An opportunity to arrange and play folk tunes and songs at a steady 'intermediate' pace with a group of enthusiasts and many different instruments.
Please note that this course is held at The Corn Exchange, Faringdon, Oxfordshire, SN7 7JA from 10:30 to 16:30 with a lunch break. Music and videos will be sent in advance.
STANDARD: IMPROVER, CONFIDENT
Non-Resident: £70 (25% off for under 27s) Code: 23/103
Booking for Members opens at 11am on Monday 27 February 2023.
Non-Member and online booking opens at 11am on Monday 27 March 2023.
For details on how to become a Member to take advantage of early booking, see here.
What is the course about?
A workshop for folk and classical instrumentalists. Whatever acoustic instrument you play (fiddle, fretted instruments, whistles/flute, squeeze boxes, etc) you are welcome! The two tutors specialise in arranging tunes for all instruments and we have parts for those who read music and those who don’t (but no absolute beginners, please). We adapt the music to whatever standard or instrumentation we have on the day. We'll work through about 10 tunes and songs with arrangements, occasionally splitting into smaller groups. We’ll also look at some theory and improvisation. To see the kind of music we play, go to www.moonrakers.net and the many videos we have at Folk Orchestra & Ukulele Oxford - YouTube.
Please note that this course will be held at the Corn Exchange, Faringdon, Oxfordshire, SN7 7JA from 10:30 to 16:30 with a lunch break. Music and videos will be sent in advance.
Tutor website: www.moonrakers.net
What will we cover?
Folk tunes (some with parts written, others with just the top line and chords)
How to interpret and arrange the tunes as a group
Performance techniques
One-to-one tuition as required
What will we accomplish? By the end of this course you will be able to…
Play up to 10 pieces in a small (max 18) ensemble with arrangements that we've worked on over the course of the day. You can then take the pieces to your own groups at home, or simply play them as solos/duets.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
The courses is aimed at intermediate level players, not absolute beginners. Provided you are able to play your instrument as an 'improver', we'll ensure that you have an appropriate part to play. Although reading music is a bonus, it is not 100% necessary - most of the tunes are simple and can be learned by ear (especially since a recording of them will be sent out in advance to participants). For those playing strumming instruments (ukulele, guitar, etc) chords are provided for all the tunes.
Standard: Improver, Confident
How will the course be taught, and will any preparation be required?
The music will be sent out in advance, along with a recording (on YouTube) so that you see and hear it at least two weeks beforehand. For most of the day we will remain in one large group, but there might also be opportunities for splitting occasionally into smaller groups, if requested.
Will music be provided in advance of the course?
The written music will be sent to you in advance. The recordings (made by the tutors) will be available on YouTube with the link sent by email.
Is there anything I need to bring?
Instrument, music stand, notebook and pencil.
What previous participants said about this course…
“Supportive tutors who drew out strengths of each delegate.”
“Inspiring and informative, and inclusive of all levels of ability in the group. The tutors are superb, encouraging and helping, with loads of material, gauged just right! A perfect balance of different and contrasting styles of folk music, giving the widest possible experience in the time available.”
“Great tutors and a very nice atmosphere.”
“Great fun! Fabulous immersing myself in the music! Tuition, encouragement, inspiration! I learned a lot!”