Camps and Workshops

Note: Many of these listings need to be updated, but meanwhile, the dates generally only vary a day or two year to year. Please check the camps’ websites for details on current and upcoming programs.

CANADA

(scroll down for other countries)

(To have your event listed, please email info@fiddle.com)

The Algoma Traditional Music, Dance, and Heritage Arts Camp, Richards Landing, Ontario, Aug. 14-20, 2016 (workshops 15-19th). AlgomaTrad is a one-week, immersive, inter-generational camp that offers workshops and concerts in fiddle and many other instruments, dance, heritage craft and art. Dynamic staff includes musicians, dancers, and artists from Ontario, Québec, and the U.S. Dances, sessions, concerts every evening. Contact: Julie Schryer or Pat O’Gorman, 705-782-4311; Email: music@algomatrad.ca or www.algomatrad.ca

B.C. Fiddle ‘Treat, Gavin Lake, British Columbia, July 25-31, 2015. 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 12-16, 2015. For intermediate to advanced players. study with 2 Cape Breton fiddlers each day, for a total of 10 different instructors over five days. Information: www.celticmusiccentre.com/education/camp/

Camp Calvin (Calvin Vollrath Fiddle Camp), Northeast Alberta, July 19-23, and July 25-29, 2015. Instructors: Calvin Vollrath, Patti Kusturok, Gordon Stobbe, several more. Info: www.campcalvin.ca

Camp Violon Trad Québec, Rawdon, Québec, July 19-24, 2015. Six intensive days of traditional Québécois fiddling & repertoire; also guitar and piano accompaniment. Instructors include Yvon Cuillerier, André Gladu, André Brunet, Stéphanie Lépine… www.violontradquebec.com

Canadian Grand Masters Fiddle Camp, Long Island Locks, Manotick, Ontario, Aug. 23-27, 2015. Celebrating 20 years. All ages and skill levels. http://canadiangrandmasters.ca/fiddle-camp/index.html

65th Canadian Open Old Time Fiddle Contest, Shelburne, Ontario, August 5-9, 2015. Info: http://shelburnefiddlecontest.com/

Celtic College and Celtic Kids Camp, Goderich, Ontario, August 3-6, 2015 (Celtic Roots Festival, Aug. 7-9, 2015). A chance for all ages to experience Celtic music and culture. The world’s foremost musicians, dancers, and craft artists teach workshops for all ages and skill levels – fiddle, flute, guitar, song, ceili dance, step dance, bodhran. (519) 524 8221 or www.celticfestival.ca for more information.

Fiddle Camp, Florenceville-Bristol, New Brunswick, July 12-14, 2019. Fiddle Instructors: Samantha Robichaud, Stacey Read, Suzie Eisan. For more information, contact Kim Jensen at kimberlyeska@gmail.com.

Gaelic College of Celtic Arts and Crafts, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. 1 and 2 week sessions in July and August… bagpipes, dance, piano accompaniment Info: (902) 295-3411; gaelcoll@atcon.com; www.gaeliccollege.edu

Kenosee Lake Kitchen Party, Kenosee Lake, Saskatchewan. Kids Camp: Aug. 1-4, 2015. Week 1: Aug. 10-14, 2015. Week 2: Aug. 17-21, 2015. 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 13-16, 2015. Fiddle workshops in Metis, old time, Celtic, French Canadian, and East Coast styles. Info: www.johnarcandfiddlefest.com

Maritime Traditional Music & Dance Camp, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Aug. 19-23, 2019. An all-age camp that offers all day classes and evening concerts in traditional French, Oldtime and Celtic fiddle. There is also a wide variety of dance and instrumental disciplines offered at the camp as well like time whistle, step dance, Gaelic singing and Indigenous music and dance. There are over 14 instructors from Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Ontario. Contact: Christy Hodder, 902-476-7776, Email: scotiasuzukischool@gmail.com. Website: https://www.maritimetraditionalcamp.com

66th Maritime Old Time Fiddling Contest, July 3-6, 2015, 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: http://www.maritimefiddlefestival.ca

The Northern Lights Bluegrass and Old Tyme Music Camp, NE of Big River, Saskatchewan, August 14-18, 2017. Featuring top flight musicians from across North America. For more information, visit northernlightsbluegrass.ca

Oakville Celtic Orchestra Camp, Oakville, Ontario (2015 dates TBA). Orchestra, Scottish, Irish, Cape Breton, and Metis fiddle. Info: www.oakvillecelticclub.com/CelticFiddleCamp.html

Orangeville Fiddle & Step Dance Camp, Ontario. July 5-10, 2015. Fiddle, guitar, piano, step dance. Info: http://www.fiddle.on.ca/fiddle/

Ottawa Valley Fiddle Camp, Manotick, Ontario (5 km’s from Ottawa airport). June 5-7, 2015. The Ottawa Valley Fiddle camp is a weekend camp specializing in workshops and concerts in Canadian fiddle music and piano accompaniment. Fiddle instructors: Wendy MacIsaac, Gordon Stobbe, Stéphanie Lépine, Shane Cook, Sherryl Fitzpatrick. Information: Sherryl Fitzpatrick (613) 440-4343 or sherryl@sherrylfitzpatrick.com

PEI Fiddle Camp, Camp Abegweit, Prince Edward Island, Canada (2015 dates TBD). Fiddle, Scottish Smallpipes, Piano, Stepdance… Evening concerts, jamming, and dances. Info: www.peifiddlecamp.com

Sunshine Coast Summer School of Celtic Music. July 6-10, 2015. Instructors include Andrea Beaton, Gillian Boucher, Serena Eades, Iain Fraser, Mathieu Gallant, Christine Hanson, James Law, Graeme McGillivray, Hamish Napier, Patrick O’Gorman, Kierah Raymond, Julie Schryer, Gordon Stobbe, Adam Sutherland … Info: www.coastcelticmusic.com

IRELAND

Burren Fiddle Holidays, Corofin. The perfect chance to include some Irish traditional music in your visit to Co. Clare. Take up the fiddle for the first time and find out about the fiddle in the Irish tradition in an introductory class — there are two full-size fiddles (suitable for an adult or older child) available to borrow. Learn your first tune and record it as a memento to take home with you. For more involved tuition, there are day, weekend and week-long courses available. Whatever your level, you will pick up some tunes, practical techniques and advice on how to achieve your playing goals. Info: www.burrenfiddleholidays.com

Donegal Fiddle Summer School, August (contact for 2018 dates). Organised by the Donegal-based fiddle organisation Cairdeas na bhFidiléiri (friends of the fiddlers), this is a specialist summer school teaching only fiddle–and Donegal style fiddle at that. This fiddle school has been held in the beautiful area of Glencolmcille in south west Donegal each summer since 1986. There are also concerts, talks, a dance class and a dance night during the week. The school caters for all levels from beginner to advanced. If you like Donegal style fiddle playing check out our website www.donegalfiddlemusic.ie and for more information on the fiddle summer school contact info@donegalfiddlemusic.ie

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

Joe Mooney Summer School of Traditional Music, Drumshanbo, County Leitrim. July 18-25, 2015. Fiddle, button accordion, banjo, concertina, harp, tin whistle, uilleann pipes, flute, piano accordion, bodhrán, singing, set dancing. Info: http://www.joemooneysummerschool.com

South Sligo Summer School, Tubbercurry, County Sligo. July 12-18, 2015. Classes in fiddle, accordion, uillean pipes, harp, tin whistle, flute, banjo, bodhrán, guitar, singing, concertina. Instructors include Paddy Ryan, Fiona Doherty, John McHugh… Master class (Thurs.-Sat.): Manus Maguire… Info: http://www.sssschool.org

Willie Clancy Summer School (Scoil Samhraidh Willie Clancy), Miltown Malbay, County Clare. July 4-12, 2015. Instrument and dance classes, lectures, workshops, recitals and céilithe all through the week. Info: http://www.scoilsamhraidhwillieclancy.com

Scandia Camp, Mendocino, California, June 11-18, 2016. Swedish and Norwegian fiddling (also hardingfele), dancing, etc. Info: http://www.scandiacampmendocino.org

2019 Schoolhouse Fiddle Camps, Avoca, Nebraska. The June Camp (June 5-June 7, 9 a.m.-noon) is for folks who consider themselves beginners. The July Camp (July 10-July 12, 9 a.m.-noon) is for folks who consider themselves intermediate or advanced. Enrollment is limited to 10 fiddlers for each week, so that everyone will get individual attention.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.
Special Celtic Fiddle Camp at the Schoolhouse, March 13-15, 2019. For fiddlers, violists, mandolinists, guitarists, recorder players, and ukulele players. Music from Ireland, Scotland, and Wales will be featured. The sessions will be led by championship fiddler and author, Deborah Greenblatt. Musicians can sign up for 1 day, or 2 days, or all 3 days.Info: Deborah Greenblatt at debby@greenblattandseay.com or call 402-275-3221; www.greenblattandseay.com; www.greenblattandseay.com/schoolhouse_fiddle_camp.shtml

3rd annual Surry Old-Time Music Camp, Dobson, NC, July 30 – August 3, 2018. Classes include beginner and intermediate fiddle, clawhammer banjo, and mandolin plus beginner through advanced guitar. The week may also include workshops in string band, singing, traditional dance, stand-up bass, and dulcimer. $75 for youth ages 10-17 and $150 for adults 18 and up. Instructors include Caroline Beverley, Steve Lewis, Mecca Lowe, Chester McMillian, Ralph McGee, Lucas Pasley, Emily Spencer, Martha Spencer, and Lynn Worth. Info: surry.edu/news/surry-old-time-music-camp

SCOTLAND

Alasdair Fraser Skye Fiddle Course, Gaelic College, Isle of Skye. July 25-31, 2015. Info: http://www.smo.uhi.ac.uk/en/cursaichean/cursaichean-goirid/alasdair-fraser-fiddle

Dunkeld Bridge Fiddle Weeks, Dunkeld, Scotland, May 9-13, 2016 and September 5-9, 2016. “Improve your fiddling in the land of Niel Gow” with Pete Clark. Classes are held at the Birnam Institute, Dunkeld. Explore this beautiful part of Scotland and play music that was created here two centuries ago. Group size is limited to 12 students; book early to avoid disappointment! Info: http://pete-clark.com/dunkeld-bridge-fiddle-weeks. Pete is also now offering private fiddle weeks. For more information, please visit www.pete-clark.com

Mairi Campbell’s traditional music retreats. Spring and fall weekend workshops on the stunning Island of Lismore, Argyll, Scotland. Award-winning Scottish musician Mairi Campbell offers an intimate, practical and holistic approach to learning traditional music. For any level of adult learner. “Mairi’s retreats have vision, sensitivity, hospitality and musical integrity.” Maximum 8 students. Info: www.lismoremusicretreats.com

Shetland’s Fiddle Frenzy Festival, August 2-9, 2015. Info: www.shetlandarts.org/events/fiddle-frenzy
Shetland Arts, Toll Clock Centre North Road Lerwick, Shetland ZE1 0DE; tel: 01595 743 843

AUSTRALIA

Fancy Yourself Fiddling Irish Fiddle Weekend 2016, Maldon, Victoria, Australia, 2018 dates coming soon. Info: www.seankenan.com/fiddle-camp

Quebec Fiddle Camp, Gippsland, Victoria, Australia (just outside Melbourne), November 2-6, 2018. Guest artists Laura Risk (fiddle), Rachel Aucoin (piano). A small, very friendly camp dedicated to the lively traditional music of Quebec. Details and registration: quasitrad.com. Judy: +61 422 868 680

SPAIN

San Simón Fiddle, Galician Fiddle camp for Kids, second week of July, San Simon Island in Vigo Bay, Spain. www.galiciafiddle.com ; +34610907015;
info@galiciafiddle.com

Crisol de cuerda, Alasdair Fraser camp in Spain, Aug. 2-9, 2015, Arlanzón, Burgos, Iberia, Spain. Instructors: Alasdair Fraser, Hanneke Cassel, Basile Bremaud… Info: http://crisoldecuerda.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: http://www.hit.no/folkekultur; http://www.hit.no/eng

HUNGARY

Métatábor – Méta Hungarian Fiddle Camp, July 1-9, 2017. Méta Camp is the most prestigious folk music camp in Hungary, first held in 1991. For all skill levels. Teaching takes place in groups, with a focus on listening and imitating. On the last day of the camp the teachers ‘record’ the material of the week so that participants can practise and remember. They will also receive the musical score and original recordings of the music. The camp is suitable for a variety of ages, and we also accept participation from children under 12 if they are accompanied by a parent. Info: info@metatabor.hu; https://metatabor.hu/en