DG Melodeon Weekend

Halsway's hugely popular weekend dedicated to the DG melodeon in all its diatonic glory returns in 2026!

Melodeon players can spend time with their instrument in a supportive programme packed with workshops to take your playing to the next level.  This weekend is not aimed at total beginners. You’ll need to have a basic grasp of your instrument – as a guide you should at least be able to play simple tunes with both hands together – with plenty to inspire and challenge more experienced and accomplished musicians. The programme includes workshops designed to take your playing to the next level. Each group will spend time with each tutor.  In addition to the workshop programme there will be some additional time to socialise and take part in informal sessions.

The tutors will give an informal concert on the Saturday evening.

Who is it for?

Players of the D/G melodeon (diatonic button accordion) of all levels except complete beginners. You’ll need a DG melodeon (2 row, 8 bass as a minimum). The course is taught predominantly by ear at all levels.

After you book you'll be asked to select the group which best suits your current ability level so that we can keep group sizes manageable. During the weekend, if you feel you’re playing at a different level would suit you better, there will be the possibility to move group at the tutors’ discretion. The three tutors will work with all three groups. So every group will have experience of learning from each of the tutors.

Please make sure you read our Halsway Workshop Levels guide, to help you choose the most appropriate group.

The groups are:

• Foundation
  Aimed at level 2 players, we’ll be learning simple tunes that will help you with technique as well as adding to your repertoire. You should be used to playing tunes with both hands together, albeit slowly, and you’ll need to be prepared to learn tunes by ear.

• Intermediate
  For our level 3+ players, this is an intermediate level class which will move at a faster pace, looking at more complex tunes and incorporating a greater level of challenge. You should be able to pick up tunes by ear at a reasonable speed, know your way round the right and especially the left hand of your box, and be used to crossing the rows.

• Advanced
  This group is for those who want a real challenge. You’ll be at least a level 4 on our playing guidelines, and able to pick up tunes by ear at a fair pace. You’ll be wanting explore the possibilities of your instrument and develop your musical style as well as technical ability.

Music is not usually sent out in advance for this course. Teaching is generally by ear with scores available for you to take away. All tutors are happy for you to make video or sound recordings for your own use, so bring a recording device as well as a notepad and pen!

The Team

Saul Rose began playing melodeon at 11 after breaking his leg, learning from his dad and local Morris musicians. Inspired by players like John Kirkpatrick and Tony Hall, he gained early recognition through the 1991 Young Tradition Award. He’s played with ceilidh band Phungus ever since, and a key meeting with Eliza Carthy led to The Kings of Calicutt, Waterson:Carthy, and a successful duo now reunited. He also co-founded Dansaul, toured Europe with E2, and worked long-term with Maclaine Colston. Balancing music with everyday life, he formed Random to reach broader ceilidh crowds. Now with Faustus, he’s returned to the concert stage with fresh momentum.

Saul will be joined by two other tutors - who will be announced soon.