Come and learn the satisfying and engaging skills of playing for dancing!
An ensemble class, open to all instruments, we focus on emphasis, speed and atmosphere, learning how to keep a steady speed, how to keep a light sound with plenty of groove, essential for dance music, and how to craft and shape the tunes and arrangements to make exciting music for both listeners and dancers.
The class is open to all instruments and we are most often using fiddle and melodeon friendly keys like D and G major or E minor. If you play an instrument which has restrictions in range or keys, such as tin whistle or harmonica, please be aware that you may need to bring an additional instrument, for example whistles in both D and C.
Pre-entry level requirements
The Ceilidh Band Workshop caters for mixed instruments of level 3 or 4 standard (improvers/intermediate).
Improvers will need to know the chords D, G, A, E, F, C, Am, Em, Bm, Dm, Gm and be confident in their ability to create strumming patterns.
Intermediate instrumentalists will have an opportunity to play the melody.
Who leads the course?
Ross Grant
Ross is a well-respected performer, composer and teacher. The last few years have seen him touring with Will Pound’s Through the Seasons, folk award nominee Georgia Lewis and contemporary folk ensemble Inlay, as well as a number of other recording credits. He has taught fiddle for over ten years, working on the highly acclaimed Sistema programme, which aims to transform the lives of young people through music across the world. He also runs his own English Fiddle Weekend for adult learners.
Does the band perform?
Yes! All band members can choose to participate in performances at summer folk festivals which are organised by Ross. In 2023 these gigs are:
- Warwick Folk Festival: 30th July
- Sidmouth Folk Festival: 9th August
- Broadstairs Folk Week: 13th August
- Head Out Not Home (Norwich): 20th August
- Shrewsbury Folk Festival: 25th August
How can I take part?
For termly fees please check the relevant booking page.
Advance booking is required.
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). For concessionary rates please call the box office on 020 7485 2206. The box office is open between 9.30 and 17.00 Monday to Friday. Evidence of concession will need to be provided before the start of term by emailing
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 Sunday 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).
Read more about Terms and Conditions
We run Sunday Folk Music Workshops in Banjo, Fiddle, Guitar, MelodeonSong and Ceilidh Band. Why not do several on the same day?
