Folkworks Summer Sessions FAQs
Wondering what to expect at Folkworks Summer Sessions? Check out our FAQs for everything from workshop details to evening activities.
What will we be doing?
The main sessions may cover such things as instrumental techniques, new approaches or new tunes.
Dave’s session will be more about playing together, approaching music as an ensemble, roles people and instruments can play and techniques to navigate arrangements.
What are the Big Song and Big Tune?
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At the start of the day, we all learn a simple tune together, also a song (Big tune/Big song). This has been taken from Folkworks of old. This will happen after a morning warm-up and we meet the Big tune/Song again, all together at the end of the day.
You will find out what the Big Tune and Big Song are on your first day at Summer Sessions.
Which group will I be in for my main session?
Nancy Kerr- Vocals
Karen Tweed- Box club – Accordions, Melodeons, Concertinas
Sarah Hayes- Winds – Flutes, whistles, recorders, pipes, brass
Jack Rutter- Strumming/fretted instruments- Guitars, mandolins, bouzouki, ukuleles
Jock Tyldesley- Stringed instruments- Fiddles, viola’s etc
Dave Gray – Everything else
What are the Big Song and Big Tune?
Show More
At the start of the day, we all learn a simple tune together, also a song (Big tune/Big song). This has been taken from Folkworks of old. This will happen after a morning warm-up and we meet the Big tune/Song again, all together at the end of the day.
You will find out what the Big Tune and Big Song are on your first day at Summer Sessions.
What are the Ensemble groups?
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As well as your main instrument session, you will sign up to an ensemble group. These may include things such as Band with Song, Listening Band, Dance Band. Full details on these tbc.
Will you be sending out music/tune titles before the event?
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Tune titles and music will not be sent out before the event. However, sheet music will be available at the tutor’s discretion- normally given to the participants after the session.
Will we be learning by ear?
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Yes. Participants will have ‘Self reflection/Solo Practice time’ within the day so they can take and study/play the dots if needs be.
What are the evening activities?
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Wednesday – Q&A session with tutors with Dave as host; some informal tutor performances as part of this. You’ll get a chance to put your questions forward for tutors to answer; followed by Session / Social time.
Thursday – Dance Evening, including French Bal and Ceilidh dancing; followed by Session / Social time.
What are the timings for the evening activities?
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Evening activities will start at 8pm with doors at 7.30pm and run until close at 11pm.
Do I have to pay extra for the evening activities?
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No, this is included in the ticket price. If you have friends or family who would like to join you for the evening activities who do not have tickets to Folkworks Summer Sessions, we will have a ‘pay as you feel’ option where capacity allows. Full details on this tbc.
Do I have to pay extra for the evening activities?
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No, this is included in the ticket price. If you have friends or family who would like to join you for the evening activities who do not have tickets to Folkworks Summer Sessions, we will have a ‘pay as you feel’ option where capacity allows. Full details on this tbc.
Will there be a performance I can invite my family to?
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There will be sharing performance on Friday afternoon. At this point we can’t say for sure if this will be open to friends / family – please keep an eye on this page for updates.
What are the hotel offers?
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You can find full details of exclusive discounts from partner hotels here: https://theglasshouseicm.org/folkworks-summer-sessions-hotels-2025/
Are the venues accessible?
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Yes both venues are accessible. Please contact us to discuss any specific access requirements further – fwss@theglasshouseicm.org
What meals are included in the ticket price?
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Lunch and 2 x tea/ coffee break are included in your ticket price.
Will I be able to buy food / drinks at The Glasshouse during Folkworks Summer Sessions?
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Yes, The Glasshouse cafe café will be open from 9.30am until late each day of Summer Sessions.
Is there car parking at the venues?
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Yes, you can find out more about parking at The Glasshouse here: Parking at The Glasshouse | The Glasshouse
Star and Shadow have a free car park for visitors with disabilities.
There is also on street parking close to the venue which is free with no restrictions after 6.30pm