Summer Adult Session 1

August 4-8, 2025

Come learn with us! Immerse yourself in Cape Breton’s rich Gaelic culture for a getaway like no other. Escape the fast-paced world and spend a week (or two) among old pals and fast friends, secluded next to the beautiful bay of St. Ann’s, studying under some of the area’s finest musicians and tradition-bearers. With a variety of options in classes, instructors, levels, and accommodation needs, we hope to offer something special yet flexible for all who attend. Start planning your Cape Breton learning adventure now.

Accommodations on-site are now full. We are still accepting Day Students. Some classes are at capacity. Our harps are all currently rented.

Learn more about Summer Adult Session 2 here.

General Information

So how does it all work? Live-in students will arrive on campus Sunday evening between 6:00 and 8:00 p.m. for registration. Please note that supper is not provided, but a light night snack will be served. Monday kicks off with breakfast from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m., and day students can register from 8:00 to 8:30 a.m. Everyone will gather in MacKenzie Hall at 8:45 a.m. for a welcome session, an overview, and instructor introductions before diving into classes.

Each class is 50 minutes, and there are 5 a day. We have a short break in the morning from 10:50 to 11:10, and then break from 12 – 1:30pm for lunch, and wrap up class at 3:20pm. Outside of keyboards, some chanters which can be borrowed, and a few fiddles and harps that can be rented, students are to provide their own instruments, ready in good condition for learning.

There are four standard levels of instruction available: New Beginner, Advanced Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced. Students choose their own level based on experience and their ability to learn new material. You're free to try different classes, but we encourage you to find your class level early in the week. Gaelic Song, Story and Weaving classes are "open" to any level of student. To ensure the best experience for yourself and your classmates, please review our Course Descriptions carefully to determine the right placement. If you do not meet the required level for a course, we kindly ask that you refrain from that selection.

General Overview:

New Beginner is for those who have never tried the discipline, or have limited experience with it;
Advanced Beginner is for people who have some experience, but need extra time with new material and concepts at this point in their journey;
Intermediate is for those with more experience, getting close to or up to full speed;
Advanced is geared towards those who are comfortable learning new material and concepts and want to delve into more nuanced discussions/lessons about the discipline.

Also, rejigged for 2025 is the integrated session. Now slated at the end of the day, these cross-over classes are designed to bring students together in combinations which are integral to Gaelic culture. Students will choose classes as normal, and during the week will link up with the same colour-coded classes to learn/work collaboratively. Students will then have the option to share this cross-over to their fellow students at the end of the week in a céilidh setting. Note that Weaving is an alternate option to these sessions during this time period.

We encourage students to also explore the local area after class during this time, sampling live music at ceilidhs, concerts, and square dances which are plentiful this time of year. A rented car is helpful, and ride-sharing with others is often arranged. Please feel free to connect with us with any other questions or concerns you may have. Call 902-295-3411 or email margie@gaeliccollege.edu. Can't wait to see you here!

Pricing

Live-In Adult

$400: Tuition
$425: Private Room or $350: Shared Room
$260: Meals
Total: $1,010 - $1,085 + tax

Day Student Adult

$400: Tuition
$85: Meals
Total: $485 + tax

Additional Fees

$20: Weaving supplies/student - Additional fees may apply for special or extra projects
$15: Fiddle Rental
$20: Harp Rental
$15: Attending Wednesday Night Ceilidh - Paid at the door

A $50 non-refundable deposit is required upon receiving your invoice to secure your spot. If full payment has been made and a student cancels, the remaining balance will be refunded up to one week before the session begins. Cancellations within one week of the start date will be charged in full. Full payment is due at least one week prior to the session start.