Fiddle & Melody Program

Winter School is an opportunity to learn tunes from some of the best players and the most inspiring instructors of Scottish music, spending time in community with fellow musicians and music appreciators, and just have fun!

The fiddle program is open to all melody players and runs concurrently with the smallpipes and guitar programs, giving players of all instruments a chance to learn from each other and to play together. If you are unsure if these classes are a good fit for you or your instrument, please contact Cayley@CelticArts.org

All music will be taught by ear. Fiddle/melody classes will be split into four self-assigned levels based on experience learning by ear. Your group will have a chance to learn from different instructors each day:

-Beginners (can play 1-10 tunes)
-Novice (can play 10-20 tunes, a little experience learning by ear or wants to learn at a slower pace)
-Intermediate (can play 20-100 tunes, has more experience learning by ear)
-Advanced (tune guzzlers)

We do not currently have a class for those who are completely new to their instruments.

You can feel free to switch groups throughout the program if you want more or less of a challenge!

Students arrive on Saturday morning, February 7th, after breakfast. The schedule will include group classes each day, sessions, evening ceilidhs, and a few fun extras. Attendees will also have the opportunity to learn pipe tunes direct from our piping instructors, attend the instructor concert, have the option to be part of our no-stress participant performance night, and more! Classes end on Wednesday, February 11th at noon. Students may choose to purchase a ticket to the Masters of Scottish Arts concert in Edmonds on Friday, February 6th.

“I went to fiddle camps in my teens and early twenties, but it’s been a good 15 years since I was last able to attend one. Spending this last week at Winter School felt like coming home. Everyone was so welcoming, the atmosphere was so inspiring, and the instructors were absolutely amazing!”
–Rachel, CAF Winter School fiddle student

Pricing

Prices for the Fiddle/Melody Program include tuition, housing, and meals:

T.B.A.

Registration opens on August 25th. Cancellations made before December 31st, 2025 will receive a full refund minus a $35 administrative fee. Cancellations made between January 1st, 2026 and January 20th, 2026 will receive a 50% refund of the payments made, minus a $35 administrative fee. Cancellations made after January 20th, 2026 cannot be refunded.