Discover your inner fiddle-player at the CVFolk Freshers Workshop

A Fresher Workshop. Photo by Pete Willow.

Playing the fiddle is on the secret bucket list of many people, even if they don’t know it yet!

That’s the claim of local music campaign group, CVFolk who organise, among other things, monthly ‘Freshers Workshops’ at Coventry’s Albany Theatre for people of all ages to explore the performing arts of folk.

This Saturday morning (14 September) sees the Fiddle For Beginners workshop, hosted by nationally acclaimed folk artist and multi-instrumentalist, Lauren South.

Lauren South. Photo by permission of the artist.

The Rugby-based musician makes her return visit after the popular and fun session that she hosted in March. Known for including some ace fiddle sets in her live shows, she also has extensive experience as an instrument tutor.

Complete beginners are invited to take part, as well as those with only limited experience of playing. Those who took part in her previous session are welcome to come back and build on what they’ve achieved so far.

Participants should bring their own violin, if possible, but Lauren has a small number of instruments available. The 2-hour workshop starts at 11am in the Clive Benfield Studio of the Albany Theatre, and Lauren aims to get everyone playing at least one tune by the end of the session.

Kevin Dempsey. Photo by Pete Willow.

Also making a return to the workshop programme, guitar veteran Kevin Dempsey hosts a session on Saturday, 5 October for ‘improvers’ – anyone who knows the basics of acoustic guitar playing and wants to add a little flair and magic to their performances.

Saturday, 2 November sees the debut tutoring appearance of expert whistle-player Ewan Cameron, sharing the skills that keep him busy as a member of Rob Halligan’s folk-rock band Homeward Hie, and the popular Danger! Ceilidh Band.

Workshop admission is now £8 but pegged at £5 for all unwaged. It’s a great atmosphere for youngsters, pensioners and everyone in between. Book in advance or bring payment with you! Here’s the link for online booking for this weekend’s workshop: https://www.albanytheatre.co.uk/shows/cv-folk-freshers-workshop-beg. ners-fiddle-with-lauren-south/