Folk Tune Workshops
All over the country, musicians are coming together to support the learning of folk tunes and the building of instrument confidence. Many musicians have been inspired by the slow and steady speed tune workshops that are commonly found at folk festivals around the UK.
midswégan are a folk ensemble based in the Midlands. midswégan is an Anglo-Saxon word that means ‘to play together in concert or harmony’, which is fitting considering that we met and found our connection during public bar folk music sessions around the beautiful counties of Shropshire and Cheshire.
Our Folk Tune Workshops are lead by Adam Beresford-Browne (guitar, mandolin), Richard Chaff (guitar), Tim Cunningham (fiddle, accordion), Ian Jones (flute, melodeon, whistle), Clare ‘Fluff’ Smith (fiddle, viola), and Jay Stannard (percussion, bass guitar).
Why do it? Knowing the notes of a tune is only part of the journey. Without compassion, awareness and joy, a session is merely a group of strangers in the same room playing (approximately) the same tune.
By playing tunes slowly and steadily in a workshop environment we are encouraged to really listen to the musicians around us, to learn self-restraint so as to not play too quickly or loudly, and to grow closer to our instrument and how to make each and every note sound beautiful.
What do I need to bring? For the most part you only need to bring your instrument(s) and an open mind. For those who can read music, click here for our book of tunes. Printouts will also be available at the workshops (we ask for a £2 donation to cover printing and binding costs).
If, like many of us, you play by ear then have a browse further down this page where you’ll find recordings of each tune for you to play along with (coming soon!). Additionally, we will be teaching some new tunes by ear in the workshop. Being able to 'pick up' a tune in a session is a very useful skill, and learning tunes by ear is a great way to start flexing this muscle!
Are there different levels of workshop? Yes. We run three different workshops:
A note about Guitar & Percussion. Our Folk Tune Workshops are designed to help tune players to learn and progress - they are not a ‘free for all’ session, nor are they suitable for absolute beginners. You already know how to hold, tune and play your instrument to a basic level of proficiency. In order to be fair to the tune musicians in attendance we need to be very strict about timing, speed, volume, etc. If you’re a percussionist or play rythym on ukulele or guitar then please bear this in mind before deciding to attend. We also offer Drop D Guitar Workshops and Standard Tuning Guitar Workshops for guitarists wishing to further develop their tune-backing skills and repetoire.
* FESTIVAL ORGANISERS * Contact us for availability and pricing
midswégan are a folk ensemble based in the Midlands. midswégan is an Anglo-Saxon word that means ‘to play together in concert or harmony’, which is fitting considering that we met and found our connection during public bar folk music sessions around the beautiful counties of Shropshire and Cheshire.
Our Folk Tune Workshops are lead by Adam Beresford-Browne (guitar, mandolin), Richard Chaff (guitar), Tim Cunningham (fiddle, accordion), Ian Jones (flute, melodeon, whistle), Clare ‘Fluff’ Smith (fiddle, viola), and Jay Stannard (percussion, bass guitar).
Why do it? Knowing the notes of a tune is only part of the journey. Without compassion, awareness and joy, a session is merely a group of strangers in the same room playing (approximately) the same tune.
By playing tunes slowly and steadily in a workshop environment we are encouraged to really listen to the musicians around us, to learn self-restraint so as to not play too quickly or loudly, and to grow closer to our instrument and how to make each and every note sound beautiful.
What do I need to bring? For the most part you only need to bring your instrument(s) and an open mind. For those who can read music, click here for our book of tunes. Printouts will also be available at the workshops (we ask for a £2 donation to cover printing and binding costs).
If, like many of us, you play by ear then have a browse further down this page where you’ll find recordings of each tune for you to play along with (coming soon!). Additionally, we will be teaching some new tunes by ear in the workshop. Being able to 'pick up' a tune in a session is a very useful skill, and learning tunes by ear is a great way to start flexing this muscle!
Are there different levels of workshop? Yes. We run three different workshops:
- Very Slow Tempo - tunes are played at around 30 to 40 bpm, with significant emphasis on keeping a steady tempo and playing each note carefully and clearly.
- Medium Slow Tempo - tunes are played at a more joyous 50 to 60 bpm with steady tempo and clear note-playing.
- Up Tempo - aka. ceilidh speed. Tunes are played at 80 to 120 bpm, with the workshop focussed on playing music for dancers.
A note about Guitar & Percussion. Our Folk Tune Workshops are designed to help tune players to learn and progress - they are not a ‘free for all’ session, nor are they suitable for absolute beginners. You already know how to hold, tune and play your instrument to a basic level of proficiency. In order to be fair to the tune musicians in attendance we need to be very strict about timing, speed, volume, etc. If you’re a percussionist or play rythym on ukulele or guitar then please bear this in mind before deciding to attend. We also offer Drop D Guitar Workshops and Standard Tuning Guitar Workshops for guitarists wishing to further develop their tune-backing skills and repetoire.
* FESTIVAL ORGANISERS * Contact us for availability and pricing