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.
All adult learning will take place ONLINE during the Autumn 2020 and Spring 2021 terms. We are working towards holding ‘in person’ class learning at Cecil Sharp House from Autumn 2021, if possible and safe to do so.
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.
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. All adult learning will take place ONLINE during the Autumn term. We are working towards holding ‘in person’ class learning at Cecil Sharp House from Spring 2021, if possible and safe to do so.
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 (ONLINE): 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)
2020-21 Timetable
|
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 |
Online Timetable - Spring 2021
To allow us to manage the workshops during the online Zoom sessions, start and finish times will be slightly staggered as follows:
| Time | Workshops | |
| 10.00 - 11.30 | Song | Fiddle 2 |
| 10.05 - 11.35 | Accordion 2 | Guitar 2 |
| 11.45 - 13.15 | Melodeon 2 | Guitar 3 & 4 |
| 11.50 - 13.20 | Accordion 3 & 4 | Fiddle 3 |
| 13.45 - 15.15 | Melodeon 3 | Melodeon 4 |
| 13.50 - 15.20 | Banjo 3 & 4 | Fiddle 4 |
| 15.30 - 17.00 | Mixed Instruments | Banjo 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.
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. All adult learning will take place ONLINE during the Autumn term. We are working towards holding ‘in person’ class learning at Cecil Sharp House from Spring 2021, if possible and safe to do so.
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..
Terms and Conditions
We cannot give you a refund for any missed classes.
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).
For more information, please visit our Terms & Conditions
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.
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).
The weekly workshops will be 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 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
