• 10:30am-12:00pm
• Fee: $30/person

In this 90-minute workshop, explore Cape Breton fiddle music through a live demonstration, discussion, and hands-on learning. Hosted by Ben Smith, he will share his experiences with Cape Breton traditional music. Learn about the types of tunes often played, some history of Gaelic music, and tips to help get you started playing tunes!  Ben will also teach the basics of how to play the fiddle, and will teach a Cape Breton tune within the workshop. Participants are welcome to bring their own fiddle, and a limited number of instruments are available on-site to be used. No previous musical or fiddle experience is necessary.

A limited number of fiddles are available for rent for $5. Please indicate your need for an instrument when completing the registration form.

• 10:30am-12:00pm
• Fee: $30/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.

• 1:00pm-2:30pm
• Fee: $30/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.

• 1:00pm-2:30pm
• Fee: $30/person

Explore Gaelic language and culture through song. In this engaging 90-minute workshop, participants will explore the rich tradition of Gaelic song through listening, discussion, and singing together in a welcoming atmosphere. We'll learn about the stories, history, and cultural significance behind a variety of songs while discovering how music has helped carry the Gaelic language and traditions across generations. Whether you're an experienced singer or simply enjoy music, this session offers a fun opportunity to connect with Gaelic culture, learn some songs and choruses, and share in the joy of singing together. No previous singing experience is necessary.

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