The Spirit of Balkan Folk

This course helps you to explore the wild, by ear traditions of Balkan Romani musicians, adding characteristic phrasing, intricate ornamentation, and varied rhythmic accompaniment once the basic skeleton tune has been taught. Through focused group practice, you will develop the skills to bring the distinctive Balkan charisma into your playing, supported by a comprehensive, hands on understanding of this rich musical heritage.

Drawing deeply from Gundula's personal collection of Romani pieces learned first-hand from musicians during research trips, you will learn a variety of tunes from the Balkans and surrounding regions, from slow ballads to lively dances. You'll learn tunes by ear, but supported by sheet music, with ornamentation and accompaniments added in bite-sized steps when you're ready.

Teaching will be in groups. You'll be introduced to tunes in the traditional way, by ear, with sheet music always close at hand to support you when needed. By the end of the weekend, you will be confidently playing a set of Balkan and Eastern European pieces, with accompaniments and second voices. 

The course is suitable for any pitched instrument, including accordions, guitars, mandolins, ouds, bowed and plucked strings, and wind instruments of any tuning or tradition. If your instrument uses non-Western tuning or intonation, please provide your notation requirements and, if possible, the range of your instrument when you book.

This course is open to a players of intermediate to advanced levels, and is appropriate for both musicians who read music and those who prefer to learn by ear. No previous experience in Balkan music is required.

Music will be provided when you arrive with us for the course. You may find it helpful to bring a recording device with you, which could just be your mobile phone. Otherwise just bring yourself and your instrument.

Please let the tutor know in advance if the instrument you are bringing uses non-Western notation, or tuning.