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Sampler Days

Play by ear and develop your creativity

Learn from inspiring professional musicians

Explore folk music

Find out about the National Youth Folk Ensemble

We’re running Online Youth Folk Sampler Days across England in May half-term.

Sampler Days are free, but you need to book in advance.

 

To register for a Sampler Day you will need to:

  • be aged 12–18 
  • live in England
  • be able to play confidently on your chosen instrument 

Each Sampler Day features:

  • online music workshops with highly skilled professional folk artists
  • online Q&A with Ensemble staff
  • optional short online audition, if you wish to apply for the National Youth Folk Ensemble (please note the auditions are for people who are 14–18 on 1 September 2021)

Sampler Days are open to players of any instrument. No experience of folk music necessary. All playing and learning will be done by ear. You are welcome to book for any date, however we recommend booking for your closest event if possible, to meet other young musicians from your area.   

Places are free, but numbers are limited.

Reserve yours now!

it was really enjoyable, and had the same fun, lively feel as a normal in-person sampler day!  

 
Saturday 29 May

In partnership with Lancashire County Council Heritage Learning Team + Lancashire Music Hub
11am–4pm

Book Saturday 29 May

 


Sunday 30 May
In partnership with Kent Music
11am–4pm

Book Sunday 30 May

 


Monday 31 May
In partnership with Derbyshire Music Hub
11am–4pm

Book Monday 31 May

 


Tuesday 1 June
In partnership with Blaize, North East 
11am–4pm

Book Tuesday 1 June

 


Wednesday 2 June
In partnership with National Centre for Early Music, York
11am–4pm

Book Wednesday 2 June

 


Friday 4 June
In partnership with Music8London
11am–4pm

Book Friday 4 June

 


Saturday 5 June
In partnership with Wiltshire Music Centre
11am–4pm

Book Saturday 5 June

 


Sunday 6 June
In partnership with The Stables, Milton Keynes
11am–4pm

Book Sunday 6 June

I absolutely loved this experience and it was very empowering playing with others, playing traditional English tunes but making them our own 

Folk is relatively new to me, and this really boosted my confidence.  

If you’re interested in joining the National Youth Folk Ensemble, you’ll need to attend a Sampler Day to start the audition process. Find out more

Sampler Days have previously taken place in Bristol, Birmingham, Basingstoke, Cambridge, Derby, Didcot, Durham, Exeter, Gateshead, Leeds, Liskeard, London, Manchester, Okehampton, Sheffield, Southampton and York.

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English Folk Dance and Song Society, Cecil Sharp House, 2 Regent’s Park Road, London NW1 7AY, UK.
Tel: 020 7485 2206 | Email: [email protected] | Registered charity number 305999
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Supported by Arts Council England