Our holiday courses welcome young people to Cecil Sharp House, at the heart of English folk. We explore folk music, dance and song from Britain and beyond in practical, inclusive events.
No previous experience of folk music is required.
Taking part can contribute to an Arts Award Explore or Bronze Award.
Get Your Folk On!
A friendly and flexible summer school for 10–16 year olds at Cecil Sharp House, London
Dates: Monday 21 - Thursday 24 August 2023
Times: 10.30am - 4.30pm
Cost: £160 full, £100 concession. Full bursaries are also available for young people who live and/or go to school in Camden. Please see below for more details.
Tutors: Camilo Menjura and Nicola Lyons
This summer school gives young people the space to develop their skills, learn something new and play and create new arrangements with other young musicians. Led by top folk artists, the week is packed with folk music, song and dance from Britain and beyond. The course ends with a performance for friends and family.
For instrumentalists of varying levels – from those able to play a basic tune on their instrument to more advanced players looking for new challenges. No previous folk music experience is required and there is no requirement to be able to read music.
Through a focus on folk music, song and dance, our Get Your Folk On! Creative Summer School offers young musicians the chance to:
- play music by ear – no sheet music here!
- explore harmonies, riffs, chord sequences and folk techniques
- create arrangements in small and big bands
- sing and explore folk song history and culture
- try new instruments or dance forms
- gain performance skills with final performance
There will also be the opportunity to achieve an Arts Award at an additional cost. More information will be available after booking a place on the course.
You may apply for the concessionary rate if any of the following apply:
- The young person is in receipt of free school meals
- The young person is looked after or displaced
- The young person is a young carer
- The young person’s parent or guardian is in receipt of an Income-Based Benefit (such as Income Support, Universal Credit, Housing or Council Tax Benefit, Working Tax Credit, Pension Credit, Employment and Support Allowance)
- The young person’s parent or guardian faces other challenging economic circumstances
To apply for the concessionary rate, please provide evidence of eligibility (a copy of your supporting documentation) by either showing the Box Office in person or emailing your documents to
If the young person meets the criteria for the concessionary rate and they also live or go to school/college in Camden, they can apply for a full bursary. To apply, an adult needs to complete the form below on their behalf. Bursaries are limited but we will try to accommodate as many young people as possible. If the young person is not successful in receiving a bursary, they can still apply for the concessionary rate if eligible.
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