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 tailroed 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.
When and where does it take place?
Saturdays at Cecil Sharp House, in Autumn and Spring (please note, we do not run classes in the Summer term)
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.
2020-21 Dates
Autumn term: 12, 19 September | 3, 17, 24 October |7, 21, 28 November | 5 December (9 sessions)
Spring term: 16, 30 January | 13, 27 February | 6, 13, 27 March | 10, 17 April (9 sessions)
2019-20 Timetable
Please note that timetable for 2020-21 is under review and will be published in July.
|
Kennedy Hall |
Trefusis |
Storrow |
Committee Room |
|
| 10:00–11:30 | Song | Fiddle 1 | Accordion 2 | Guitar 1 & 2 |
| 11:45–13:15 | Melodeon 1 |
Guitar 3 & 4 |
Accordion 3 & 4 | Fiddle 2 & 3 |
| 13:45–15:15 |
Melodeon 2 & 3 |
Melodeon 4 | 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)
For those who have some basic knowledge of playing the instrument and want to develop their skills. For Accordion players, basic sight-reading skills and an experience of the piano keyboard 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.
Annual Enrolment
We recommend enrolling for the whole year (Autumn and Spring term). We offer a 5% discount if you choose to pay for the whole year at the beginning of the Autumn term. Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more details.
*Concessions are available to people who are in full-time education; in receipt of Job Seekers Allowance; in receipt of Income-Based Benefit (such as Income Support, Housing or Council Tax Benefit, Working Tax Credit, Pension Credit). You will need to provide evidence of eligibility before your attendance at the class or course – either in person at the Box Office or by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Book now
Instrument hire
You can hire a banjo, accordion or melodeon from us (subject to availability) for a modest fee, plus a returnable deposit. See the relevant instrument page for details.
You might also like
- Monday Folk Choir Workshops, 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
