As part of our festival and folk club package, we offer an extensive range of well presented workshops. Both working in the education sector, we recognise not only the value of sharing skills and knowledge, but also the fun that comes from running these events. Here are a list of the workshops that we have run to date.
Tune writing in a traditional style
Looking at techniques for creating original tunes:
(requires basic ability to read and write music)
Paper and pencils are provided, but participants are requested to bring instruments
(any). By the end of the workshop each person should have created their own “festival tune”.
Guitar accompaniment for tunes
Looking at developing accompaniment skills: (intermediate - advanced)
Looking at the relationship between the guitar and the tune; this workshops
looks at ways to put emphasis on some parts of the tune, to compliment and
reflect others. Aimed primarily at guitarists, the principles can be applied
to any accompanying instrument.
Developing chords for guitarists
Looking at alternative chords and key: (beginner - intermediate)
Taking a tune, explore how some chords fit better than others and how to
make your own chords up to fit. Using a background of Jazz playing to explore
alternative fingers for the same chord - and alternative chords for the same
tune.
Flute
Beginner - Advanced
General workshop on technique and repertoire, boehm system or traditional 6
hole flute can be catered for. Including grace notes for the classical flute.
Playing Together
Intermediate
Looking at arranging and playing together in harmony. An ability to read music
necessary.
Scottish Smallpipes
One or more progressive workshops
Introduction for Beginner - instruments provided
This workshop is to introduce the Scottish Smallpipes. Questions can be answered
and tunes played.
Vicki has recently completed a tutor for the Scottish Smallpipes, keep an eye
out for the first draft.
A couple of sets are available to try out.
Scottish Smallpipes
Grace note surgery: Improving musicality and performance using grace notes. (Advanced)
Grace notes are a very powerful tool that pipers can use to good effect, this
workshop aims to strengthen and improve grace notes.
Sessions
Any standard
Anytime, anyplace, anywhere!
Learn Swedish Tunes - coming soon
Augment your repertoire with some Swedish folk tunes.
Vicki on nyckelharpa and Jonny on accordion.
Research
Vicki's Masters level research includes online bagpipe teaching and online
sessions, visit the masters website