Tag Archives: education

The Perfect Gurdy Gift

Struggling to find the perfect Christmas present for the hurdy-gurdy player in your life? This year, give them an experience they’ll treasure forever: the gift of personalised hurdy-gurdy lessons with expert Quentin Budworth.

Forget novelty mugs and festive socks. A gift voucher for one-to-one tuition with a world-class instructor is a truly unique and thoughtful present that will help them unlock their musical potential. Whether they are a complete beginner or an advanced player, Quentin’s tailored tuition can help them reach their goals.

The Perfect Present for Any Hurdy-Gurdy Player, Anywhere

One of the greatest advantages of these lesson vouchers is their flexibility. Quentin offers tuition to players of all abilities and interests, both in-person and online via Skype. This means that no matter where your loved one is in the world, they can benefit from his extensive knowledge and supportive teaching style.

Quentin’s expertise spans a vast range of musical traditions. Having studied with leading hurdy-gurdy players and folk musicians from across Europe—including France, Spain, Crete, Germany, and Holland—he can teach a wide variety of styles, dances, rhythms, and ornamentation techniques. His students learn not just how to play, but how to express themselves through this fascinating instrument.

Learn from a Master of the Hurdy-Gurdy

Quentin Budworth is more than just a teacher; he is a highly respected musician who has dedicated his life to the hurdy-gurdy. He has studied with some of the most renowned players in the world, including German Díaz, Gilles Chabenat, and Efren Lopez, to name just a few.

His passion for the instrument is infectious, and his patient and knowledgeable teaching style has been praised by students from all walks of life. As one student, Sarah from West Somerset, shared: “Thanks Quentin, for your patience and knowledgeable and comfortable teaching style, and for the delicious lunch!” Another student, Angela Harley, highly recommends Quentin for those who “want to learn and have fun!”

Gift Vouchers for Every Budget

There is a lesson package to suit every need and budget, making it an accessible gift for anyone.

  • Individual Lessons: £40 per hour.
  • Skype Lessons: £40 per lesson, with an additional 15 minutes to ensure a smooth connection.
  • “Zero to Hero” Intensive Day: For those looking for a truly immersive experience, this full-day, five-hour session includes lunch and is priced at £200.

How to Purchase Your Gift Voucher

Ready to give the gift of music this Christmas? To book a lesson or purchase a gift voucher, simply call 07877434739 or email quentinbudworth@yahoo.com.

This festive season, move beyond the material and give a gift that truly resonates. A voucher for hurdy-gurdy lessons with Quentin Budworth is an investment in passion, a catalyst for creativity, and a unique opportunity for a musician to deepen their connection with their instrument.

Learn Hurdy-Gurdy On The Isle Of Skye

Photo Credit; Anna Kirk-Smith

Review:

‘I had the great pleasure of being Quentin’s first in-person student in his new teaching space on the beautiful Isle of Skye, with an all-day intensive session. As a newbie to the hurdy gurdy, and having not played an instrument for nearly forty years, having the opportunity for one-to-one tuition with Quentin that was completely tailored to what I wanted to learn and develop at this stage in my learning was fabulous.

We worked through some basics to more complex areas. From shifting my posture, to looking at the set up and maintenance of the instrument, working on how to move more smoothly up and down the keys, I acquired both practical and theoretical knowledge. I’ve developed an understanding of how to accompany others in a session and how to continue to develop my playing for my own enjoyment.

I came away with many things to practice and think about over the upcoming months. Stimulating, joyful, and best of all, I ended the day able to play a tune with a coup de deux fairly consistently!

Thanks Quentin, for your patience and knowledgeable and comfortable teaching style, and for the delicious lunch!’

Sarah, West Somerset

More information

Quentin Budworth teaches Hurdy-gurdy to beginners and advanced-level players. He has studied with leading Hurdy-gurdy players and European folk musicians, including France, Spain, Crete, Germany and the Netherlands. He has studied with some of the world’s leading Hurdy-Gurdy players and folk musicians from many different traditions, notably: German Díaz, Gilles Chabenat, Efren Lopez, Patrick Bouffard, Isobel Pignol, Rafa Martin, Johannes Geworkian Hellman, Gregory Jolivet, Mattias Loibner, Abel Garcia, Pablo Urssosson, Francesco Guista, Cliff Stapleton, Scott Marshall, Paul Sherwood, Sian Williams, Kelly Thomas, Ross Kelly, Paul James, Merit Zloch Anne Neopold, Carol Turner, John Goodacre,  and many more.

Quentin has studied Hurdy-gurdy music from many different places and can teach most styles and types of dances, rhythms, ornamentation and techniques.

Teaching Charges:

Per hour £40

Zero to hero Intensive full day training on the instrument  5 hours teaching time with lunch thrown in

Per day £200

Skype Lessons

£40 per lesson with additional 15 minutes to set up and check connection.

To book your lesson call 07877434739 or email quentinbudworth@yahoo.com

Pushing Boundaries: Unearth New Perspectives in Hurdy-Gurdy Mastery with This Essential New Book

The Secret Life of the Hurdy-Gurdy

You’ve dedicated years to the hurdy-gurdy, mastered its intricacies, and carved out your own musical voice. Your trompette sings, your melodies flow, and you command the instrument with confidence. But even for the most accomplished musician, the journey of artistic growth is perpetual. Where do you find fresh inspiration, deeper conceptual understanding, or the subtle insights that can elevate your art even further?

For seasoned players seeking to explore the nuanced philosophies and diverse approaches within the global hurdy-gurdy community, “The Secret Life of the Hurdy-Gurdy: Field Notes On Playing” by Quentin Budworth offers a compelling new resource.

Beyond Technique: A Dialogue with Masters

This book transcends basic instruction. It is a collection of “distilled knowledge, reflections and insights from hurdy-gurdy players engaged with diverse traditions and contemporary practices.” For the advanced player, this translates into a unique opportunity to engage with the minds of peers and established masters.

With a different player featured in each chapter, you’ll gain access to high-level discussions and perspectives on:

  • Artistic Musicality: Exploring the philosophical underpinnings of interpretation, expression, and stylistic innovation.
  • Refined & Innovative Technique: Delving into the subtleties and perhaps unconventional approaches that define expert playing.
  • Applied Theory & Composition: Understanding how leading players integrate theoretical knowledge into their unique musical creations and arrangements.
  • The Art of Practice & Pedagogy: Gaining insights into the practice methodologies of highly skilled musicians and diverse teaching philosophies, invaluable for both personal development and for those who teach.
  • Performance as Artistry: Perspectives on stagecraft, audience engagement, and the conceptualisation of performance.
  • The Hurdy-Gurdy in Contemporary Contexts: Exploring the instrument’s evolving role across genres and its place in modern artistic expression.

The book explicitly aims to “delight, enthuse, enlighten and inspire even the most experienced hurdy-gurdy player,” suggesting a depth that will resonate with those already proficient. It’s an invitation to “stand on the shoulders of giants” and engage with the rich tapestry of thought that defines the instrument at its highest levels.

An Unparalleled Gathering of Expertise

This is where “The Secret Life of the Hurdy-Gurdy” truly shines for the advanced player. It’s an opportunity to engage with the minds of your peers and mentors. The book features writing and interviews with over 30 highly respected international players, including names you’ll undoubtedly recognize: Bruno Andersen, Patrick Bouffard, Nicolas Boulerice, Quentin Budworth, Gilles Chabenat, Germán Díaz, Oscar Fernandez, Matthias Loibner, Michalina Malisz, Isabelle Pignol, Benoît Roblin, Steve Tyler, Pablo Caamiña Ursusson, Mary Vanhoozer, and many more. This lineup promises a rich and varied exploration of the instrument.

Insights from Fellow Professionals & Enthusiasts:

Early feedback highlights the book’s depth:

  • ‘Hi, I just wanted to say thank you for the excellent book. It was really interesting to read about the philosophy and approach to playing the gurdy of such a variety of musicians, and it inspired me to play my gurdy, which is never a bad thing!’ – Wolfie Fiddler
  • ‘It’s an excellent book. I learn something new from every chapter!’ – Kevin Holland, multi-instrumentalist. (A sentiment many advanced players will appreciate!)
  • ‘There’s an immense amount of work there and it’s a credit to you. Thanks also for the occasional name check!’ – Neil Brook, Luthier. (Recognition from a respected maker.)
  • ‘A fascinating read. Not only for hurdy-gurdy players and other musicians, but with insights from 32 leading players from around the world, for anyone who likes people’s stories. Recommended! Nice one Q!’ – Lou Dufy-Howard

Acquire This Unique Collection & Support Independent Artistry

“The Secret Life of the Hurdy-Gurdy” (ISBN: 978-1-0684248-0-9) is a substantial 245-page paperback.

  • Price: UK £24.99 + £5.)) P&P
  • Official Launch Date: May 1st, 2025
  • Access it Now: Pre-launch copies are currently available directly from the author, Quentin Budworth.

Why order direct?

  1. Ensure the author receives a fair share of the proceeds (as opposed to Amazon’s significant cut).
  2. Enable Quentin to maintain a direct connection with his readership for future projects.
  3. A small, satisfying act of supporting independent creators (and, as Quentin notes, “give a billionaire, Jeff Bezos, a little kick in the shin!”).

How to Order Directly:
Email Quentin Budworth at quentinbudworth@yahoo.com with:

  1. Your postal address
  2. Your preferred payment method (PayPal or Direct Bank Transfer)
    He will then provide payment details.

For the advanced hurdy-gurdy player seeking not just information, but inspiration, intellectual stimulation, and a deeper connection to the global community of dedicated artists, “The Secret Life of the Hurdy-Gurdy” promises to be an invaluable and thought-provoking addition to your library.