This year’s Bath Folk Festival, which takes place from 11-19 August, is offering places to musicians of all ages and abilities the chance to take part in a five day summer school, providing the chance to learn new tunes and develop technique with the help of our expert tutors.
The summer school will take place from 13-17 August at Bath Studio School, and will provide classes in fiddle, flute/tin whistle, guitar, tenor banjo/mandolin, box/piano accordion, singing and Irish dancing. The sessions will also include tuition from acclaimed tutor Catriona MacDonald for a mixed instrument workshop each afternoon, where participants will learn a selection of session tunes together.
The summer school will run from 10am to 4pm each day and costs £170 for adults and £120 for children under 16.
“The Summer School is aimed at musicians of all ages and standards (age 8-80+) who want to develop their technique and learn new repertoire from outstanding tutors in a non-threatening and relaxed environment,” explained summer school coordinator Rachel Barrett. “The focus is on enjoying music and learning together in small supportive groups. This is not a course for people who have never played their instrument before, but beginners, intermediate and advanced players are all welcome. An ability to play by ear is a definite advantage and it is a good idea to bring some kind of recording device, such as a mobile phone, to keep track of new tunes learnt.
“The summer school offers such an amazing opportunity over 50 musicians, young and old, all at different stages in their musical journey, supporting and encouraging each other whilst learning from some of the best tutors in the business. All this, right on our very own doorstep. I can’t wait!”
“This year’s summer school promises to be the most exciting yet, with so many new classes on offer. You can come with your family and learn together or come on your own and make new friends. Either way it is a fantastic chance to enjoy your music-making and develop your skills.”
The summer school is part of the Bath Folk Festival which present concerts, sessions, dances and workshops at a variety of venues across Bath, meaning that the whole city becomes alive with traditional music, dance and storytelling. The festival celebrates all flavours of traditional music, from English, Irish, Scottish and Welsh music to Americana, gypsy jazz, French, bluegrass, world folk and more.
For more information, take a look at bathfolkfestival.org