Learn, play, arrange folk tunes with us!
Focusing on tunes, this class is open to all instruments. The class focuses on learning and arranging folk tunes from the Britain and beyond. In the class, we will explore how to play in sessions (informal jams), and how to create interesting arrangements using tunes, harmonies, riffs and more.
The class is open to all instruments, including percussion. 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. We often use fiddle and melodeon friendly keys like D and G major or E minor.
If you are interested in playing for dance, have a look at our Ceilidh Band: https://www.efdss.org/learning/adults/music-workshops/ceilidh-band
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 Tunes 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?
Seth Bye
Seth Bye is a composer and multi-instrumental folk musician. A passionate educator, Seth has led folk workshops across the UK at festivals including Sidmouth and Warwick Folk Festivals, and at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. With over a decade of experience, he focuses on student-led, ear-based learning that fosters creativity and versatility. He is Musical Director for Peregrine Circus and has toured with Giffords Circus on fiddle, banjo, bass, and accordion. Touring with Filkin’s Drift, he gained national attention for an 870-mile foot-powered tour of the Wales Coast Path, praised by BBC Radio 2’s Mark Radcliffe as “truly epic.” The journey featured on BBC Radio 3, 4, 6 Music, The Times, and the i. Seth also performs in Tightrope Moon, blending folk with experimental electronic music.
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?
