Workshops and Camps
United States
(Scroll down for listings in Canada, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Norway, Scotland, and Spain)
Acoustic Music Camp, Dallas, Texas, August 7-9, 2008. Fiddle with Jim “Texas Shorty” Chancellor and Robert Bowlin. Also banjo, guitar, mandolin, vocals. Info: (214) 236-0783; http://AcousticMusicCamp.com
Alasdair Fraser’s Sierra Fiddle Camp, June 13-21, 2008, Nevada City, CA. Info: www.alasdairfraser.com/
Alaska Traditional Music Camp (formerly Alaska Fiddle Camp), Camp Carlquist, Chugiak, Alaska, August 5-9, 2008. Workshops in fiddle, banjo, guitar, mandolin, singing, tin whistle, and more. Info: aktradcamp.org/
Allegheny Echoes Workshops, Pocahontas County, West Virginia, June 22-28, 2008. Fiddle, mandolin, bass, dulcimer, guitar flatpicking, voice, creative writing, etc. Info: www.alleghenyechoes.com
Appalachian String Band Music Festival, Clifftop, West Virginia, early August. Info: West Virginia Division of Culture & History, The Cultural Center, 1900 Kanawha Blvd., E., Charleston, WV 25305-0300; (304) 558-0220, ext. 123.
Ashokan Fiddle & Dance, Catskill Mountains, New York. Workshops in June, July, August and New Year's: Northern Week, Southern Week, Western & Swing Week, or the New Year's Dance Weekend. Learn various styles of traditional music, dance, or both. (800) 292-0905; ashokan@aol.com or here.
Augusta Heritage Center, Elkins, West Virginia. Summer workshops, July 6-August 10, 2008. Cajun & Creole Week; Swing Week; Irish Week; Bluegrass Week; Old-Time Week; several more. Instructors to include Bobby Hicks, Buddy Spicher, Johnny Gimble, Andrew Van Norstrand, Bruce Molsky, Dave Bing, Yvonne & Liz Kane, Tracy Schwarz, Joel Savoy & many more. Info: Augusta Heritage Ctr., Davis & Elkins College, Elkins, WV 26241, (800) 624-3157, ext. 1209; www.augustaheritage.com
Blue Ridge Old-Time Music Week, Mars Hill, North Carolina, June 8-13, 2008. Fiddle, banjo, guitar, mandolin, bass, dulcimer, storytelling. Info/registration: Mars Hill College Conferences Office, P.O. Box 6785, Mars Hill, NC 28754, (828) 689-1167; www.mhc.edu/oldtimemusic
Bluff Country Gathering, Lanesboro, Minnesota, May 15-18, 2008. Workshops in fiddle, banjo, guitar, mandolin, harmonica, old time singing, clogging, plus concerts and barn dance. Staff includes Tom Sauber, Brad Leftwich, Alice Gerrard, Dave Rice, Steve Rosen, Chirps Smith, Mac and Jenny Traynham, Stephanie Coleman, Dot Kent. For info: Gail Heil at 507-498-5452,
www.boveeheil.com.
Booher Family Fiddle Camp, Cottage Grove, Oregon. July 27-August 2, 2008. Five days of instruction for fiddle, piano, guitar, and bass. All levels. Swing & old-time. Info: www.boohermusiccamp.com ; (541) 390-4390; Brendan@boohermusiccamp.com
Boston Harbor Scottish Fiddle School, Thompson Island, Boston, Mass., August 9-16, 2008. Instructors: Carl MacKenzie, Laura Cortese, Hanneke Cassel... Scottish and Cape Breton fiddle at 5 levels. Also piano and bagpipes. Info: www.scottishfiddle.org/bh
California Bluegrass Association Music Camp, Grass Valley, California, June 8-11, 2008. Staff of 20 instructors, teaching all the main bluegrass and old time instruments. Three different fiddle classes to choose from. Past instructors have included Laurie Lewis, Bruce Molsky, Tom Sauber, Suzy Thompson, Jack Tuttle, and Chad Clouse. Intensive instrumental classes, jam group classes, and many electives. Followed by Father's Day Bluegrass Festival. Info: 707-878-2415; www.cbamusiccamp.org/
Camp Bluegrass, South Plains College, Levelland, Texas, July 20-25, 2008. Fiddle, mandolin, guitar, bass, vocals, Dobro; all levels. Fiddle instructors: Ed Marsh, Dale Morris. Daily, structured jams offered at all levels. Info: South Plains College, Jennette Grisby: (806) 894-9611, ext. 2341; www.campbluegrass.com
John C. Campbell Folk School, Brasstown, North Carolina. Weeklong and weekend classes taught by nationally-known instructors. Fiddle, banjo, mountain & hammered dulcimer, guitar, folk harp, harmnica, dance. Info: 800-FOLK-SCH; www.folkschool.org
Cape Cod Celtic Festival, June 26-29, 2008, Cape Cod, Mass. Workshops with Liz Carroll, John Doyle, Eamonn Coyne, Kimberly Fraser, Brenda Stubbert, & more. Info: www.capecodcelticfestival.com
Catskills Irish Arts Week, East Durham, New York. July 14-19, 2008. Fiddle, flute, tin whistle, uilleann pipes, harp, Irish folk songs, guitar, button accordion, bodhran, concertina, tenor banjo, mandolin, piano accompaniment, set dancing, ceili dancing, Gaelic language, Irish music history. Info: P.O. Box 320, Rt. 145, East Durham, NY 12423 ; (800) 434-FEST; irish@francomm.com. www.east-durham.org
Christian Howes Creative Strings Workshop, June 30-July 6, 2008. www.christianhowes.com
Colorado Roots Music Camp, June 1- June 7, 2008. Come join us for a week of bluegrass, folk, blues, swing, jazz, Irish, old-time, flatpicked and fingerstyle guitar, fiddle, mandolin, banjo, bass, singing, learning and fun! Break out of your routine and be inspired by a variety of styles, first-rate musicians, and the incredible experience of being immersed in acoustic music. Our instructors are some of the top players in the nation, but they were chosen because they’re known by peers and students as great instructors for all levels. Class sizes are small, with an average of 10:1 student teacher ratio, so you’ll be sure to get plenty of individual attention. For more information please go to www.coloradorootsmusic.com or call (719) 632-7872.
Country Dance and Song Society, American Dance & Music week, August 9-16, 2008, Pinewoods Camp., near Plymouth, Mass. Instructors include Mary Cay Brass, Greg Canote, George Wilson… Info: www.cdss.org
Cowan Creek Mountain Music School, June 23-27, 2008, Whitesburg, Kentucky. A week of learning and fun for students of all levels. Fiddle, banjo, guitar, beginning mandolin, old time string band, singing, square dancing, storytelling and dulcimer making, and a new class: music and arts for kids ages 5 and up, led by Carla Gover. Fiddle faculty includes Roger Cooper, Jamie Wells, John Harrod, Jesse Wells, Jimmy McCown, Michael Garvin. In-class visits and performances by masters of traditional music. Afternoon jam sessions for all levels, evening square dances, jam sessions. Friday night student recital, community potluck and squaredance. Info: (606) 633-3187; http://www.cowancreekmusic.org; Cowancreekmusic@tvscable.com
Dewey Balfa Cajun and Creole Heritage Week, April 18-25, 2008, Chicot State Park, near Ville Platte, Louisiana. Intensive instruction and workshops on Cajun and Creole fiddle, accordion, and more. Instructors include Dirk Powell, Steve Riley, Ed Poullard, David Greely, Tony Balfa, Jonno Frishberg, and others. Information/registration: (337) 234-8360; www.lafolkroots.org
Django in June, June 10-15, 2008, Smith College, Northampton, MA. Django Camp: Tues.-Sun.; Clinics & concerts: Fri.-Sun. Swing fiddle with Matt Glaser. Info: (413) 268-0068; www.DjangoInJune.com
Elmore Fiddle Camp, July 7-13, 2008, Cisco, Texas. Classes offered for all levels and all ages with one year's experience. Texas Swing Improvisation, Theory, Texas Contest Fiddling, Jazz, and Classical. Instructors: Randy Elmore, Johnny Gimble, Wes Westmoreland, Dale Morris, many more. Nightly jam sessions, concerts, and recital by students. Info: 817-558-9497; fiddlecamp@randyelmore.com or Elmorefiddlecamp@aol.com; www.randyelmore.com
Also: Randy Elmore’s Weekend Fiddle Workshops, May 2-4, 2008 in Albuquerque, New Mexico and September 5-7, 2008 in Hartland, Wisconsin. Info on weekend workshops: schrdrtylr@yahoo.com
Festival of American Fiddle Tunes, Fort Worden State Park, Port Townsend, WA, June 29-July 6. Instructors include James Bryan, Tim O’Brien, David Kaynor… Workshop classes, band lab classes, tutorials, dances, concerts, open jams... Styles include Southern mountain, New England, Irish, Scottish, bluegrass/country, traditional folk, Québécois, Cape Breton, Cajun... Info: (360) 385-3102; info@centrum.org; www.centrum.org
Fiddleheads Acoustic Music Camp, Geneva Point, Lake Winnepesauki, New Hampshire, Sept. 5-7, 2008. Small workshop settings with outstanding instructors, band opportunities, slow jams. All instruments and levels welcome. Info: fiddleheads_nh@yahoo.com ; www.fiddleheadscamp.com
Fiddlekids, mid-June. El Cerrito, California. Day camp, 9:00 am-3:30 pm. Final concert last day of camp. Fiddle music for children ages 7-13. Beginning through advanced students welcome, but request one year of violin study prior to camp. One-week intensive study of traditional fiddle tunes, with dance and art to complement program. Emphasis on Irish, Scottish and Appalachian tunes. Fiddle instructors: Bobbi Nikles, Betsy Branch, John Blasquez, Laura Risk. Dance: Kyla Brooke. Art: Marcy Overway. www.fiddlekids.com
Fiddler on the Hoof fiddle camp, Western Pleasure Guest Ranch, Sandpoint, Idaho, August 3-7, 2008. Classes in violin, guitar, mandolin, bass, horseback riding. Info: (888) 863-9066; www.westernpleasureranch.com
Megan B. Lynch’s FiddleStar Adult Fiddle Camp, May 8-11, 2008, Ridgetop, Tennessee. A long weekend retreat with great fiddling and lots of fun. Every day we will work on fiddle tunes, learn how to rehair bows and do basic fiddle repair, learn to dance to fiddle music, and lots more. Incredible instructors will help you improve your technique, your improvisational skills, and anything else you can think of to help you become a better fiddler. Information: FiddleStar Camp at megan@fiddlestar.com or call 615-428-1681
Megan B. Lynch’s FiddleStar Youth Fiddle Camp, June 30-July 4, 2008, Ridgetop, Tennessee. Come join us for a week of great fiddling and lots of fun. Every day from 9-3:30 we will work on fiddle tunes, learn how to rehair bows and do basic fiddle repair, take hikes, learn to dance to fiddle music, and lots more. We’ll even get a chance to record in a real recording studio and the students will get a CD of their hard work! Instructors include 6 time National Champion and Grand Old Opry performer Megan B. Lynch, National and Grand Masters Champion Danita Rast, and Lonesome River Band bassist Mike Anglin. Chaperones available for sleepover students. Information: FiddleStar Camp at megan@fiddlestar.com or call 615-428-1681
Folk College with Simple Gifts, May 23-25, 2008, Huntington, Pennsylvania. A fun, hands-on weekend of workshops, concerts, jams, dancing, and friendship for all ages, instruments, and levels. Workshops ranging from old-time to celtic to international. Friday night contradance. Performers include Simple Gifts (weekend hosts) and many other multi-talented instrumentalists. www.folkcollege.com
Johnny Gimble's Swing Week 2008 : A Camp for Musicians. June 30-July 5, 2008, Taos, New Mexico. Workshops, jam sessions, lessons, performance. Fiddle, guitar, bass. Info: Johnny Gimble Music, P.O. Box 1231, Taos, NM 87571 ; (505) 758-1792. Email: cyndy@laplaza.org; www.johnnygimble.com.
Greater Yellowstone Music Camp, Alta, Wyoming, June 22-27, 2008. Acoustic blues and swing instruction in the beautiful Grand Teton Mountains. Instructors: Mike Dowling, John Miller, Orville Johnson, Dix Bruce, Randy Sabien, Liz Masterson, Cary Black, Jeff Newsom. Classes, workshops, jams and concerts. Info: www.mikedowling.com
Greenwood Furnace Folk Gathering, September 12-14, 2008, Huntingdon, Pennsylvania. A weekend of playing for fiddle, guitar, mandolin, hammered dulcimer, dulcimer, and other folk instruments includes workshops, jamming, concerts, and a contradance. No age limit. Evening concerts, contradance, and Sunday morning hymn sing. www.folkgathering.com
The Hardanger Fiddle Association of America presents Annual Workshops in Hardingfele, Norwegian Folk Dance, and Hardingfele Construction, Folklore Village, Dodgeville, Wisconsin. July 19-22, Dodgeville, Wisconsin. Info: info@hfaa.org; www.hfaa.org
Hill Country Acoustic Music Camp, Shreiner University, Kerrville, Texas, June 25-29, 2008. Fiddle, dulcimer, bass, mandolin, guitar, Dobro... Instructors include Dale Morris, Joe Carr, Alun Munde, Dick Walker… Info: www.hcamp.org; www.tacef.org.
Historic Bethel German Colony’s Youth Fiddle Camp, June, Bethel, Missouri. One-on-one instruction as well as group sessions daily. Twelve Master Fiddlers from across the Midwest serve as instructors. Contact information: Wendy Brumbaugh at 573-633-2640.
International Old-Time Fiddlers’ Contest & Workshop, June 5-7, 2008, International Peace Garden, North Dakota. Workshops with Paul Anastasio, Patti Lamoureux, Mike Dowling. Fiddle contest June 6-7. Info: www.internationalmusiccamp.com
Jink & Diddle School of Scottish Fiddling, Valle Crucis, North Carolina. July 27-Aug. 3, 2008. Six full days of classes by Dr. John Turner, 10-time U.S. National Scottish Fiddling Championship winner. Info: 11302 Avocet Drive, Chesterfield, VA 23838-8945, (804) 778-7540. www.kitchenmusician.net/jink/jink.html; jinkdiddle@aol.com
28th Annual Lark Camp, Celebration of World Music, Song & Dance, August 1-9, 2008, Mendocino Woodlands, California. Workshops, sessions, dances, cabins, great food… Info: http://www.larkcamp.com
Maine Fiddle Camp, Montville, Maine, June 13-15, Aug. 3-8, Aug. 10-15, 2008. A lakeside weekend music camp for all ages and levels. Families welcome. Dance music in Scots-Irish, French & Scandinavian traditions as they've evolved in Maine. Staff of twelve traditional musicians giving fiddle, piano, guitar, banjo, bones, and accordion classes and workshops with performances, jams, dancing, swimming... Info: mainefiddle.org/
Mark O’Connor Fiddle Camp, Tennessee, June 22-28, 2008; San Diego Strings Conference, California, July 27-Aug. 7, 2008. Info: fiddlecamp@markoconnor.com
Midwest Banjo Camp, June 6-8, 2008, Olivet, Michigan. Fiddle instruction by Peter Knupfer (bluegrass) and Lynn “Chirps” Smith (old time). Info: http://www.midwestbanjocamp.com
Milwaukee Irish Fest Summer School, Univ. of Wisconsin-Milwaukee campus. August 14-17, 2008. Classes in fiddle, tin whistle, bodhrán, guitar, step dancing, harp, concertina, Gaelic and more. Also workshops, lectures, sessions. Info: www.irishfest.com
Montana Fiddle Camp, Monarch, MT, June 1-6 and June 8-13, 2008. Instructors include: Buddy Spicher; April Verch; Barbara Lamb, and many more. Info: Fred Buckley, 319 Old Divide Rd., Roundup, MT 59072, (406) 323-1198, Email: buckley@midrivers.com ; www.montanafiddlers.org
NashCamp Bluegrass Camp, near Nashville, Tennessee, June 22-27 and July 27-Aug. 1, 2008. Featuring Barbara Lamb (week one) and Fletcher Bright (week two). Nightly concerts, Band Lab, elective workshops, campfire jamming. Info: 888-798-5012; NashCampNow@aol.com; www.nashcamp.com
National Oldtime Fiddlers' Contest and Festival, Weiser, Idaho. June 16-21, 2008. Info: 115 W. Idaho St., Weiser, ID 83672; (800) 437-1280; www.fiddlecontest.com
Nordic Fiddles and Feet at Buffalo Gap, Capon Bridge, West Virginia, June 28-July 5, 2008. Fiddle Vegar Vårdal, Mats Berglund, Carin Funseth, Peter Michaelsen. Hardingfele with Toby Weinberg; Nyckelharpa with Markus Svensson. Info: (865) 522-0515; fiddlesandfeet@bellsouth.net; nordicfiddlesandfeet.org
Northeast Heritage Music Camp, Johnson, Vermont, June 15-21, 2008. A week of instruction, contra-dancing, concerts, and jam sessions. Instructors include Seamus Connolly, Pete Sutherland, David Kaynor, Alan Jabbour... Info: www.NortheastHeritageMusicCamp.com
Ohio Scottish Arts School, Oberlin College, Oberlin, Ohio, June 28-July 3, 2008. Six days of classes in piping, drumming, harping, fiddling, Highland dancing, jam sessions and concerts. Info: Debbie Doty, (440) 835-4157; debbiedoty@ohioscottishartsschool.org; ohioscottishartsschool.org
Peach Bottom Farm Fiddle & Strings Camp, June 5-8, 2008, Independence, Virginia. Instructors include Daniel & Amy Carwile, Shane Cook… Styles taught: Appalachian, bluegrass, Celtic, Canadian, contest-style, old time, & swing. Info: peachbottomfarm@yahoo.com; www.PeachBottomFarm.com
Rocky Mountain Fiddle Camp, Colorado. August 10-17, 2008. World-class musicians in a beautiful mountain setting. Instructors include Richard Greene, Alan Jabbour, Ward MacDonald, Ken Perlman... Workshops for fiddle, harp, flute, banjo, piano, cello, guitar, mandolin, percussion. Fiddle styles include Scottish, Irish, Cape Breton, swing, old time, bluegrass, Appalachian... Evening jams, concerts & dances. Info: (303) 753-6870; MFLuther@aol.com; www.RMFiddle.com
Scandinavian Week at Buffalo Gap, West Virginia. Late June/early July. Instructors: Andrea Hoag, Loretta Kelley, Bruce Sagan Fiddle, hardingfele, nyckelharpa, dance For more info: (313) 327-3636. Email: jbarlas@pilot.msu.edu
Scandia Camp, Mendocino, California. Mid-June. Swedish and Norwegian fiddling (also hardingfele), dancing, etc. Info: Nancy Linscott, (415) 383-1014; email: 73111.2072@compuserve.com, or Roo Lester: DancingRoo@aol.com
Schoolhouse Fiddle Camps, Avoca, Nebraska. Beginner Camp June 9-13, 2008. Intermediate and Advanced fiddlers’ Camp July 14-18, 2008. Deborah Greenblatt, championship fiddler, author of many fiddle collections, will help the campers get in touch with their inner fiddler. The course of study during the Schoolhouse Fiddle Camp will be designed specifically for the individual campers who sign up. Info: Deborah Greenblatt at g-s@alltel.net or call 402-275-3221; www.mastercall.com/g-s.
Stanford Jazz Workshop, Stanford, California. Jazz Camp (students ages 12-17), Week One: July 20-25; Week Two: July 27-Aug. 1, 2008. Also Jazz Residency (adults; under 18 by audition), Aug. 3-8; Stanford Jazz Festival, June 27-Aug. 9. Info: (650) 736-0324; info@stanfordjazz.org; www.stanfordjazz.org
Steve Kaufman Kamps, Maryville, Tennessee, June 8-15, 2008. Flatpicking, Fingerpicking, Fiddle, Bass, Dobro, Mandolin, Old Time Banjo. Info: www.flatpik.com ; 800-FLATPIK.
Stringalong Weekend, October 24-26, 2008, Olympia Resort, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. Fiddle, singing, dance, banjo, autoharp, dulcimer, guitar, jams, open mike, stringband, mandolin... Info: (800) 636-FOLK; www.uwm.edu/Dept/Folk/
Strings without Boundaries (formerly Pittsburgh Jazz and Fiddling Camp), Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, July 14-18, 2008. String players of all ages welcome. Instructors: Julie Lyonn Lieberman, Martin Norgaard, Matt Turner.... Info: www.pittsburghjazzandfiddle.org
The Swannanoa Gathering, Asheville, North Carolina. Fiddle Week, July 6-12, 2008 (Andy Stein, Joe Craven, Alan Jabbour, Kimberley Fraser, Nicky Sanders, Kevin Wimmer, Calum MacKinnon, Seamus Connolly, D’Jalma Garnier, Jamie Laval…); Celtic Week, July 13-19, 2008 (Martin Hayes, Liz Carroll, John Carty, Gerry O’Connor, Pete Clark, Jamie Laval, Kimberley Fraser, Jane MacMorran); Old-Time Week, July 20-26, 2008 (Rayna Gellert, Bruce Greene, Kirk Sutphin, Erynn Marshall, Trevor Stuart, Meredith McIntosh). Info: P.O. Box 9000, Asheville, NC 28815-9000, (828) 298-3434; gathering@warren-wilson.edu www.swangathering.com
Texas State Championship Fiddlers' Frolics, April 24-27, 2008, Hallettsville, Texas. The top fiddlers in Texas compete for the title of Texas State Champion Fiddler. Jam sessions, dances, barbecue... Info: (361) 798-2311; JohnStuartFryer@aol.com; www.fiddlersfrolics.com
Three Trails Fiddle Camp, Gladstone, Missouri, July 21-25, 2008. For students up to age 17, all levels. Info: Carl Cook: carlcook2@juno.com ; (816) 616-8614; www.3trailsfiddlecamp.com ; www.cookmusicstudio.com
U.S. National Scottish Fiddle Championships, Mount Vernon, Washington, July 12-13, 2008. The competition is open to all Junior and Open class first place winners of regional Scottish FIRE sanctioned events in the U.S. and Canada. Details/entry forms: www.celticarts.org or call Wayne Norris at 703-753-3143.
University of New Hampshire Violin Craftsmanship Institute, Durham, New Hampshire. Courses in bow rehairing, bow repair, bow making, basic maintenance and repair, intermediate violin repair, advanced violin repair, and violin building. Info: www.learn.unh.edu/violin
Valley of the Moon Scottish Fiddling School, Boulder Creek, California, August 22-30, 2008. Info: (415) 566-4355; vom@sonic.net; www.valleyofthemoon.org
Wabash River Bluegrass Camp, Grayville, Illinois, July 31-Aug. 2, 2008. Private and group instruction in many different styles of fiddling, mandolin, banjo, guitar, bass, dulcimer, Irish dancing, and clogging. The students will also become part of a band and perform in the band contest as well as the Wabash River Bluegrass Festival. Teachers include fiddle champions Daniel and Amy Carwile, Joel Whittinghill, Cajun fiddler Dennis Stroughmatt, Mandolin extraordinaire Wayne Benson and many more. Contact: Gailfiddle@aol.com or 615-481-9174; www.wabashriverbluegrass.net/
Wallowa Fiddle Tunes Workshop, Wallowa, Oregon, July 7-11, 2008. Free camping -- bring the family. Info: www.wvmusicalliance.org/fiddletunes
Zoukfest, Santa Fe, New Mexico, June 8-14, 2008. Wide variety of music – Irish, medieval, Klezmer, West African, and more. Randal Bays, Kaila Flexer… Info: www.zoukfest.com
Canada
B.C. Fiddle 'Treat, Gavin Lake, British Columbia, July 27-Aug. 7, 2008. Fiddle, piano,guitar, bass. Info: Box 4017, Quesnel, BC, Canada V2J 3J2, (250) 992-5776/5081; http://members.netbistro.com/fiddle/
Buddy MacMaster School of Fiddling, Celtic Music Interpretive Centre, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, October 13-17, 2008. A week-long school, including ten different instructors teaching their unique style of Cape Breton fiddling. Information: www.celticmusicsite.com
By-The-Canal Fiddle Camp, Long Island Locks, Ontario (10 km south of Ottawa ), August. Fiddle & piano accompaniment. Fiddle Evening concerts and jams. Info: Peer Norgaard: (613) 258-5093; peer.norgaard@sympatico.ca
Canadian Olde Tyme Fiddle & Step Dance Contest, Douro, Ontario. Early June. Douro Community Centre, Hwy #134 (north of Hwy 7 and south of Hwy 28 - just 10 minutes east of Peterborough). MC: Art Jamieson. House Fiddler: Louis Schryer. Contact Michael LeMoire, General Delivery, Douro, Ontario K0L 1S0
Canadian Open Old Tyme Fiddle Contest, Shelburne, Ontario, August 6-10, 2008. Info: 519-925-2600, ext. 238; fiddleshelburne@yahoo.ca; www.shelburnefiddlecontest.on.ca/
The Ceilidh Trail School of Celtic Music, Inverness, Cape Breton, N.S., June 30-July 4 and July 14-18. Cape Breton fiddle, piano accompaniment, guitar, and step/square dance. This year's instructors will include Jerry Holland, Shelley Campbell, Dwayne Cote, Kendra MacGillivray, Andrea Beaton, Brenda Stubbert, and Kimberley Fraser. Info: www.ceilidhtrail.com ; www.jerryholland.com
Gaelic College of Celtic Arts and Crafts, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. 1 and 2 week sessions in July and August. Sandy MacIntyre, Leanne Aucoin, Stan Chapman, Jennifer Roland… bagpipes, dance, piano accompaniment Info: (902) 295-3411; gaelcoll@atcon.com; www.gaeliccollege.edu.
Hockley Valley Music Camp for fiddle, piano accompaniment and step dancing, Hockley Valley, Ontario, August 3-8, 2008. Contact Phil Howes, 3 Billy Joel Cr., Markham, Ontario, L3P 3C4 ; (905) 294-1141; www.fiddlecamp.ca
Kenosee Lake Kitchen Party, Kenosee Lake, Saskatchewan, August 1-5 and 12-16, 2008. Located in the heart of the Moose Mountain Provincial Park, this camp boasts excellent faciliites, phenomenal instructors and an atmosphere of collaboration and fun. Nightly jams, evening concerts and square dances. Info: www.kenoseekitchenparty.ca
John Arcand’s Fiddle Fest, near Saskatoon, Saskatachewan, August 7-10, 2008. Info: www.johnarcandfiddlefest.com/
Maritime Old Time Fiddling Contest, early July, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia (just outside Halifax ). Special events include a square dance, Halifax Harbour cruise, fiddle jam sessions, fiddle competition in six categories, the ever popular Fiddle Mass, Maritime Jamboree. Info: Maritime Fiddle Festival, P.O. Box 3037, Dartmouth East, Dartmouth, NS Canada B2W 4Y3, (902) 434-5466; Email: whebby@fox.nstn.ca.
Meadowlawn Workshop, Bowen Island, British Columbia. Spring and fall weekend workshops. Info: Lois Meyers-Carter, RR #1, K-13, Bowen Island, B.C., V0N 1G0, (604) 947-2440; loislc@telus.net.
Orangeville Fiddle & Step Dance Camp, Ontario. July 13-18, 2008. Bill Elliott, 325 Broadway, Orangeville, ON, Canada L9W 1L4, (519) 941-5683; Email: belliott@easyfocus.com; http://www.fiddle.on.ca
SCES Fiddle Camp (formerly Emma Lake Fiddle Camp), Arlington Beach Camp, Saskatchewan. June 29-July 3, July 6-10, 2008. Old-time fiddle by ear. Also guitar and piano. Instructors include Gordon Stobbe, Calvin Vollrath, John Arcand (Métis), others... Info: SCES, 2431 8th Ave., Regina, SK, Canada S4R 5J7, (306) 780-9494; www.sces.ca/fiddlecamp/
Sunshine Coast Summer School of Celtic Music, July 7-11, 2008, Roberts Creek, BC. Fiddle instructors include Gordon Stobbe, Pierre Schryer... Daily instruction, jams & ceilidhs. Info: www.coaststringfiddlers.com
Tobique Fiddle Camp, New Brunswick, June 22-26, 2008. Instructors include Tom Wilkinson, Gordon Stobbe, Shane Cook… (Camp Woolastook, Lower Kintore Rd. N.B.) Info: www.tobiquefiddlecamp.com; Helen Edgar, 506-356-8549; dhedgar@nbnet.nb.ca
Ships Company Theatre Fiddle Camp 2008, May 16-18, Parrsboro, Nova Scotia. Professional instruction in fiddle, guitar, mandolin, piano accompaniment; all levels. Instructors include Gordon Stobbe, Skip Holmes, Greg Sim... Info: 800-565-SHOW; www.shipscompany.com
Ireland
Fiddlers Retreat, Tipperary, Ireland, operated by Theresa Bourke. Irish fiddle and culture school. Expert tuition, daily escorted tours to famous historic sights, delicious home cooking and night-time Irish music sessions are carefully organized into a week's holiday in a beautiful Irish village location. Info: www.fiddlersretreat.com ; For an article on the retreat, see www.gonomad.com/lodgings/0511/fiddlersretreat.html
Kerry Fiddles. Irish fiddle holidays for adults. Introductory courses for complete beginners. Courses for level 1 and 2 intermediates. Individual or group tuition. Kerry Fiddles specialize in fiddle virgins. By the end of the week, you'll be playing your first tune! Morning classes, afternoons free to explore the most beautiful part of Ireland. For intermediates, it's a chance to devote a week to your music, to getting new tunes, improving technique and learning how to teach yourself. Info: www.kerryfiddles.com
The Kinvara School of Irish Traditional Music, Kinvara, Galway Bay, Ireland. Faculty includes Gerry O'Connor, Liz & Yvonne Kane, Bobby Gardiner, Andrew MacNamara, Tommy Keane, Garry O'Briain. Courses in fiddle, accordion, flute, Uillean pipes, tin whistle, harp, concertina, banjo, bodhran, accompaniment. Info: www.ceolkinvara.com ; (353) 91 638025; info@ceolkinvara.com
Joe Mooney Summer School of Traditional Music, Drumshanbo, County Leitrim. Late July. Fiddle instructors: Ben Lennon, Brendan McGlinchey, Gavin Collis, Gerry O,Connor. Also classes in button accordion, banjo, concertina, harp, tin whistle, uilleann pipes, flute, piano accordion, bodhrán, singing, set dancing. Info: Nancy Woods, 353/78/41213. Or write the Joe Mooney Summer School, Drumshanbo, County Leitrim, Ireland.
South Sligo Summer School, Tubbercurry, County Sligo. Early July. Classes in fiddle, accordion, uillean pipes, harp, tin whistle, flute, banjo, bodhrán, guitar, singing, concertina. Instructors include Charlie Lennon, Paddy Ryan, and dozens more. For more info, visit their website at www.sssschool.org or call 353/71/85010, or write South Sligo Summer School, Tubbercurry, County Sligo, Ireland.
Willie Clancy Summer School (Scoil Samhraidh Willie Clancy), Miltown Malbay, County Clare. July 7-15, 2007. Info: 353/65/7084148; angleann@oceanfree.net. Thirty graded fiddle classes.
Northern Ireland
Francis McPeake International Summer School, Belfast, Northern Ireland (not scheduled for 2008). Immersion in musical tuition, sessions, ceilidhs, sessions, concerts. Fiddle, accordion, guitar, uilleann pipes. Info: info@francismcpeake.com ; www.francismcpeake.com
Norway
Høgskoken i Telemark Institt for folkekultur ( Telemark University College, Department of Folk Culture), Rauland, Vinje, Telemark. Norwegian Folk Music for Foreign Students, Norwegian Folk Music, Bachelor of Folk Music, Norwegian Folk Art, Master of Traditional Art. Info: anne.m.barstad@hit.no ; www.hit.no/folkekultur
Scotland
Alasdair Fraser Skye Fiddle Course, Gaelic College, Isle of Skye. July 26-August 2, 2008. Info: Gavin Parsons, Phone: (0) 1471 844373; Fax: (0) 1471 844383; http://www.smo.uhi.ac.uk/en/cursaichean/cg/fios_cursacg_singilte.php
Glasgow Fiddle Workshop, Glasgow, Scotland. Year-round weekly sessions. Taransay Fiddle Course, Taransay Island, Outer Hebrides, Scotland, July. Instructors to be announced. Details at www.musicscotland.com/fiddlers
The Scottish Fiddle College, Douneside House, Tarland, Scotland, October. Instructors include Paul Anderson, Douglas Lawrence, Gregor Borland. Information: Scottish Fiddle College, North Skelmanae, Strichen, Aberdeenshire AB43 6SE; Phone: 01771 653320.
Alison McNeill’s Workshops. Scotland, West Coast. Adults’ Easter Workshop 2008: April 7-9. Adults’ Summer Workshop 2008: date tbd. Adults’ fiddle workshops concentrate on many aspects of being a better fiddler and musician. Music from around Scotland, Ireland, Wales, Russia, Spain, and bluegrass America. We work on improving your technique, ornamenting tunes to make them your own and work in small groups to create a well-balanced ensemble. Info: www.gourockmusic.co.uk/workshops1.html. Contact: alisonmcneill1@aol.com
Spain
Spanish (Scottish) Fiddle Camp, Biar, Alicante, Spain, June 7-13, 2008. Learn Scottish fiddle with Gregor Borland. Info: www.gregorborland.com
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