• 10:30am-12:00pm
• Fee: $40/person

Practice makes perfect, right? Only if you're practicing the right things. In this 90-minute masterclass, JP Cormier will uncover the essential techniques and concepts every guitar player should know but often never learns. He’ll explain the why behind key performance choices, helping you refine your practice and expand your playing with purpose. Whether you're just starting out or have decades of experience, JP’s masterclass is like an encyclopedia of guitar knowledge delivered in under two hours. It’s a session that could truly transform your playing.

• 10:30am-12:00pm
• Fee: $25/person

Immersion-based learning for total beginners. During this 90-minute workshop, participants will have the opportunity to be completely immersed in the language. The teaching methodology that will be used is called Gàidhlig aig Baile (Gaelic in the Community), which supports language immersion through everyday activities and repetition. Activities may include playing cards, match game, charades, and 20 questions. The aim of this session is to give participants a taste for Gaelic, demonstrate how immersion-based learning works, and encourage future Gaelic learning.

• 1:30pm-3:00pm
• Fee: $40/person

This 90-minute workshop is for experienced pianists ready to deepen their skills in Cape Breton piano style. Join Susan MacLean to explore advanced techniques, creative chord choices, syncopation, and how to connect with a fiddler in live settings. With fiddler Brad Reid playing live, you'll work through strathspeys, reels, jigs, and more. Expect a hands-on, high-energy session focused on musicality, groove, and collaboration. Susan will also launch her new book, drawing on 30 years of teaching at Colaisde na Gàidhlig / The Gaelic College and the Acadia Festival of Traditional Music & Dance. Note: Only so many keyboards are available, so class size is limited.

• 1:30pm-3:00pm
• Fee: $25/person

It's more than just dance; it's a living expression of culture, identity, and community.

In this 90-minute workshop, we'll explore the rich nuances of Cape Breton step dance, its history, stylistic variations, and deep connections to Gaelic culture. Through video, group discussion, and live demonstration, Margie will offer insight from her own experience and highlight the dancers who have shaped and sustained the tradition. The session aims to deepen participants’ appreciation of this vibrant cultural form. No dance experience is necessary.

This workshop is now full. Fill out the registration form below to be placed on the workshop waitlist.

• 1:30pm-2:30pm
• For youth ages 5-18
• Fee: $20/person

Join us for a fun and interactive hour of Gaelic learning!

In this beginner-friendly session, you’ll pick up a few Gaelic words, learn a traditional song, and even try some traditional Cape Breton dance steps with Colin. Perfect for youth looking to explore language, music, and culture in a welcoming, catered setting.

For more information, contact School Director Margie Beaton at margie@gaeliccollege.edu.