CLASS DESCRIPTIONS

All classes are open to students of any age

BEGINNER FIDDLE

Students should already know how to hold their instrument, play D and A major scales, and know one or two tunes (could be Twinkle Twinkle, a Suzuki piece, or a fiddle tune!) This class is taught by ear and will focus on technique, confidence, and you will come away from the weekend with one or two new tunes!

INTERMEDIATE 1 & 2

These classes are geared toward folks who are building repertoire, honing style, and wish to learn at a comfortable pace. Intermediate 1 is for players who may or may not have many tunes in their repertoire, play in open-string keys comfortably, and prefer a slower learning speed. Intermediate 2 is geared toward folks who have a deeper repertoire and experience with the fiddle, play in some flat keys, and who learn by ear quickly.

ADVANCED FIDDLE

Students in this class are looking for a challenge. They should have an extensive repertoire of tunes, learn by ear very quickly, and be able to play in any key. Most students in this class will have a deep familiarity with Scottish and Cape Breton music or an equivalent fluency in another music tradition.

STEP DANCE

This class will focus on the style of step dancing done in Cape Breton. All students should have sneakers or leather-soled shoes and bring a water bottle. Two levels will be offered—beginner and experienced. Beginners have no experience with Cape Breton step dance or maybe know some basics about another percussive dance style. Experienced means you have some Cape Breton steps in your repertoire or have fluency in another percussive dance style.

PIANO

This class will focus on the rhythmic and chordal elements of Cape Breton piano accompaniment, with an overview of jigs, reels, and strathspeys. Two levels of piano will be offered—intermediate and advanced. The intermediate class is geared towards folks with some experience accompanying tunes or a great deal of experience with the piano. The advanced class is for players who are able to hear and execute chord changes, learn rhythmic patterns, and apply them to fiddle tunes.

GUITAR

This class explores the accompaniment of Celtic fiddle tunes through stylistically appropriate strumming patterns and chord choices. DADGAD is emphasized, but standard players are welcome. Two levels will be offered—intermediate and advanced. Intermediate players should have some experience accompanying tunes and songs. Advanced players are expected to be able to hear and execute chord changes and learn rhythmic ideas quickly.

GAELIC SONG

This class is open to all who have an interest in singing and the Scottish Gaelic language. Basic pronunciation will be taught, and translations of the songs and historical context will be provided. A beloved singing circle happens at night and songs in Gàidhlig and English are welcome there!

BAGPIPES

A pipe tunes class will be offered each afternoon, open to any melody instrument. This class gives insight into Scottish bagpipe ornamentation and repertoire.