Whether you want to learn to play from scratch, or improve your technique and musical confidence, come and enjoy high quality teaching from professional folk musicians at Cecil Sharp House.
Since 2008, Folk Music Workshops have introduced hundreds of people to musical traditions from Britain and beyond. Our affordable classes for small groups are fun, welcoming and expertly taught, and are tailored to various levels of experience.
Totally brilliant! Great teaching from a great player, in a dynamic class
We run classes in:
- Banjo (five string clawhammer)
- Fiddle
- Guitar
- Melodeon (D/G with at least two right hand rows)
- Song
- Ceilidh Band class for mixed instruments
- Folk Tunes class for mixed instruments
The classes are led by our team of inspiring and friendly professional folk musicians who regularly perform, tour and teach.
Try before you buy: we have some banjos and melodeons to hire for a small termly fee.
When and where does it take place?
Sunday Folk Music Workshops take place in-person at Cecil Sharp House.
Workshops take place at different times depending on your instrument and level of experience.
Each workshop lasts 90 minutes.
If you are a complete beginner, you’ll need to start in the Autumn term. All other classes also run in the Spring.
Autumn 2026: 20, 27 September | 4, 11, 18 October | 8, 15, 22, 29 November
Spring 2027: 10, 17, 24 January | 7, 21, 28 February | 7, 14, 21 March
Timetable for 2026-27:
| 10:00 - 11:30 | Guitar 1&2 | Banjo 1&2 | Fiddle 1&2 | Song |
| 11:45 - 13:15 | Guitar 3&4 | Banjo 3&4 | Fiddle 3 | Melodeon 1&2 |
| 13:45 - 15:15 | Fiddle 4 | Melodeon 3&4 | ||
| 15:30 - 17:00 | Ceilidh Band | Folk Tunes |
If the workshop you want is sold out, you can still join the waiting list by emailing boxoffice@efdss.org.
Who is it for?
For everyone aged 16 and over.
Young people aged 12 to 15 we welcome when accompanied by a responsible fee-paying adult.
Instrument-specific information (Banjo, Fiddle, Guitar, Melodeon, Song, Folk Tunes, Ceilidh Band) is available from the individual class pages.
LEVEL 1 (absolute beginners – Autumn term only)
No need to have picked up the instrument before.
LEVEL 2 (beginners with some basic knowledge)
For those who have some basic knowledge of playing the instrument and want to develop their skills.
LEVEL 3 (improvers)
For those who can play the basics on the instrument and want to improve and expand their knowledge of traditional folk music.
LEVEL 4 (intermediate)
For those who are confident on their instrument, have some knowledge of the traditional folk repertoire and who want to extend their skills.
Termly fees, 2026–27
£144 | £115 concessions
Advance booking is required.
Adult learning concessionary rates are available for people in full-time education, or in receipt of an income-based benefit (such as Universal or Pension Credit).
Terms and Conditions
We cannot give you a refund for any missed classes, including absence due to self-isolation.
Refunds are given only if your course is cancelled or closed early.
If you enrol on a Sunday Folk Music Workshop course but decide after the first session but before the second class that it is not right for you, you can either:
- transfer your booking to another instrument. This depends on availability; if the course of your choice is full then we can reserve a place for you on the following term.
- or have the course fees refunded to you minus an administration charge of £15 (as long as you contact us before the second class of term).
For more information, please visit our Terms & Conditions
Instrument hire
We have a limited number of banjos and melodeons available to hire for a small termly fee plus a returnable deposit (subject to availability).
Hired instruments will be ready for collection on the first session of term.
Hire fee: £45 per term
A £100 deposit for banjos or £150 deposit for melodeons is also required. This is refundable upon the return of the instrument at the end of the hire period, minus any cost involved in restoring the instrument to the original condition (due to damage incurred by the student, excluding reasonable wear and tear).
The hirer will accept liability for the care of the instrument throughout the time they are out of storage and will be expected to have suitable insurance arrangements in place. The hirer is expected to keep the instrument in good condition.
If you hire an instrument for the Autumn term only, you will need to return it on the last class of term. If you would like to keep the instrument over the holidays you will need to re-enrol for the Spring term, ensuring you pay the next term’s hire fee at the same time.
Options for booking and paying for instrument hire are offered as add-ons once you have selected the workshop(s) you would like to book onto. Alternatively you can book via the Box Office in person or by telephone on 020 7485 2206.
You might also like
- Monday Folk Singers, if you want to sing folk songs from the comfort of your own home without the pressure and commitment of public performance.
- English Country Dancing, if you enjoy English country, ceilidh and barn dancing, and related social folk dance styles from further afield.
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