When you add 'em up, you'll find there are almost 50 different workshops lined up for this year's Camp.  To help you navigate, the workshop descriptions are organized by topic and code numbered, in the following sequence:

Descriptions of all workshops appear directly below, on this page.

A schedule for these workshops can be seen, on another page: click here. And you can sign up for these workshops on line. For registered full weekend campers: click here. For 'a la carte' signups, click here.

About Skill Levels:

Use the indicated skill levels for each workshop as a rough guide. To help understand what we mean by our skill level ratings, here is how we loosely define them:

Skill Level 0: Novice with this instrument, but knows some melodies

Skill Level 1: Basic competence with this instrument, can play 5+ tunes at slow tempo

Skill Level 2: Knows 10+ tunes and can play 5+ at performance tempo

Skill Level 3: Can play 20+ tunes at performance tempo

About Workshop Resources

For some workshops, resources are provided which will be helpful for you before you come to camp. See YouTube links, downloadable audio, video and sheet music and other files directly below the appropriate workshops.

F-1: Ottawa Valley-style Jigs

Instructor: Kelli Trottier

Skill Levels: 1-3 (note reading helpful but not mandatory)

Equipment required: fiddle, music stand

In this class, we will focus on jig rhythm (6/8 time).  Using a few jig examples,

we will look at how the Ottawa Valley approach compares to that of East Coast fiddlers. There is beauty in both styles and we will look at where the differences lie. We may also have a chance to get our feet moving in 6/8 time!

At the end of the session, students will have learned how to create lift and lilt in their jigs.

F-2: Ottawa Valley Fiddle Groove (reels)

Instructor: Kelli Trottier

Skill Levels: 2-3

Equipment required: fiddle, music stand

We will study a couple of reels in this class in order to determine what gives our tunes “groove” and where they may be lacking. I welcome you to bring your own examples as well.  We will work on playing “in the pocket” of the rhythm, adding accents and building our tempos while achieving a nice groove.

At the end of the session students should be able to play at faster tempos without sounding or feeling rushed.

F-3:  More Bagpipe Tunes (for fiddlers)

Instructor: Allie Bennett

Skill Levels: 2-3

A continuation of last year’s workshop where tunes from the Highland Bagpipe Tradition will be taught.  Emphasis will be placed on how some of these tunes have been adapted for the fiddle and how these alterations work, complete with the ornamentations that emulate the pipes. This workshop is designed for Intermediate+ players.

F-4: Winston “Scotty” Fitzgerald in the Easy Keys

Instructor: Allie Bennett

Skill Levels: 2-3

Perhaps the best known pioneer of Cape Breton Fiddle recordings, Winston has always been known for his ability to create classic tune medleys.  In this workshop, some of these tune groups will be explored, with an emphasis on those in the easier fiddle keys of A, D and G. This workshop is designed for Intermediate+ players.

F-5: Gaelic Song Melodies for Fiddle

Instructor: Allie Bennett

Skill Levels: 0-1

Many of the traditional Gaelic song melodies have been adapted for the fiddle. The focus will be on learning tunes at a slow tempo, as many of these melodies were originally composed as slow airs or waltzes.  It is preferred that participants in this workshop read music at least at a beginner level, however a couple of tunes can be taught by ear if necessary.  

F-6: Dan R’s Greatest Hits

Instructor: Allie Bennett

Skill Levels: 2-3

Arguably the greatest Cape Breton Fiddle composer of all time, the music of Dan R. MacDonald is in the repertoires of just about every Cape Breton fiddler. Some of his better known tunes will be explored both individually and in medleys, again concentrating on those in the easier fiddle keys. This workshop is designed for Intermediate+ players.

F-7: Beginner Class with Richard Wood

Instructor: Richard Wood

Skill level: 0

In this session, the participants will learn about the different parts of the fiddle and the bow, how to tune the instrument and how to set up the bow for playing. We will learn how to hold the fiddle and bow and explore bowing techniques. We will discuss the differences and similarities between the music of PEI and Cape Breton and make a start on learning a simple tune, such as Westphalia Waltz.

F-8: Fiddle - Intermediate Class

Instructor: Richard Wood

Skill levels: 1-2

This session is all about learning the difference between different types of tunes, i.e.: Jig, Reel, March etc. and the different fingering and bowing techniques they use. We will introduce ornamentation (meaning vibrato, triplets, double-stops) as a way of adding individuality to a tune. We will then practice these techniques as we learn to play a new tune of the class’s choice.

F-9: Fiddle - Advanced class

Instructor: Richard Wood

Skill levels: 2-3

In this session, we focus on more performance-related aspects of playing the fiddle. We will introduce improvisation and its use. And, because it happens to all of us, how to work your way out of a mistake you make within a tune. We will do some more work on ornamentation and learn how to put a medley of tunes together, i.e.: March, Strathspey, Reel.

F-10: Beginner Fiddle 101

Instructor: Rachel Davis

Skill level: 0

This class will teach students how to hold a violin and a bow, as well as the notes of each string, and how to move your fingers on the string. The goal for this class will be to hopefully have an interest in playing the fiddle, give you the foundation to continue to learn, and have a tune or two to play for your friends. Come and try something new!

F-11: Intermediate Cape Breton Fiddle

Instructor: Rachel Davis

Skill levels: 1-2

This class will help those at the advanced intermediate-intermediate level with the next step of their learning. We’ll work on practicing to learn tunes by ear (don’t be scared, we’ll work with sheet music as well!), as well as bowing techniques that make this style of fiddle playing so unique. We’ll focus on tunes that are common to Cape Breton style players, and common to local jam sessions!

F-12: Advanced Cape Breton Fiddle.

Instructor: Rachel Davis

Skill level: 3

This class is for those who have mastered playing all types of tunes in most keys. We’ll dive into different types of grace notes, as well as bow ornamentations common to this tradition, with a few of my favourite tunes of the last few years. We’ll be learning mostly by ear, but moving at a pace that will be comfortable for everyone (and there will be sheet music supplied as well).

F-13: Cape Breton Session Tunes

Instructor: Colin Grant

Skill levels: 1-2

There are many fiddle tunes in this neck of the woods that have found their way to and from the traditional Scottish and Irish music canons. We'll be playing some of these favourites at 'session-friendly' tempos in medleys with other popular tunes you might know. And we'll explore some things to keep in mind when joining a typical Cape Breton session. We will also talk about the 'bridging' of tunes, in both session and individual contexts.

Resources for Colin's fiddle workshops

GT-1: Guitar Intro Workshop

Instructor: Scott Macmillan

Skill Level: 0

How to tune the guitar

Names of strings

Intro to finding names of notes on fingerboard

Basic open position chords

Intro to reading chord charts

Intro to reading tab and notation

Strumming and picking techniques

GT-2: Guitar Basics Workshop

Instructor: Scott Macmillan

Skill Level: 1

Intro to working with a metronome

Basic theory, (number) names of chords in a key

Continuing playing picking and strumming techniques

Practice techniques

Major and minor scales

Learn a tune

GT-3 Advanced Guitar Techniques

Instructor: Scott Macmillan

Skill Levels: 2 & 3

Alternate voicings for basic chords

Chord substitutions

Playing with a capo in differing positions, using drop D, and DADGAD tunings

Creating bass lines and passing lines between chords

Continuing working with a metronome

Learn two tunes, (jig and a reel)

Using the ears, accompanying tunes that one has not heard before (putting theory to use)

GT workshops 1 through 3 are presented using a pick, which is most common in Celtic guitar playing. All these workshops apply to finger style players as well.

Resources for Scott's Guitar Workshops

GT-4: Cape Breton Guitar

Instructor: Roger Stone

Skill Levels: 2-3 (also open to Level 1)

This workshop will focus on the present day styling of Dave MacIsaac, who has taken the influential styles of Estwood Davidson and other great pioneer guitar players to the stages of the world. We will discuss Bar Chords, backing up Strathspeys, Reels and Jigs, as well as passing chords in the Cape Breton guitar style. This course is designed for Intermediate to advanced players, but beginners are welcome to join in.

GT-5: DADGAD Guitar

Instructor: Darren McMullen

Skill levels: 1-3

DADGAD is a popular tuning style used for folk and Celtic guitar players. This open-style tuning uses open strings to create more lush, colourful sounding chords while making the chord shapes easier to move around the neck. Used by songwriters like Dougie MacLean, Dave Gunning, rhythm players like John Doyle, DADGADd is a quick and easy way to add a whole new style of playing to any guitarist's repertoire. At the end of this session, the delegate will have learned how to use DADGAD chord shapes, and some strumming ideas for both songs and for chording traditional tunes. 

GT-6: Beginner's Guitar

Instructor: Rob Woodley

Skill Level: 0 (this workshop geared for our young campers, all welcome to attend)

You'll need to bring a guitar, a capo and a pick. You are also advised to bring a spare set of strings. If an accident happens, it will be an opportunity to learn how to restring - a much-needed skill for any guitarist. You won't need to be able to read music for this Workshop.

We will begin with a quick tour of the guitar, naming the parts and describing their function. We'll then learn a couple of different techniques for tuning the guitar to the Standard EADGBE tuning. We'll discuss a tiny bit of chord theory before learning some simple chords and exploring the proper way to hold them down. We'll try a couple of strumming patterns and then put it all together to play a simple song. You'll leave with a set of additional chord sheets and some exercises to work on at home.

BG-1: Basic Bass

Instructor: Darren McMullen

Skill Levels: 0-2

"The eyes in the room are all looking at the star, but the butts are all shakin to the bass guitar!" The bass can be a hard instrument to master, but with a couple hints, a few tricks, and some practice time, you'll be layin' down the groove in no time. We'll look at hand techniques apply them to some great bass lines you're sure to recognize. At the end of this session, the delegate will have learned techniques that make the instrument easier to play. We'll also look at some often-used patterns, how to use your ear to learn bass lines, and how to make up your own bass lines.

Darren invites you to send along any questions or specific styles/techniques you'd like to look at, in advance, and we'll incorporate them into these classes. Email to mcmullenmusic@gmail.com with subject heading Music Camp Workshop Request. 

Keyboard/Piano Workshops

Our venue sponsor for the workshops, East Richmond Education Centre, once again will provide their electronic keyboards for these workshops. You are welcome to bring your own if you wish.

KP-1: Piano Beginner Class

Instructor: Richard Wood

Skill level: 0

We begin by learning about the keyboard and introducing scales and keys. We will explore the structure of chords and learn how to make them. After learning the difference between jigs, reels, marches, we will learn how to chord along to a simple tune.

KP-2: Piano Intermediate/Advanced

Instructor: Richard Wood

Skill level: 1

We will continue learning to make different chords and how to progress from one to another when accompanying a tune. We will work on bass hand vs. right hand (e.g. syncopated rhythms) and learn how to follow a simple chord chart. We will then learn to accompany different types of tunes, i.e.: reel, jig, march etc.

KP-3: Basic Keyboard Workshop

Instructor: Chelsey Dakai

Skill levels: 0-1 (Youth Workshop)

This workshop is geared towards young campers with very little keyboard experience. We will focus on basic scales, fingering, and making chords on the keyboard.

KP-4: Youth Piano Workshop TBA

Instructor: Chelsey Dakai

Skill level: 2 (Youth Workshop)

This workshop is geared towards young campers who have previous experience on the keyboard. We will discuss chord patterns and inversions. We will also explore different styles of Celtic piano accompaniment and take a look at some new tunes.

TB-1: Tenor Banjo

Instructor: Darren McMullen

Skill Levels: 0-2

Playing fiddle tunes on the banjo has become quite popular in the past few decades. In this workshop, we'll play a few jigs and reels to get you started, and we'll also look at some techniques for playing tunes, and the all important "triplet"! At the end of the session, you will have learned techniques for both left and right hands, and a couple jigs and reels to practice on. 

MA-1: Inter-Advanced Mandolin

Instructor: Darren McMullen

Skill Levels: 2-3

Studies show that the Mandolin is indeed the best instrument in the world. If you've already got a few songs and tunes under your belt, this workshop will help you get to the next level. We'll look at some left and right hand techniques, strumming and the bluegrass "chop". Time will be allotted for all your mandolin questions. At the end of this session, the delegate will have learned how to sit in better with other players, be more versatile,and how to take their playing up a notch. 

MA-2: Mandolin for Fiddlers

Instructor: Darren McMullen

Skill Levels: 0-3

The mandolin is perfect for fiddlers who want to try a new instrument. The tuning and scale length is the same, so all the tunes you know on fiddle, you also know them on mandolin. The big advantage of the mandolin is that you'll be able to play chords, something you don't do on the fiddle.  We'll look at some very important pick techniques, to make the transition smooth and easy. At the end of this session, the delegate will have learned how to apply the knowledge and experience of the fiddle onto the mandolin, as well as what the similarities and differences are to approaching both instruments. 

Darren invites you to send along any questions or specific styles/techniques you'd like to look at, in advance, and we'll incorporate them into these classes. Email to mcmullenmusic@gmail.com with subject heading Music Camp Workshop Request.

MA-3: Mandolin 101

Instructor: Rob Woodley

Skill Level: 0 (this workshop geared for our young campers, all welcome to attend)

You should bring a mandolin, a pick, and you might want to consider bringing a spare set of strings in case an accident happens while tuning. You won't need to be able to read music for this workshop.

We will begin with a quick tour of the mandolin, naming the parts and describing their function. We'll then learn a couple of different techniques for tuning the mandolin to the Standard GDAE tuning. We'll discuss a tiny bit of chord theory before learning some simple chords and exploring the proper way to hold them down. We'll try a couple of strumming patterns and then put it all together to play a simple song. If there is time, we will learn to play some Major scales with a pick. You'll leave with a set of additional chord sheets and some exercises to work on at home.

We are again very pleased to have Johannes Sturm, a highly accomplished luthier, with us for Music Camp. Johannes has been a strong supporter of KitchenRackets since the outset. At Music Camp he is our resident luthier, and holds Open Luthier Shops during camp - you don't need to sign up for these - if you are free when the shop is open, Johannes will be there to talk with you about your instrument - and its care and feeding; to help you with any issues, to do minor repairs or assessments - or to talk to you about your next stringed instrument. He does conduct 1 scheduled workshop that you can sign up for:

L-1: Building a Violin: Talk and Demo

Instructor: Johannes Sturm

Skill levels: just your interest in learning about this

Johannes will discuss how a fiddle is made, show you the tools of the trade, and present examples of fiddles and fiddle parts to help you appreciate how these magical instruments are built. This workshop is open to all campers and accompanists.

Accordion

AC-1: Introduction to the Accordion

Instructor: Rob Woodley

Skill Levels: 0-1 (this is mainly a demonstration workshop)

The accordion is to Newfoundland what the fiddle is to Cape Breton. Specifically, we are talking about the two-row diatonic button accordion (rows tuned to C/F, G/C, D/G or A/D), as distinct from its many other relatives in the ‘squeezebox’ family. They are played to accompany songs and dances not just in Newfoundland, but across Europe and in particular the British Isles, where the instrument is called a 'Melodeon'. This workshop introduces the accordion, and describes its construction, maintenance, principles of operation and its variations. We will explore the range of the instrument using the treble and bass hands through demonstrations and examples. No music-reading skills are required and you are invited to bring your own instrument. Please note that this is not a 'how-to-play' lesson, although for those with an instrument of their own, there will be an opportunity to explore playing techniques to take away and practice. This session is open to all Campers, to 'a la carte' participants, and to our Accompianists

MC-1: How to write a fiddle tune that a fiddler would like to play

Instructor: Scott Macmillan

Skill Levels: 1-3

• Learn a few rules
• Intro to improvisation
• Notation layout
• Basic theory, info to call upon when you can't come up with ideas
• Writing a melody from a chord progression
• Writing a chord progression from a melody
• Creating bass lines

This workshop will take place over two periods of 75 minutes each. The first will take place on Saturday, second on Sunday, allowing time for a bit of homework in between.

Resources for Scott's Composition Workshop

MR-1: A Quick Start at Reading Music

Instructor: Barbara White

Skill Levels: 0-3 for people age 17+

Equipment required: any instrument (or voice)

Why is a waltz in 3 and a jig in 6—or two?! Why is a tune with one sharp sometimes in G and sometimes in A minor? What are those dots after the notes for? This nuts-and-bolts workshop is designed for musicians of all levels who play by ear.  We’ll cover the staff, pitches, rhythms and key signatures, and we’ll also make time to talk about those nagging questions you wonder about. Notation can open up new opportunities: as a memory aid, as a way to access more tunes, and as a tool to share your favorite tunes with others.

MR-2: Notation for Young Musicians

Instructor: Barbara White

Skill Levels: 0-3 (this workshop geared for our young campers)

Equipment required: any instrument (or voice)

This workshop is designed especially for young musicians: all skill levels, through age 16.  We’ll begin by playing a tune by ear, and then we’ll see what happens when we write it down.  The main focus will be on reading tunes; time permitting, we’ll also spend some time on notating tunes ourselves.  Content and pace will be tailored to the group, and there will be ample time for questions.

TW-1: Intro to the Tin Whistle

Instructor: Heather MacIsaac Gillis

Skill Level: 0

Equipment required: D whistle

Some of you have asked, what is a tin whistle? Here is the wiki definition. Please come back after looking at it.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tin_whistle

We will be working in one octave from lowest D to middle D. See the D scale chart below, and two simple tunes to play with sheet music and audio samples which will get you on the right path for this workshop.

TW-2: Advanced Tin Whistle

Instructor: Heather MacIsaac Gillis

Skill Levels: 1-3

Equipment required: D whistle

Students should be proficient with scales on D whistle and ready to learn tunes. We will work on ornamentation used on whistle: cuts, taps, rolls, slurs, crans, vibrato.  We will discuss some of the valuable online resources for learning.

Sheet music for several options of Jigs, Reels, and Airs will be brought for students to chose to learn depending upon student preference.  Links in the resources below are a few which will be among the choices - please have a listen:

Resources for Heather's Advanced Tin Whistle Workshop

Links to the tunes thesession.org, where you can download sheet music, ABC files, and in some cases find audio and video files too. You might want to get familiar with some of these and discover tunes you'd like to learn from Heather.

Reels:

Ah Surely https://thesession.org/tunes/577 

Morning Star https://thesession.org/tunes/828

Primrose Lasses https://thesession.org/tunes/789

Father Kelly's https://thesession.org/tunes/791

Jigs:

The Kerfunten https://thesession.org/tunes/139

Hole in the Hedge https://thesession.org/tunes/755

Peter Byrne's https://thesession.org/tunes/2919

Rolling Waves https://thesession.org/tunes/515

Coppers and Brass https://thesession.org/tunes/228

VC-1: Singing 101

Instructor: Roger Stone

Skill Levels: 0-2

This workshop is designed to introduce the student to basic vocal techniques, harmony, breathing and music theory, for the person who wants to understand just how performing and singing in a group or solo setting works. This year I will focus on group singing, using the Rita MacNeil classic Working Man. This program is designed for beginner to intermediate students.

Resources for Roger's Voice Workshop:

Rita and the Men of the Deep singing Working Man

Click here for the YouTube link: https://youtu.be/EkOteYufGOg

VC-2: Sing to Western Swing

Instructor: Kelli Trottier

Skill Levels: 0-3

If you like to sing, join me for some swing (and fun) in this class. We will work on a Western Swing song to see how we can make the lyrics swing with our voices. This is a style of music that allows us to bend the rules of rhythm and melody to take some creative license.  How much fun is that? Let’s work together to learn how to create the sound that we want!

At the end of the session students will have learned how to project and bend their vocals as well as how to experiment with any melody.

Interested in learning to sing traditional Acadian songs?

Carol Martell offers 2 fun, interactive and informative workshop on traditional Acadian music. Each workshop features a different song. Carol will  offer some insight on life growing up in a truly Acadian Family, and describe how the songs they sang gave them a solid appreciation of their Acadian culture. By example of old family recordings, Carol will illustrate how French acappella songs would have been sung some 80 plus years ago and will soon have you singing and playing along to a couple of them.

You will benefit from being able to read and speak the French language (but it's not necessary). If you play an instrument, bring it along and add to the fun!

VC-3: Sing Partons La Mer Est Belle - La Viré

Instructor: Carol Martell
Skill levels: 0,1,2,3

VC-4: Sing Viens voir l'Acadie - Donat Lacroix

Instructor: Carol Martell
Skill levels: 0,1,2,3

Resource links for Carol's Acadian songs

BO-1: Bang 101

Instructor: Roger Stone

Skill Levels: 0-1

Equipment required: Bodhran (a few loaners may be available)

In this workshop novice and early-stage bodhran players will learn how to hold the drum and the tipper, and to keep rhythm in reel and jig timing. Roger will provide an overview of the history of this thousand year-old traditional Irish instrument, and some resources for continuing your practice and development when you get back home.

UK-1: Ukelele Techniques

Instructor: Roger Stone

Skill Levels: 0-2

Equipment required: Any kind of ukelele. Loaners will be available.

This workshop is designed for students who can strum a few chords, and want to take their playing a little further. I will focus on Travis Style (finger picking) and a few interesting strumming exercises. We will also focus on chord progression and scales for composing your own songs and we will discuss tuning and regular care of the Instrument.

DA-1: Ottawa Valley Step Dance

Instructor: Kelli Trottier

Skill Levels: 0-3

Equipment required: hard soled shoes are helpful

Let’s get our feet tapping and off the ground as we study the art of Ottawa Valley Step Dance. We will look at the elements that are similar to those of Cape Breton and where the differences lie.I will cover all of the basics of step dancing and move on to more advanced ideas as it suits each of your comfort levels.Come prepared for a fun and energetic workout as we bring the music to life with our feet as our percussion. At the end of the session students will have learned basic, solid step dance techniques and have a few new moves to add to their dance repertoire. 

DA-2: Roddie's Square Dance Session

Instructors: Roddie's Square Dance Society members

Skill Levels: 0-3

This has been one of the most popular workshops since we started Music Camp, and it will take place last period on Saturday afternoon. Powered with live local musicians and a caller, the session starts with an intro to teach novice and experienced square dancers the steps and sets of legendary local dancer/caller Roddie MacDonald, and evolves into a full blown Cape Breton square dance. Members of Roddie's namesake dance society - a very active group who promotes and teaches these sets at Camp and other at events through the year - will be your mentors. This session is open to all Campers, to 'a la carte' participants, and to our Accompianists. Enjoy!

DA-3: Beginner Cape Breton Stepdancing

Instructor: Rachel Davis

Skill level: 0 (For students over 19 yrs)

For the absolute beginner! This class will focus on learning the basic steps for Cape Breton dance. The goal will be for the student to leave knowing basic steps for dancing to jigs, strathspeys, and reels. Come on out to get your Cape Breton groove on and try something new!

DA-4: Intermediate Cape Breton Stepdancing

Instructor: Rachel Davis

Skill levels: 1-2

This class is aimed at those who have the basic steps of Cape Breton dance, and are looking to expand their repertoire. We will go over variations of the basic steps for jigs, strathspeys, and reels, in addition to trying out a few square sets common to Inverness County.

DA-5: Beginner Highland Dancing

Instructor: Leah Campbell

Skill Level: 0

This class is an introduction to highland dancing where you will learn all the basic movements, positions, and techniques. Come prepared for an energetic session as we will be getting in a good workout while dancing. You will also be listening/dancing to a recording of the traditional Scottish bagpipes as we learn a simple choreographed routine. You will leave this class with further knowledge on the Scottish culture and extra rhythm in your feet.

DA-6: Beginner Cape Breton Stepdancing

Instructor: Leah Campbell

Skill Level: 0

This class will teach younger students the basics of our Cape Breton style stepdancing. You will be taught fun techniques and routines to get you engaged in the culture of dance. The goal of this class is to learn the traditional steps for dancing to jigs, strathespays, and reels. Come dance with us and keep our Cape Breton style alive!              

BL-1: Band Labs (as many as it takes)

The Band Labs are well known to veteran Music Campers. We offer this program which fills your last two workshop slots (Sat pm and Sun am). When you sign up for Band Lab, we will ask you to fill out a 'resumé' when you arrive on Friday evening, then we sign you up to a new band. You will work with your band to elect a leader, pick a name for your band, and learn a tune or two. You will have mentorship from our faculty who will rove among the Band Lab practice sessions to give advice, and help to get you ready for your performance at the Band Lab Showcase that closes Music Camp after lunch on Sunday. You get to deal with a lot of things that real-life bands have to deal with: the pressure, the politics, stage-fright, and all the glory!

All these workshops are scheduled over our 5 periods through the weekend. To see the schedule, click here.