Workshops
Upcoming workshops in and around Oxfordshire.
- Details
- Written by: David Rogers
Burwell Bash understands that the course is not financially viable for all families and that this can impact access for young people. With this in mind, Burwell Bash partnered with the East Anglian Traditional Music Trust as part of their Ruddock Bursary scheme to increase ease of access. The Burwell Bash community has also crowd funded additional bursaries as part of a memorial fund for one of our members who we lost in 2024, Fiona Fraser. Between 2025 and 2027, two Burwell Bash Bursaries a year will be awarded in Fiona's name. In order to be eligible, participants must be aged 14-25; play at an intermediate or advanced standard; and play either flute, whistle, fiddle, guitar or D/G melodeon. For the EATMT Ruddock Bursaries, applicants must also be resident of East Anglia or have substantial links to the area.
Details and application forms: https://www.burwellbash.info/bursaries
- Details
- Written by: Jon Bennett
Moonrakers Folk Orchestra Workshops
Moonrakers (www.moonrakers.net) each year run a series of Folk Orchestra and Composition workshops across the country. They are for instrumentalists who wish to develop skills in arranging and playing traditional and contemporary tunes in an ensemble. Jon Bennett (guitar, ukulele, bouzouki, whistles), Jacqui Johnson (cello, fiddle, keyboard) and Becki Luff (harp, keyboard) have many years’ experience conducting workshops at Benslow Music, Halsway Manor and at several festivals. They work through a number of tunes drawn mainly from the folk idiom, inviting you to suggest arrangement ideas yourself. Music (with chords, melody, countermelody and bass) will be sent out in advance along with a video of each tune played at medium pace for those who learn by ear. Above all, it’s a rare opportunity to play with a multi-instrumental and welcoming group. For more information, go to www.moonrakers.net and www.facebook.com/Moonrakersfolkorchestra. If you want to discuss any aspect of the courses, call 01865 769206 or email
5-7 June Folk Orchestra Workshop/Course. Benslow Music, HITCHIN, Hertfordshire, SG4 9RB. The first of our annual residential weekend workshops at Benslow Music. Intermediate standard, all instruments welcome. Music and videos sent in advance. Book early! www.benslowmusic.org 01462 459446.
11-13 Sep Folk Orchestra Workshop/Course Benslow Music, HITCHIN, Hertfordshire, SG4 9RB. The second of our annual residential weekend workshops at Benslow Music. Intermediate standard, all instruments welcome. Music and videos sent in advance. Book early! www.benslowmusic.org 01462 459446.
Sat 17 Oct 10:30am - 4:00pm. Folk Orchestra Workshop run by Jon, Jacqui & Becki. All instruments welcome; intermediate standard (no absolute beginners). Music and videos sent in advance. Limited to 20. Book early because it's always sold out! £60 (including ticket for evening concert). St Symphorians Church Hall, Durrington, WORTHING, BN13 3HU. Booking and information:
Fr 11 - Sun 13 Dec Folk Orchestra, Halsway Manor, TAUNTON, Somerset, TA4 4BD. Residential Folk Orchestra Workshop run by Jon & Jacqui. All instruments welcome; intermediate standard (no absolute beginners). Music and videos sent in advance. Limited to 12. Book early because it's always sold out! halswaymanor.org.uk/ Any questions, call 01865 769206.
2027
22-26 Feb Folk Orchestra, Halsway Manor, TAUNTON, Somerset, TA4 4BD. A three day (4 nights) residential Folk Orchestra Workshop run by Jon & Jacqui. All instruments welcome; intermediate standard (no absolute beginners). Music and videos sent in advance. Limited to 20. Book early because it's always sold out! halswaymanor.org.uk/ Any questions, call 01865 769206.
28-30 May Ukulele Weekend, Halsway Manor, TAUNTON, Somerset, TA4 4BD. A residential weekend workshop, with tutors Jon Bennett, Sam Muir and Phil Doleman. Our annual foray into the wonderful world of ukuleles! It gets sold out very quickly, so book early. www.halswaymanor.org.uk
4 - 6 June Folk Orchestra Workshop/Course. Benslow Music, HITCHIN, Hertfordshire, SG4 9RB. The first of our annual residential weekend workshops at Benslow Music. Intermediate standard, all instruments welcome. Music and videos sent in advance. Book early! www.benslowmusic.org 01462 459446.