Creative Folk Music Retreat

Our great friend, Laurel Swift, is popping over from the states and we’ve nabbed her to host a small, friendly and intensive week open to all musicians wanting to explore creativity in folk music and improve their skills in coming up with ideas, harmony, countermelody and more. You’ll do lots of enjoyable musical tasks to get you listening, relaxed and tuned into your instrument, your sound and your creative response to other’s playing.

This is an intimate course, and there will be opportunities to work in 2s, 3s, 4s and 5s away from the larger group of about 10 players. Laurel will teach new tunes that illustrate particular learning points and there will also be time to work on your own tunes and ideas, with a ‘friendly circle’ - a great way to share and develop new musical ideas. Bring something to work on: a tune you would like to play better, a concept or technique that is both daunting and you want to be able to master!

You’ll leave with a greater understanding of rhythm, emphasis, and style, and with more confidence in creating harmonies, variations and accompaniments.

Who is it for?

This retreat is perfect for players who consider themselves to be working at a lower intermediate level on their instrument. You don’t need to be able to read music, and although being able to play by ear would be an advantage, skilled players with no ‘by ear’ experience are welcome if you’re willing to have a go. All instruments are welcome.

The Team

Laurel Swift is an inspiring instigator of creative projects and performances rooted in folk arts. A musician, singer and dancer, Laurel plays with Gadarene, The Gloworms and founded Morris Offspring. She co-created Under Her Skin with Debs Newbold, teaches folk widely and is writing a folk musical!