The Celtic College workshops teach you new skills and hone the skills you have. Pick up valuable tips that will improve your playing — and maybe learn a new tune or two. Since they all take place at the same time and place, the hardest part might be choosing your favourite!
Please note: all classes are 90 minutes and take place at the same time.
When: Saturday July 8, 2023, from 10 – 11:30 am
Where: Almonte Old Town Hall
Cost: $25 per student
Payment via e-transfer to [email protected]
SCROLL DOWN FOR THE 2023 STAFF AND WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS
2023 Workshop Lineup
Beginner Whistle – Conor Lamb
Work through the fundamentals of tin whistle playing with Conor Lamb from Music In The Glen (www.whistleworkshops.com). In this relaxed and fun class we will explore core techniques to improve your whistle playing and bring out the best rhythm in the music you play.
(Participants will be required to bring a tin whistle in the key of D – they can be purchased from many music stores before the festival)
Beginner Bodhran – Art Solomonian
This workshop will look at the history of the bodhan and its place as the “heartbeat” of Celtic music. Students will learn the proper right hand technique including basic strokes, and left hand techniques to provide variations and tone. Finally the two hands will work together to play basic jigs and reels with a look forward to more complex rhythms.
(Participants will be required to provide their own bodhran, but if you don’t have a bodhran, a pizza box and a 10″ piece of ½” dowel will get you started)
Beginner Fiddle – Fern Marwood
In this workshop, Fern will be teaching beginner fiddle techniques along with a tune from the east coast! She will also be discussing how to add feeling and emotion to your playing.
Intermediate / Advanced Flute – Brendan Mulholland
Brendan Mulholland of Music in the Glen will teach various Irish flute techniques as well as Irish tunes to suit all levels. Find out more about Brendan and his teaching from his online flute school (www.brendanmulholland.com).
(Participants will be required to bring a Irish flute in the key of D)
Intermediate / Advanced Fiddle (& Beginner Step dance) – Chad Wolfe
Ottawa valley fiddle music has an eclectic blend of influences with strength, smoothness, and a relentless beat which makes it the music of choice for Ottawa Valley stepdancers, and square dancers alike. Join Chad Wolfe to learn a popular stepdance tune and even a step or two to go with it! (Sneakers will do)
The Chad Wolfe Studio of Fiddle & Stepdance, now based in Manotick, ON, has been in operation since 1996.
Visit: ChadWolfeStudio.com
(Participants will be required to bring a fiddle and sneakers will do for stepping)

Intermediate / Advanced DADGAD Guitar – Deirdre Galway
Music in the Glen’s accompanist Deirdre Galway will explore the joys of DADGAD tuning, as well as the rhythms and groove that are at the heart of Irish dance music. Like all members of the trio, Deirdre is an experienced teacher and is a regular tutor online and at the Belfast Trad Music School in her home city. You can hear Deirdre’s music at www.musicitg.com and www.realtamusic.com.
(Participants will be required to bring a guitar)