre as well as early music with his ensemble Endris. Tyler’s love for the flute & this music continues to grow and evolve, and he is excited to delve ever further into the tradition.
Joel is a professional mandolinist, guitarist, and strings specialist based in Baltimore. He is an experienced and friendly teacher who will teach you what you want to know, how to make it your own, and deepen your understanding and enjoyment of music. An in-demand, virtuosic performer and collaborator, Joel plays and teaches a wide variety of music with a flair for unique fusions.
Joel holds a B.A. in music performance and theory/composition from Goucher College (Cum Laude, Honors in Music), and has many years of teaching experience and boundless enthusiasm for it.