Thank-you for your interest in participating in my Celtic Fiddle Intensive music camp.
My goal is to provide a learning experience that is fun, yet musically deep, with everyone feeling they take home a ton of memorable tunes, great info, and lasting friendships. I am able to accommodate a maximum of 10 participants.
All participants must be vaccinated for Covid-19. This will ensure the health and safety of everyone. Please show your vaccination card upon arrival.
Although fiddle is the primary focus, cello, mandolin, whistle, flute, and concertina are also welcome.
Enrollment is open to ages 12 and older. A specific skill level is not required, however to get the most out of the experience I recommend that participants have a firm command of their instrument, be able to find pitches on the fingerboard without sheet music, and be able to play a number of fiddle tunes by heart at session tempo.
Check-in is at 5:00 PM on Wednesday, September 15. After dinner and socializing, I will teach a short class followed by an open tune session.
Starting on Thursday, September 16, each day will begin with an open tune session from 9:00 AM until 9:45 AM. Classes will commence from 10:00 AM until 1:00 PM, with a break in the middle. After lunch, class will resume from 2:00 PM until 5:00 PM. Classes will be taught by ear, with sheet music given out at the end of each class day.
After recreation and dinner, open tune sessions will begin at around 8:00 PM. I will participate in almost all sessions, playing fiddle and sometimes guitar backup. Sessions will be conducted in an egalitarian manner, with each participant being invited, in turn, to suggest a tune and tempo of his/her choice and everyone joining in (if they know the tune). Later in the week guitarist Eamon Sefton will be on hand to provide his über-excellent backup grooves.
As part of the tuition fee, each participant will be offered a 45-minute private lesson, to be scheduled by signup sheet. Further one-on-one assistance may be provided as time permits.
On Sunday afternoon, September 19 at 4:00 PM, participants will be invited (but not required) to perform a few tunes with me during a concert at The Old Meeting House (pictured above, outside if weather permits, inside if rain). This is a ticketed show open to the general public. Eamon Sefton will play guitar.
Many of the classes will be held outside if the weather permits. The rest of the time we will be in the common area of a roomy, lakeside cabin. Masking indoors may be requested.
Accommodation is not provided, however we have a number of suggestions for lodging and can help you match your wishes and budget. These include BnB rooms, the camp cabin with three sleeping rooms, a couple of small hotels just a few miles down the road, or even a spot or two on which to pitch a tent. Please call me to discuss your options.
Participants will choose where they wish to take their meals. A local café is within walking distance of the fiddle classes, and a number of other restaurants are nearby. A group cookout will take place at least once during the week.
Francestown is a small, historic village in beautiful, rural New Hampshire. Nearby is a crystal blue lake for swimming and kayaking. Just a few miles away is the lovely town of Peterborough, NH, with all amenities.
Tuition is $400 per person.
To register, please contact me via Email at jamielaval@gmail.com or phone me at +1 206-226-5663.
Thanks very much and I’m looking forward to your jumping onboard. Slainte!