Immerse yourself in the celebratory and soulful wedding music of Jewish Eastern Europe. Course tutors will introduce you to the elements that make this genre unique via a selection of fantastic repertoire provided as sheet music. There will also be opportunities to try out improvisation and playing by ear.
ABILITY: IMPROVER, CONFIDENT, SKILFUL
Resident: £402 Non-Resident: £292 (25% off for under 27s) Code: 26/229
Members priority booking opens at 9am on Friday 20 June.
General booking opens at 9am on Friday 11 July.
For details on how to become a Member to take advantage of early booking, see here.
This course runs from 5.30pm on Friday 15 May to 4pm on Sunday 17 May 2026.
What is the course about?
A course designed for instrumentalists (including keyboard players) from all musical
backgrounds - classical, folk, world or jazz. Applicants must be of at least roughly Grade 4 level (no formal qualifications needed), and an ability to read music is essential as the course will be taught mainly using written music. The coaching is all about interactive learning, concentrating on repertoire and attention to melody, accompaniment and ornamentation. Where appropriate dance elements are also introduced to the
course. Oral and aural learning methods will help those unfamiliar with it acquaint themselves to the style more quickly – though we hope for many return visitors! Putting music into its historical context is an important part of the course, as is the telling of stories of musicians past and present.
Tutor website: https://www.ilanacravitz.com/ ; https://www.johnmacnaughtonmusic.com/
What will we cover?
Klezmer modes.
Different types of tunes and dances.
The sound of traditional klezmer.
What will we accomplish? By the end of this course you will be able to…
- Recognise a common klezmer mode
- Understand how rhythm and tempo work in klezmer dances/music
- Play some traditional ornamentation
- Recognise the tempo and rhythmic differences between the most common klezmer dance genres
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
Improver, Confident, Skilful.
Applicants must be at least Grade 4 or equivalent and able to read music.
How will the course be taught, and will any preparation be required?
The course will be taught in groups of various sizes, including instrumental sections and large and small ensembles. No preparation is required.
Will music be provided in advance of the course?
Tunes for the course and a modes sheet will be provided in advance as downloadable pdfs. Students should print out music to bring.
Is there anything I need to bring?
Recording device and a pencil.
What previous participants said about this course…
“It's a great way of expanding your musical experience and freeing your playing.”
“It's an immersive but utterly unintimidating experience which gives you the chance to get up close with fantastic musicians living and thriving in one of the world’s most special folk traditions.”
“Great diversity of tutors and their musical skills – major individual talents.”