Whether you want to learn to play from scratch, or improve your technique and musical confidence, come and enjoy high quality teaching from professional folk musicians at Cecil Sharp House.
Since 2008, Saturday Folk Music Workshops have introduced hundreds of people to musical traditions from Britain and beyond. Our affordable classes for small groups are fun, welcoming and expertly taught, and are tailored to various levels of experience.
Totally brilliant – my favourite Saturdays! Great teaching from a great player, in a dynamic class
We run classes in:
- Accordion
- Banjo (five string clawhammer)
- Fiddle
- Guitar
- Melodeon (D/G with at least two right hand rows)
- Song
- Ceilidh Band class for mixed instruments
The classes are led by our team of inspiring and friendly professional folk musicians who regularly perform, tour and teach.
Due to Covid-19 related restrictions, if all or part of this course is not able to take place at Cecil Sharp House, it will take place online instead.
When and where does it take place?
All Saturday Folk Music Workshops will take place in-person at Cecil Sharp House, with the exception of Melodeon 4, which will take place online.
Workshops take place at different times depending on your instrument and level of experience.
Each workshop lasts 90 minutes.
If you are a complete beginner, you’ll need to start in the Autumn term. All other classes also run in the Spring.
2021-22 Dates
Autumn term: 11, 18 September | 2, 16, 23 October | 6, 20, 27 November | 4 December (9 sessions)
Spring term: 8, 22, 29 January | 12, 19 February | 5, 12, 26 March | 2 April (9 sessions)
Please note, we do not run classes in the Summer term
Autumn 2021 Timetable
|
Kennedy Hall |
Trefusis |
Storrow |
Committee Room |
Online | |
| 10:00–11:30 | Song | Guitar 1 & 2 | Accordion 2 | Fiddle 1 & 2 |
Melodeon 4 |
| 11:45–13:15 | Melodeon 2 |
Guitar 3 & 4 |
Accordion 3 & 4 | Fiddle 3 | |
| 13:45–15:15 |
|
Melodeon 3 | Banjo 3 & 4 | Fiddle 4 | |
| 15:30–17:00 | Mixed Instruments: Ceildh Band |
Banjo 1 & 2 |
Who is it for?
For everyone aged 16 and over.
Young people aged 12 to 15 we welcome when accompanied by a responsible fee-paying adult.
Instrument-specific information (Accordion, Banjo, Fiddle, Guitar, Melodeon, Song, Ceilidh Band) is available from the individual class pages.
LEVEL 1 (absolute beginners – Autumn term only)
No need to have picked up the instrument before. We do not offer Level 1 for Accordion.
LEVEL 2 (beginners with some basic knowledge)
For those who have some basic knowledge of playing the instrument and want to develop their skills. For new Accordion players, some experience of a keyboard instrument is essential.
LEVEL 3 (improvers)
For those who can play the basics on the instrument and want to improve and expand their knowledge of traditional folk music.
LEVEL 4 (intermediate)
For those who are confident on their instrument, have some knowledge of the traditional folk repertoire and who want to extend their skills.
Termly fees
£118 | £95 concessions*
Advance booking is required. Bookings will open 6-8 weeks before the start of term.
*Adult learning concessionary rates are available for people: in full-time education; in receipt of Job Seekers Allowance; or an income-based benefit. You will need to provide evidence of eligibility before your attendance at the class or course - either in person at the Box Office or emailed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Covid-19 Statement
We are continuing a phased return to face-to-face teaching and expect that all of the advertised sessions will take place in person at Cecil Sharp House from September 2021. If for public health reasons we are unable to run classes in person, we intend to move sessions online using the Zoom-based model which we have been refining since the start of the pandemic.
We are a COVID-19 Secure venue. For more information, please visit our Covid Secure webpage.
Terms and Conditions
We cannot give you a refund for any missed classes, including absence due to self-isolation.
Refunds are given only if your course is cancelled or closed early.
If you enrol on a Saturday Folk Music Workshops course but decide after the first session but before the second class that it is not right for you, you can either:
- transfer your booking to another instrument. This depends on availability; if the course of your choice is full then we can reserve a place for you on the following term.
- or have the course fees refunded to you minus an administration charge of £15 (as long as you contact us before the second class of term).
Due to Covid-19 related restrictions, if all or part of this course is not able to take place at Cecil Sharp House, it will take place online instead.
For more information, please visit our Terms & Conditions
Instrument hire
We have a limited number of accordions, banjos, guitars and melodeons available to hire for a small termly fee plus a returnable deposit (subject to availability).
Hired instruments will be ready for collection on Saturday 11th September, the first session of term.
Hire fee: £24 per term
A £100 deposit for banjos and guitars or £150 deposit for accordions and melodeons is also required. This is refundable upon the return of the instrument at the end of the hire period, minus any cost involved in restoring the instrument to the original condition (due to damage incurred by the student, excluding reasonable wear and tear).
The hirer will accept liability for the care of the instrument throughout the time they are out of storage and will be expected to have suitable insurance arrangements in place. The hirer is expected to keep the instrument in good condition.
If you hire an instrument for the Autumn term only, you will need to return it on the last class of term. If you would like to keep the instrument over the holidays you will need to re-enrol for the Spring term, ensuring you pay the next term’s hire fee at the same time.
Options for booking and paying for instrument hire are offered as add-ons once you have selected the workshop(s) you would like to book onto. Alternatively, to reserve one of our instruments click here, or you can book via the Box Office in person or by telephone on 020 7485 2206.
What do I need if classes take place online?
For the best possible experience you will need a computer with a webcam, microphone and ear/headphones. You will also need a stable home Internet connection or 4G-mobile connection (Note that using a mobile internet connection can be costly, check your mobile phone tariffs before choosing this option).
Online workshops are taught using Zoom, with some additional material distributed via sound and video files. You do not need a Zoom account to join the course and will be able to access the sessions via your browser and our web links. A free basic Zoom account will, however, get you access to additional sound settings, which could be helpful if not essential for the course. You can also use the Zoom app on a tablet or even a mobile phone; however, a larger screen will give you a better overall experience of the course
You might also like
- Monday Folk Singers, if you want to sing in a group without the pressure and commitment of public performance
- Cecil Sharp House Choir, if you want to perform arrangements in harmony
