English Folk Dance & Song Society

Come and learn the satisfying and engaging skills of playing for dancing! An ensemble class, open to all instruments, we focus on emphasis, speed and atmosphere, learning how to keep a steady speed, how to keep a light sound with plenty of groove, essential for dance music, and how to craft and shape the tunes and arrangements to make exciting music for both listeners and dancers. The class is open to all instruments and we are most often using fiddle and melodeon friendly keys like D and G major or E minor. If you play an instrument which has restrictions in range or keys, such as tin whistle or harmonica, please be aware that you may need to bring an additional instrument, for example whistles in both D and C. Young people 12–15 years old may attend with a participating, responsible adult over 18 years of age.

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We only accept complete beginners during the Autumn term – there is no Level 1 class in the Spring. The course starts with the basics of the right hand technique, introduces the three most important chords in G-tuning (G, C and D7), looks at left hand techniques (such as hammer-ons and pull offs). Towards the end of the year we introduce harder left hand chords (such as F and D major) and more complicated left-hand techniques. The year will start by assuming all students are level 1, but towards the end of the year it'll be expected that students will be at level 2 or above. Although the five-string banjo is often associated with American music, it is now widely regarded as an instrument of West African origin. It is thought to have evolved from fretless lutes made with gourds that travelled to the Americas during the slave trade. During its heyday in the 19th century, the banjo was very popular internationally and huge numbers were made and played in the UK in classical banjo bands and even banjo orchestras. It is played in many different styles, which reflects its complex international history, but has been associated with folk music on both sides of the Atlantic for a long time. It is fun, accessible and a great instrument to start learning music on. Young people 12–15 years old may attend with a participating, responsible adult over 18 years of age.

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This course will assume students are familiar with the techniques covered in the levels 1 and 2 course. Learning will be done by ear, and tunes will be taught faster than in the beginners’ class. We will play in different keys and talk about transposition and practical music theory. Playing with others and session etiquette will be discussed in more detail. We'll play in many different tunings (G, A, A modal, D tuning, double C, double D, F tuning etc). We will also cover more obscure left and right hand techniques where applicable. We'll talk about style and phrasing, accompanying and leading tunes. We'll also discuss what folk music is and where it is played. The course will respond to the needs of the students in the class, and you will be encouraged to bring your own questions and ideas of what you would like to cover. Although the five-string banjo is often associated with American music, it is now widely regarded as an instrument of West African origin. It is thought to have evolved from fretless lutes made with gourds that travelled to the Americas during the slave trade. During its heyday in the 19th century, the banjo was very popular internationally and huge numbers were made and played in the UK in classical banjo bands and even banjo orchestras. It is played in many different styles, which reflects its complex international history, but has been associated with folk music on both sides of the Atlantic for a long time. It is fun, accessible and a great instrument to start learning music on. Young people 12–15 years old may attend with a participating, responsible adult over 18 years of age.

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Learn English country, ceilidh and barn dancing, and related social folk dance styles from further afield, this term led by tutor/callers Mike Ruff and Mary Panton. We dance to live music from musicians Ian Cutts, Ruth Rose and others. Explore England's social folk dance heritage, from the past and present, in this friendly and inclusive class. Develop dance skills, increase your fitness and gain the confidence to attend the dance or social occasion of your choice, whilst having fun! Participants learn a diverse repertoire of dances and develop skills in English country and ceilidh dancing, and learn occasional dances from related traditions from further afield. A key feature of English Country Dance is an emphasis on the various figures and patterns made by the dancers. This not only helps with spatial awareness but encourages social interaction, as referenced in the literature of Hogarth, Jane Austen and many others. All sorts of interesting historical nuggets are brought to light during the class to help put the dances into their social context. Young people aged 12 to 15 are welcome when accompanied by a responsible fee-paying adult.

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You will start with simple traditional folk fiddle tunes in a greater range of keys and rhythms than at beginner level, and move on to more complex tunes by the end of the year. Alongside learning lots of great tunes, this year is about building a wider musical understanding that will prepare you to build your own style, explore a wider range of fiddle music and build your confidence so you're session ready! By the end of the year you will be confident to play in a range of keys, understand and identify common structures and have begun building your own style and repertoire. You will start to explore the limitless role of the fiddle in folk music, learn great tunes, improve your rhythm and band skills and build your confidence by learning and playing with others. This class is suitable for those returning to the violin after a break of any number of years, who are comfortable playing pitched notes with fingers. The fiddle is one of the most well-known and popular instruments, its versatility spanning many genres and making it popular in many traditions worldwide. Folk fiddle playing is a fluid technique that can change as much with the individual player as it does with regional style. This course aims to introduce traditional fiddle tunes and accompaniments and open the door to developing personal style. Material will be predominantly English but will also include tunes from other European and American traditions. The groups have a laid back and friendly approach, and allow a variety of abilities to co-exist happily. Learning will be done by ear with recordings provided online after each session Young people 12–15 years old may attend with a participating, responsible adult over 18 years of age.

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This is open to all: songs are learnt by ear without musical notation and field recordings are often used for source material. Lyrics will be available after initially learning a song by, both in the form of handouts and also on the online groupsite, along with sound recordings of all material. We focus on learning a new song by ear each week and then often break into smaller groups to work on specific techniques such as ornamentation, harmony singing and interpretation. We cover techniques applicable to solo singing, but most singing is done in groups. However, there are opportunities for solo singing for those who wish. Britain contains a large and highly evolved repertoire of traditional song covering a variety of genres – from ballads and comic songs to work songs and ceremonial songs – as well as a wealth of singing styles. This class aims to introduce these extraordinary traditions through a practical workshop, through the learning and exploration of these songs and listening in to the voice of our cultural ancestors. Young people 12–15 years old may attend with a participating, responsible adult over 18 years of age.

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Join us for creative, inclusive, multi-sensory music-making sessions for disabled young people, led by folk artists Emmie Ward and Nick Goode. At Folk Unlimited you can: - Learn to sing and play songs and tunes from Britain and across the globe - Discover and explore instruments and accessible technology - Learn new skills with fantastic tutors - Make new friends You do not need any experience of playing an instrument or folk music to take part in Folk Unlimited. For disabled 12 – 30 year olds, their friends, parents and carers. Open to all abilities and levels of experience.

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In the autumn term this class is open to absolute beginners, you never need to have played before! You will explore the sound of the folk fiddle, learn simple tunes, develop your rhythm, learn how to tune your instrument and develop your ensemble skills by learning and playing with others. This course aims to give you a solid grounding in both the basics of playing the fiddle and of traditional folk fiddle tunes and accompaniments. A great way to start your learning and prepare you brilliantly for approaching any style of playing with confidence and knowledge. Young people 12–15 years old may attend with a participating, responsible adult over 18 years of age.

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Try out our Tuesday evening morris class and discover one of folk dance's richest traditions. Have fun, increase your fitness and improve your dance skills whilst learning lively Cotswold morris dances with handkerchiefs and sticks. Led by tutor Andy Richards and accompanied by live music. Young people aged 12 to 15 are welcome when accompanied by a responsible fee-paying adult.

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This course aims to immerse you in fabulous folk fiddle music in a range of keys, rhythms and structures. You will have ample opportunities to refine, develop and explore personal style, explore the limitless role of the fiddle in folk music, learn great tunes, improve your rhythm and build you confidence by learning and playing with others. We will improve skills in ornamentation and double stopping, as well as improvising variations and accompaniments. Besides students who feel ready to progress from level 3, this class is suitable for students who are new to folk repertoire but have a good working knowledge of the instrument. The fiddle is one of the most well-known and popular instruments, its versatility spanning many genres and making it popular in many traditions worldwide. Folk fiddle playing is a fluid technique that can change as much with the individual player as it does with regional style. This course aims to introduce traditional fiddle tunes and accompaniments and open the door to developing personal style. Material will be predominantly English but will also include tunes from other European and American traditions. The groups have a laid back and friendly approach, and allow a variety of abilities to co-exist happily. Learning will be done by ear with recordings provided online after each session Young people 12–15 years old may attend with a participating, responsible adult over 18 years of age.

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This course starts from absolute beginner level in the Autumn term and progresses throughout the year. We will begin with the basics, learning the layout of the buttons on both hands and exploring simple tunes. The classes will cover both one-row and cross-row styles and we will be working on right hand melodies as well as left hand accompaniments from the start. Music will be taught by ear with music notation and mp3s available after the sessions. Please note that we only accept complete beginners during the Autumn term. There is no Level 1 class in the Spring; Level 1 becomes Level 2. The melodeon (or diatonic button accordion) is an instrument that has become particularly popular in the folk music of Britain, Ireland, parts of Europe and America. It differs from the piano accordion in that it is smaller and lighter, has buttons rather than keys and the notes change when the bellows are pushed and pulled. The rhythmic effects of this push-pull action are especially well suited to the lively rhythms of dance music from various traditions; although it can also be played in the smoother cross-rowed style, which is particularly suitable for song accompaniment. These classes will focus mainly on music from the British Isles, but will also cover traditional playing styles from other parts of Europe. Young people 12–15 years old may attend with a participating, responsible adult over 18 years of age.

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Throughout this course we will be looking at the basics of playing the guitar and developing the fundamental skills involved in folk guitar playing from basic fingerpicking patterns to chordal accompaniment for folk songs. We'll look at strumming patterns, different chord voicing and learning basic folk tune arrangements on the guitar. Learning mainly by ear, students will develop skills in a range of techniques and styles in an informal and relaxed environment at their own pace. This course is ideal for those who wish to gain an insight into folk guitar and pick up some fun and interesting techniques along the way. Please note that we only accept complete beginners during the Autumn term – there is no Level 1 class in the Spring. Learn folk guitar in a relaxed and friendly environment. The classes explore all aspects of folk guitar; from flat picking tune playing to chordal accompaniment for folk songs. The modern day acoustic guitar is a popular musical instrument classified as a string instrument typically with 6 to 12 strings. The sound is projected acoustically through the vibration of the instrument and is played by strumming or plucking the strings with the right hand while fretting the strings with the fingers of the left hand. For this course you will need an acoustic six-stringed guitar, preferably with steel strings but any acoustic guitar will work. You will be learning both fingerpicking and using a guitar pick. Young people 12–15 years old may attend with a participating, responsible adult over 18 years of age.

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This course carries on from the beginner first year. The course will continue learning tunes by ear at a moderate pace and start to explore more challenging keys, techniques and left hand rhythms as the year progresses. The classes will cover both one-row and cross-row styles. Music will be taught by ear with music notation and mp3s available after the sessions. The melodeon (or diatonic button accordion) is an instrument that has become particularly popular in the folk music of Britain, Ireland, parts of Europe and America. It differs from the piano accordion in that it is smaller and lighter, has buttons rather than keys and the notes change when the bellows are pushed and pulled. The rhythmic effects of this push-pull action are especially well suited to the lively rhythms of dance music from various traditions; although it can also be played in the smoother cross-rowed style, which is particularly suitable for song accompaniment. These classes will focus mainly on music from the British Isles, but will also cover traditional playing styles from other parts of Europe. Young people 12–15 years old may attend with a participating, responsible adult over 18 years of age.

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Throughout this course we will be closely looking at specific aspects of folk guitar; finger style techniques, flat picking and chordal accompaniment for folk songs. We'll be looking in depth at finger style techniques and arranging folk tunes on the guitar. We'll also take a look at harmony and how to escape from the 3 chord trick when accompanying folk tunes. Learning mainly by ear, students will develop skills in a range of techniques and styles in an informal and relaxed environment. This course is ideal for those who wish to build on their existing folk guitar knowledge and gather the tools to progress in this style. Learn folk guitar in a relaxed and friendly environment. The classes explore all aspects of folk guitar; from flat picking tune playing to chordal accompaniment for folk songs. The modern day acoustic guitar is a popular musical instrument classified as a string instrument typically with 6 to 12 strings. The sound is projected acoustically through the vibration of the instrument and is played by strumming or plucking the strings with the right hand while fretting the strings with the fingers of the left hand. For this course you will need an acoustic six-stringed guitar, preferably with steel strings but any acoustic guitar will work. You will be learning both fingerpicking and using a guitar pick. Young people 12–15 years old may attend with a participating, responsible adult over 18 years of age.

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If you are interested in joining London Youth Folk Ensemble (LYFE) come join us for a Sampler session! Welcoming young musicians who want to create and perform amazing folk music together! The Ensemble meets regularly from September to July and performs at exciting events across London and beyond. LYFE is open to confident young musicians on any instrument. This means that you should be able to play independently but do not need to have passed any particular grade. All music is taught by ear and no previous experience of folk music is needed. For young people aged 11-19 year old (up to 24 years old for D/deaf and disabled young people).

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Bring all the family and take part in lively dances from Britain and beyond in a supportive and fun environment! Live music inspires the dancing and expert callers guide the moves with simple instructions. No unaccompanied children or adults! Groups should include a minimum of one adult for every four children. Children under five must be partnered by an adult and may need guiding or carrying through the dances. Limited tickets available on the door, advanced booking recommended.

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Christmas concert with a folk twist Cecil Sharp House Choir and guests invite you to our annual yuletide celebration filled with song, dance, music, and good cheer! Advance booking recommended. Recommended for ages 8+

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