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.
If you are interested in exploring folk tune arrangements outside of the context of playing for dance, have a look at the Folk Tunes workshop: https://www.efdss.org/learning/adults/music-workshops/folk-tunes-workshop
Time: 15:30 - 17:00
Autumn 2026: 20, 27 September | 4, 11, 18 October | 8, 15, 22, 29 November
Spring 2027: 10, 17, 24 January | 7, 21, 28 February | 7, 14, 21 March
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.
Does the band perform?
Yes! All band members can choose to participate in performances at summer folk festivals.
The band has played for ceilidhs at Sidmouth, Shrewsbury, Chippenham, Bristol, Broadstairs and Beardy folk festivals, and for the Norwich Summer Sessions, with its high energy wall of sound keeping everyone dancing.
The band also regularly holds its own friends-and-family ceilidhs to rehearse new tunes and dances.
The band on stage at Sidmouth Folk Festival. Photo: Kyle Baker.
The band at Shrewsbury Folk Festival, 2025.
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.
How can I take part?
For termly fees please check the general information page.
Advance booking is required.
Adult learning concessionary rates are available for people in full-time education, or in receipt of an Income-Based Benefit (such as Universal Credit or Pension Credit.)
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 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 £16 (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, Melodeon, Song, Folk Tunes, and Ceilidh Band. Why not do several on the same day?
