Whether you want to improve your technique or simply learn more about the motivation and musical sources of the range of musicians you’ll hear over the weekend, here (below) are some chances to learn how it is done from Festival guests and other experienced practitioners.

See the dance programme and opportunities to join in pages for more chances to take part in activities.

Backing for traditional Celtic music – with Rhys Crimmin

Saturday, 11:45am, Maire Hall

Learn backing for traditional Celtic music focusing on chords, structure and rhythm for jigs and reels. For beginner to intermediate players this workshop hopes to help you gain the confidence to jump into your local Celtic session!

Essential Banjo Skills – with Paul Trenwith

Saturday 1:30pm, Maire Hall

Banjo Workshop with Paul Trenwith Essential Banjo Skills’. – playing supportively, capturing the feel, taking responsibility.

Naked Voice Workshop – with Fiona Ross

Saturday 3:00pm, Maire Hall

Your true or “naked voice” is the messenger of your soul. In this all-inclusive workshop, we’ll have fun exploring empowering sound practices such as sacred mantra and the seven sounds of love, together with meditative energy movement. All welcome – no previous experience required

Violin – with Adam and Marika

Sunday,11:15am Nelson Lounge

Learn an Irish Tune. Aimed at intermediate +

Learn some Shanties with Poneke Shanty Club

Sunday, 11:45 Maire Hall

Your chance to learn some shanties. The team from Poneke Shanty Club will teach you a selection of their greatest “hits”. All you have do is sing along – as loudly as you like, and approximately in tune. This is the perfect introduction to group singing for those who are not necessarily strong singers, but just fancy the idea of leaping in and belting it out. More fun than a barrel of monkeys and almost as good looking.

Learn a Tune by Ear – The Great Beag Céilí Band

Sunday 12:45pm, Nelson Lounge

Combining fiddle, uilleann pipes, flute, whistle, and bodhran they have developed a lively and tight sound that gets people moving and grooving. Come along and the Great Beag Céilí Band Will teach a tune by ear.

Vocal Confidence – with Victoria Vigenser

Sunday 1:15pm, Maire Hall

Always wanted to sing but don’t feel like you’re a “singer”? Leave your ideas about “proper singing” behind and come along to explore your voice in a different way.

Klezmer/eastern European/Slavic rhythms-with Klezmer Rebs

Sunday 2:45pm, Maire Hall

A percussion workshop in eastern European time signatures and forms.