The fourth Agent Starling album is released today, and it’s a belter.
‘Surrealista Enigma Musica’ features real instruments—hurdy-gurdy, bass, violin—interwoven with hypnotic drones, vocal harmonies, spoken words, found sounds, and manipulated electronic tones.
Watch the official video for the title track here:
Agent Starling is Quentin Budworth (hurdy-gurdy), Lou Duffy-Howard (voices, bass, and programming), and Dexter Duffy-Howard (violin).
‘Surrealista Enigma Musica’ follows previous acclaimed releases ‘Clandestine’, ‘Constellation of Birds’, the debut album ‘European Howl’, and the winter EP ‘The Northern Lights’.
With twelve new original tracks—a mix of instrumentals, tunes, songs, and spoken word—the album is deeply influenced by musical traditions from across Europe. Its themes explore magic, mysteries, myths, and dreams of a greener, peaceful world.
The melodies are inspired by traditional chants and refrains, with rhythms constructed from beats and field recordings to create rolling, hypnotic patterns. The resulting mix is an unusual modern sound; a complex, compelling musical counterpoint full of catchy tunes with indie, folk, and dance sensibilities, all with an experimental edge. Here you will find a nod to Hildegard von Bingen, spell-casting, and a love of the drone that is both compelling and otherworldly.
What the Papers Say:
“Experimental hurdy-gurdy on duo’s impressive debut. European Howl is a complex, immersive and at times disorienting listening experience.” — Tony Gillam, SONGLINES
“Sounding like the musical offspring of Sufjan Stevens and Steve Reich” — Tom Robinson, BBC 6 Music
“Compelling, demanding and progressive, Agent Starling fuse a range of cross-cultural folk-based sounds and moods. The album challenges and stretches boundaries… I absolutely love it when musicians dare to tread forth where many would turn on their heels and run.” — John Reed, Fatea Magazine
“I doubt very much that you will hear anything quite like this anywhere else in current music… Truly wondrous.” — Neil March, Trust the Doc
The fourth Agent Starling will be released today , and it’s a belter
‘Surrealista Enigma Musica’ features real instruments, hurdy-gurdy, bass, violin, hypnotic drones, vocal harmonies & spoken words, interwoven with found sounds and manipulated electronic tones.
Agent Starling is Quentin Budworth, hurdy-gurdy; Lou Duffy-Howard, voices, bass, and programming; and Dexter Duffy-Howard, violin.
Fourth album ‘Surrealista Enigma Musica’ released on Friday, March 4th 2026 follows previous albums ‘Clandestine’, ‘Constellation of Birds’, debut album ‘European Howl’ and winter EP ‘The Northern Lights’.
With twelve new original tracks, a mix of instrumentals, tunes, songs and spoken word, the album is influenced by musical traditions from nations across Europe. Its themes are magic, mysteries, myths and dreams of a greener, peaceful world in the future.
The melodies are inspired by traditional chants and refrains, with rhythms constructed from beats and field recordings to create rolling patterns. The resulting mix is an unusual modern sound; a complex, compelling musical counterpoint full of catchy tunes with indie, folk and dance sensibilities, all with an experimental edge. Here you will find a nod to Hildegard von Bingen, spell-casting, and a love of the drone and musical experimentation that is compelling, hypnotic, and otherworldly.
What the Papers Say:
“Experimental hurdy-gurdy on duo’s impressive debut. European Howl is a complex, immersive and at times disorienting listening experience.” (Tony Gillam, SONGLINES)
“Sounding like the musical offspring of Sufjan Stevens and Steve Reich” (Tom Robinson BBC 6 Music)
“Compelling, demanding and progressive, Agent Starling fuse a range of cross-cultural folk-based sounds and moods. The album challenges and stretches boundaries, and occasionally – in a good way – feels slightly unhinged, but I absolutely love it when musicians dare to tread forth where many would turn on their heels and run.” (John Reed Fatea Magazine)
“I doubt very much that you will hear anything quite like this anywhere else in current music… Truly wondrous.” (Neil March Trust the Doc Website)
“Surrealista Enigma Musica is a wonderful unique album full of mystery and esoteric beauty, with deep rich production (get the CD if you have a player).” Steve Morantz”
Our good friends Agent Starling have a new album out. Head over to their Bandcamp for an early listen to this mesmerising masterpiece. ” Beat Filter PR”
“Surrealista Enigma Musica is experimental and is remarkably good. It will be featured album for the next few months.” Bob Osborne Different Noises 130
*Your essential guide to deepening your craft — and the perfect Christmas gift for musicians.
If you’ve ever sat down with your hurdy-gurdy and asked, “How do I truly grow as a player?”, then this festive season could be the moment you answer that question once and for all. Whether you’re seeking ways to refine your hurdy-gurdy techniques, expand your musical horizons, or gift yourself something genuinely transformative, there’s one tome on every hurdy-gurdy player’s wishlist: The Secret Life of the Hurdy-Gurdy: Field Notes On Playing by Quentin Budworth.Quentin Budworth
This isn’t just another hurdy-gurdy book. It’s a rich anthology of insights from 32 world-class players — a place where musicality, craftsmanship, performance, and philosophy converge. Here’s why it should be at the top of your Christmas wish list.Quentin Budworth Musician
🎵 What This Book Is All About
The Secret Life of the Hurdy-Gurdy: Field Notes On Playing isn’t a conventional manual filled with rote exercises. Rather, it’s a curated collection of perspectives from a global community of specialists, each offering their experience on musicality, technique, theory, performance, and more.Quentin Budworth
Each chapter focuses on a different contributor — luminaries like Patrick Bouffard and Matthias Loibner, among others — who share wisdom gained from years of immersion with this fascinating instrument. By reading their reflections, you can tap into knowledge that normally takes years of trial and error to acquire.Quentin Budworth
As described by the author and contributors, the goal is simple: to help you enter the “secret world” of the hurdy-gurdy and come away with inspiration and confidence in your playing.Quentin Budworth
📌 Key Takeaways for Players
Here’s what you’ll discover in the pages of this unique hurdy-gurdy book:
🎼 1. Musicality Beyond Mechanics
Many beginners and even intermediate players focus on mastering the mechanics of the instrument — the crank, the drone, the trompette. This book pushes you further: learning how to make music that speaks, not just notes that sound correct. Contributors discuss phrasing, stylistic expression, and emotional connection — the things that elevate a performance from pleasant to unforgettable.Quentin Budworth
🎻 2. Advanced Techniques and Practice Strategies
Rather than give you a one-size-fits-all regimen, this book presents a mosaic of approaches to technique — from bowing nuances to handling drones and ornamentation. The diversity of viewpoints helps you pick and tailor methods that truly resonate with your playing style.Quentin Budworth Musician
🧠 3. Theory Integrated with Practice
Understanding why something works — not just how it works — is essential for mastery. Contributors share insight into Western and folk theory as it applies to real playing situations, helping you make sense of musical decisions in context.Quentin Budworth
🎤 4. Performance Philosophy and Stagecraft
Playing in a room alone is one thing; connecting with an audience is another. Several contributors offer reflections on performance psychology, audience engagement, and the mindset needed to shine under the spotlight.Quentin Budworth
🤝 5. Cultural & Social Context
The hurdy-gurdy isn’t just an instrument — it’s a living tradition. Insights from around the world help you understand how this instrument fits into different musical cultures, inspiring richer interpretive choices and broader creative horizons.Quentin Budworth
🎁 Why It’s a Must-Have for Advancing Your Skills
Whether you’re a curious beginner or a seasoned performer, this book will stretch you. Unlike instructional manuals that teach you to play, The Secret Life of the Hurdy-Gurdy teaches you to think and feel in ways that professionals do.
Because each contributor comes from a unique tradition or musical environment, the book becomes a tapestry of techniques, reflections, and perspectives you won’t find in any single teacher or video tutorial. The result? Insights that can unlock new levels in your practice and performance.Quentin Budworth
Add to that the fact that this book has already garnered praise from readers who say they “learn something new from every chapter” and have found it inspiring and rewarding on musical and personal levels — that’s authenticity you don’t always get with generic instruction books.Quentin Budworth Musician
💡 A Perfect Christmas Gift for Musicians
As the festive season approaches, many of us are thinking about meaningful gifts — not just anything off a shelf. For musician friends (or yourself), a book that promises deeper insight into a beloved instrument is thoughtful, practical, and inspiring.
At £24.99 (UK) or $35 (US), it’s both affordable and substantial, with 245 pages of hurdy-gurdy techniques, reflections, and musical inspiration geared toward real progress.Quentin Budworth Musician
Best of all, you can order directly from the author — meaning more of your money goes to the creator and the global hurdy-gurdy community, not a big retailer. Just email quentinbudworth@yahoo.com to get your copy sorted, whether it’s a present for someone else or a gift to yourself.Quentin Budworth
🎊 Festive Motivation to Boost Your Practice
This Christmas, while the carols play and the lights twinkle, why not unwrap not just presents — but potential? Treat yourself to something that will keep giving well beyond the holiday season: deeper motivation, new ideas, and a renewed passion for practice.
Once you’re back in the groove after the festivities, let this book be your companion on the journey to mastery — a reminder that every crank, drone, and melody can be richer, more expressive, and more connected to the global tapestry of hurdy-gurdy artistry.
The winter solstice brings a unique rhythm to a musician’s life. As the days grow shorter and the fire crackles, we are often gifted that rare commodity: time. Time to unwind, time to reflect, and most importantly, time to reconnect with our instruments.
If you are a hurdy-gurdy player—whether you are just finding your “sea legs” with the crank or you are a seasoned veteran—this holiday season offers the perfect opportunity for a technical and creative “tune-up.” But we aren’t just talking about applying fresh cotton or tightening the trompette. We are talking about a tune-up for your musical mind.
This year, true hurdy-gurdy Christmas inspiration comes in the form of a resource that feels less like a textbook and more like a late-night gathering of the world’s best players. It is called “The Secret Life of the Hurdy-Gurdy: Field Notes On Playing” by Quentin Budworth.
If you are looking for an expert hurdy-gurdy book to guide your winter practice, here is why this collection of field notes belongs on your music stand.
The Antidote to Musical Isolation
Let’s be honest: the hurdy-gurdy can be a solitary path. Unless you live in specific pockets of Central France, Northern Spain, or Hungary, you might be the only player in your town. The isolation can lead to a plateau in skills, where we stop challenging our own techniques.
Budworth’s book addresses this head-on. It acts as a bridge to the wider community, compiling the distilled knowledge, pedagogy, and personal theories of 32 renowned players from across the globe.
We are talking about insights from heavyweights like Matthias Loibner, Patrick Bouffard, Michalina Malisz, German Diaz, and Steve Tyler. Instead of one teacher’s rigid dogma, you get a kaleidoscope of perspectives. It covers everything from the physics of the wheel to the social context of being a drone musician in the 21st century.
Theory, Pedagogy, and “The Secret Life”
What makes this book unique is that it doesn’t just give you sheet music; it teaches you how to think like a player. Here is how it adds depth to your practice:
Rethinking the Drone: One of the recurring themes in the “Field Notes” is the relationship between the player and the drone. The book explores how different experts visualize their sound—some see it as a vocal line, others as a rhythmic engine. It challenges you to stop “cranking a handle” and start “bowing a continuous circle.”
Pedagogy for the Self-Taught: Since so many of us are autodidacts, we often miss the “how” of learning. The book offers specific strategies on how to structure practice, how to listen to your own playing, and how to overcome technical walls.
Social Context: Budworth includes fascinating chapters on where the instrument fits in society. It connects the modern player to a lineage of beggars, courtiers, and avant-garde performers, helping you understand the weight and history of the instrument in your lap.
A Guide for Your Holiday Practice Sessions
As you plan your holiday downtime, you can use “The Secret Life of the Hurdy-Gurdy” to structure a practice regimen that breaks old habits.
1. The “Sound Design” Session: Use the expert interviews to focus purely on tone. Spend a session adjusting your pressure and speed based on the descriptions in the book. Can you achieve the vocal quality described by the masters?
2. The “Rhythmic Reset”: Dive into the sections on the coup de poignet (wrist stroke). The book reveals how different cultures approach rhythm—from the strict dance beats of the Bourbonnais to the fluid styles of contemporary folk. Use the holidays to deconstruct your rhythm and rebuild it with greater intent.
An Ethical Gift: Buying Direct from the Artist
In an era of generic online shopping, there is something grounding about purchasing independent art directly from the source. Quentin Budworth is a champion of the independent creative spirit. In a move that aligns perfectly with the folk tradition, he has made the book available directly to the community.
There is no corporate markup here. When you buy this book, your money goes to the researcher and artist who created it.
The Investment:
USA: $35
UK: £24.99
Europe: €35
(Shipping is calculated upon inquiry based on your location).
How to Order Your Copy
To secure a copy for yourself or as a thoughtful gift for a loved one, the process is personal and simple:
Include your postal address and the number of copies you wish to purchase.
Await the reply: Quentin will respond with the total cost including shipping and payment details (typically PayPal or Bank Transfer).
Final Thoughts
This Christmas, don’t just practice your mistakes. Practice with purpose. Let the collective wisdom of 32 masters guide your hand. “The Secret Life of the Hurdy-Gurdy” is more than a book; it is a mentorship in paperback form.
Grab a copy, pour a glass of something warm, and let’s get that wheel spinning.
If you are reading this, you are likely in a relationship with—or a very close friend of—someone who has fallen under the spell of the hurdy-gurdy.
You know the signs. You’ve seen the rosin dust on the table. You’ve heard the drone humming through the floorboards late at night. You know that look in their eyes when they talk about “cranking,” “buzzing bridges,” or the “trompette.” To the outside world, the hurdy-gurdy is a curiosity, a medieval relic, or a folk oddity. But to the person you love, it is a voice, a passion, and perhaps even a lifestyle.
Every Christmas, you face the same dilemma. How do you buy a gift for someone devoted to such a niche instrument? You can’t exactly buy them a new instrument (unless you have a spare few thousand pounds and a year on a waiting list), and buying accessories like strings or cotton can feel too utilitarian—like buying a mechanic a wrench. You want something that sparks joy. You are looking for thoughtful gifts for musicians that show you truly see them and support their art.
This year, I have found the perfect solution. It is a gift that offers mentorship, inspiration, and community, all wrapped up in 245 pages of paper and ink.
It is a book called “The Secret Life of the Hurdy-Gurdy: Field Notes On Playing” by Quentin Budworth. And believe me, this is not just a book; it is a passport to a global community.
Why This Gift Resonates Deeper Than Gear
When we look for Christmas presents for folk enthusiasts, we often fall into the trap of looking for gadgets. But the hurdy-gurdy is an instrument of the soul and the mind as much as the hands.
The struggle for many players is isolation. Unless you live in specific regions of France, Hungary, or Spain, being a ‘gurdy player’ can be a lonely pursuit. They might be the only player in their town or even their county. They learn from YouTube videos and forums, often craving a deeper connection with the tradition.
This is why Budworth’s book is such a powerful gift. It brings the community to them.
Quentin Budworth, a renowned figure in the folk world, spent years compiling “Field Notes” from 32 of the world’s finest players. We are talking about legends like Matthias Loibner, Patrick Bouffard, and German Diaz. Giving this book is like inviting 32 masters into your living room to have a cup of tea and a chat about music.
It tells your partner: “I know you love this weird, wonderful wooden machine, and I want you to learn from the best.”
What’s Inside? A Look Under the Cover
For the non-musician, it can be hard to judge the quality of an instructional book. Let me assure you, this volume is substantial. At 245 pages, it is a weighty, serious dive into the craft.
The content goes far beyond simple sheet music. It is broken down into fascinating sections that will keep your player tailored with ideas for the whole year:
Theory: It breaks down how players think about their music. For a drone instrument, standard music theory doesn’t always apply. This book offers new ways to visualize sound.
Pedagogy (The Art of Learning): This is crucial. Since many players are self-taught, they often hit “walls” where they stop improving. The insights here on how to practice are worth the price alone.
Social Contexts: This section explores the history and the future of the instrument. It connects the player to a lineage of entertainers, beggars, and virtuosos.
The book is described as a series of “Field Notes.” This is a beautiful concept. It feels like an explorer’s journal. It captures the diverse approaches to the instrument—from the traditional to the avant-garde. It validates that there is no “one right way” to play, which is incredibly liberating for a musician who might be struggling with self-doubt.
The “Unboxing” Experience: Why It Feels Special
In a world of Amazon Prime and next-day delivery, there is something increasingly rare and romantic about the way you buy this book. You cannot click a “Buy Now” button on a faceless corporate site.
You have to buy it directly from the author.
This adds a layer of intimacy to the gift that fits the folk ethos perfectly. When you hand this gift to your loved one, you can tell them, “I bought this directly from Quentin.” It creates a story. It supports an independent artist directly, ensuring the money goes to the creator and the community, not a warehouse distributor.
For a folk musician, that provenance matters. It transforms the object from a commodity into a connection.
How to Present This Gift
Because this is a book that invites deep thought and reflection, I suggest making the “unwrapping” a moment of calm.
Pair it with a listening experience: Create a playlist of some of the artists mentioned in the book (like Steve Tyler or Michalina Malisz) to play in the background while they open it.
The Dedication: There is plenty of space in the front. Write a note. Something like: “So you can keep finding your sound. I love listening to you play.”
The “Practice Voucher”: Slip a homemade coupon inside that says “Good for one hour of uninterrupted practice time while I handle the chores/kids.” Combining the book with the time to read it is the ultimate act of love.
Reviews from the Community
While you might not know the names, the community reveres the contributors in this book. It has been hailed as a “vital resource” and a “landmark publication” in the hurdy-gurdy world.
Players have described it as opening a door to secrets they spent years trying to figure out on their own. It addresses the physical relationship with the instrument—how to hold it, how to move with it—which is often missed in standard music lessons. By gifting this, you are effectively giving your partner a masterclass that they can revisit every single day.
How to Order (The Important Part)
This is the part where you need to take action early to ensure it arrives for the holidays. As I mentioned, this is a direct-from-artist purchase.
The Price: It is an absolute steal for an academic and artistic resource of this depth.
UK: £24.99
Europe: €35
USA: $35
(Postage is usually calculated upon inquiry, but it is very reasonable).
What to say: Subject: Order for Secret Life of the Hurdy-Gurdy Body: “Hi Quentin, I’d like to order a copy of your book for a Christmas gift. I am located in [Your Country]. Please let me know the total and how to pay.”
He accepts PayPal or Bank Transfer. It is simple, human, and efficient.
Final Thoughts
Finding thoughtful gifts for musicians doesn’t have to be a guessing game. You don’t need to know the difference between a chien and a trompette to make the hurdy-gurdy player in your life happy. You just need to show them that you support their passion.
“The Secret Life of the Hurdy-Gurdy” is more than paper; it’s permission to play, to explore, and to belong. And really, isn’t that what the spirit of Christmas is all about?
Email Quentin today and get this wrapped up and under the tree. Your musician will thank you for it with every turn of the wheel.
*Your essential guide to deepening your craft — and the perfect Christmas gift for musicians.
If you’ve ever sat down with your hurdy-gurdy and asked, “How do I truly grow as a player?”, then this festive season could be the moment you answer that question once and for all. Whether you’re seeking ways to refine your hurdy-gurdy techniques, expand your musical horizons, or gift yourself something genuinely transformative, there’s one tome on every hurdy-gurdy player’s wishlist: The Secret Life of the Hurdy-Gurdy: Field Notes On Playing by Quentin Budworth.Quentin Budworth
This isn’t just another hurdy-gurdy book. It’s a rich anthology of insights from 32 world-class players — a place where musicality, craftsmanship, performance, and philosophy converge. Here’s why it should be at the top of your Christmas wish list.Quentin Budworth Musician
🎵 What This Book Is All About
The Secret Life of the Hurdy-Gurdy: Field Notes On Playing isn’t a conventional manual filled with rote exercises. Rather, it’s a curated collection of perspectives from a global community of specialists, each offering their experience on musicality, technique, theory, performance, and more.Quentin Budworth
Each chapter focuses on a different contributor — luminaries like Patrick Bouffard and Matthias Loibner, among others — who share wisdom gained from years of immersion with this fascinating instrument. By reading their reflections, you can tap into knowledge that normally takes years of trial and error to acquire.Quentin Budworth
As described by the author and contributors, the goal is simple: to help you enter the “secret world” of the hurdy-gurdy and come away with inspiration and confidence in your playing.Quentin Budworth
📌 Key Takeaways for Players
Here’s what you’ll discover in the pages of this unique hurdy-gurdy book:
🎼 1. Musicality Beyond Mechanics
Many beginners and even intermediate players focus on mastering the mechanics of the instrument — the crank, the drone, the trompette. This book pushes you further: learning how to make music that speaks, not just notes that sound correct. Contributors discuss phrasing, stylistic expression, and emotional connection — the things that elevate a performance from pleasant to unforgettable.Quentin Budworth
🎻 2. Advanced Techniques and Practice Strategies
Rather than give you a one-size-fits-all regimen, this book presents a mosaic of approaches to technique — from bowing nuances to handling drones and ornamentation. The diversity of viewpoints helps you pick and tailor methods that truly resonate with your playing style.Quentin Budworth Musician
🧠 3. Theory Integrated with Practice
Understanding why something works — not just how it works — is essential for mastery. Contributors share insight into Western and folk theory as it applies to real playing situations, helping you make sense of musical decisions in context.Quentin Budworth
🎤 4. Performance Philosophy and Stagecraft
Playing in a room alone is one thing; connecting with an audience is another. Several contributors offer reflections on performance psychology, audience engagement, and the mindset needed to shine under the spotlight.Quentin Budworth
🤝 5. Cultural & Social Context
The hurdy-gurdy isn’t just an instrument — it’s a living tradition. Insights from around the world help you understand how this instrument fits into different musical cultures, inspiring richer interpretive choices and broader creative horizons.Quentin Budworth
🎁 Why It’s a Must-Have for Advancing Your Skills
Whether you’re a curious beginner or a seasoned performer, this book will stretch you. Unlike instructional manuals that teach you to play, The Secret Life of the Hurdy-Gurdy teaches you to think and feel in ways that professionals do.
Because each contributor comes from a unique tradition or musical environment, the book becomes a tapestry of techniques, reflections, and perspectives you won’t find in any single teacher or video tutorial. The result? Insights that can unlock new levels in your practice and performance.Quentin Budworth
Add to that the fact that this book has already garnered praise from readers who say they “learn something new from every chapter” and have found it inspiring and rewarding on musical and personal levels — that’s authenticity you don’t always get with generic instruction books.Quentin Budworth Musician
💡 A Perfect Christmas Gift for Musicians
As the festive season approaches, many of us are thinking about meaningful gifts — not just anything off a shelf. For musician friends (or yourself), a book that promises deeper insight into a beloved instrument is thoughtful, practical, and inspiring.
At £24.99 (UK) or $35 (US), it’s both affordable and substantial, with 245 pages of hurdy-gurdy techniques, reflections, and musical inspiration geared toward real progress.Quentin Budworth Musician
Best of all, you can order directly from the author — meaning more of your money goes to the creator and the global hurdy-gurdy community, not a big retailer. Just email quentinbudworth@yahoo.com to get your copy sorted, whether it’s a present for someone else or a gift to yourself.Quentin Budworth
🎊 Festive Motivation to Boost Your Practice
This Christmas, while the carols play and the lights twinkle, why not unwrap not just presents — but potential? Treat yourself to something that will keep giving well beyond the holiday season: deeper motivation, new ideas, and a renewed passion for practice.
Once you’re back in the groove after the festivities, let this book be your companion on the journey to mastery — a reminder that every crank, drone, and melody can be richer, more expressive, and more connected to the global tapestry of hurdy-gurdy artistry.
So, you’ve just picked up (or are dreaming of picking up) the magical, mysterious hurdy-gurdy. Congratulations! It’s an incredible instrument, but let’s be honest, it can also feel a bit daunting at first. Where do you start? How do you make that beautiful buzzing sound consistently? What are the “secrets” to really making it sing?
If you’re nodding along, then you’ll be excited to hear about a new resource that sounds like it was tailor-made to help you on your journey: “The Secret Life of the Hurdy-Gurdy: Field Notes On Playing” by Quentin Budworth.
Why This Book is a Goldmine for Newbies
Imagine having access to the distilled knowledge, reflections, and insights from a whole host of experienced hurdy-gurdy players – folks who have navigated diverse traditions and modern styles. That’s exactly what this book offers.
Instead of just one person’s perspective, “The Secret Life of the Hurdy-Gurdy” features a different player in each chapter. These musicians share their wisdom on crucial topics for anyone starting out, including:
Musicality: Moving beyond just notes to making real music.
Playing Technique: The nitty-gritty of how to physically play the instrument.
Theory: Understanding the “why” behind the music.
Practice: How to make your practice time effective.
Pedagogy: Insights into how the instrument is taught and learned.
Performance: Tips for when you’re ready to share your music.
Social Context: Understanding the hurdy-gurdy’s place in music and culture.
The book promises to “delight, enthuse, enlighten and inspire,” and importantly, help you “become a much better hurdy-gurdy player and musician.” As the description wisely says, “The wheel is infinite and life is short. Take time to stand on the shoulders of giants and enter the secret world of the hurdy-gurdy.” For a new player, this means potentially skipping years of trial-and-error by learning directly from the pros!
Who Are These “Giants”?
The lineup of contributors is seriously impressive, featuring writing and interviews with over 30 leading players from around the world. This includes names like Bruno Andersen, Patrick Bouffard, Gilles Chabenat, Germán Díaz, Matthias Loibner, Michalina Malisz, Isabelle Pignol, Steve Tyler, and many, many more. You’re getting a panoramic view of hurdy-gurdy wisdom!
What Early Readers Are Saying:
Don’t just take our word for it. Here’s what some early readers have said:
‘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 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
Get Your Copy & Support the Author!
“The Secret Life of the Hurdy-Gurdy” (ISBN: 978-1-0684248-0-9) is a paperback with 245 pages of gurdy goodness.
Price: UK £24.99 / US $35.00 / EU €35.00 / AUS $45.00 / CAN $45.00
Official Launch Date: May 1st, 2025
Good News! Pre-launch copies are available RIGHT NOW directly from the author, Quentin Budworth.
Why order direct?
You increase the royalty paid to the author (and reduce Amazon’s cut).
You help Quentin build a database of readers for future publications.
And, as Quentin cheekily puts it, you “give a billionaire, Jeff Bezos, a little kick in the shin!”
Your preferred payment method (PayPal or Direct Bank Transfer) He will then forward you the payment details.
Starting a new instrument is an adventure. “The Secret Life of the Hurdy-Gurdy” sounds like an invaluable map and compass to help you navigate the exciting world of this unique instrument and accelerate your progress. Happy cranking!
New to the Hurdy-Gurdy? This Book Could Be Your Secret Weapon!
‘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
‘Hi Quentin, I received the book today. I’ve skimmed through it and think it’s fantastic. Thanks for doing so. Best regards. ‘ Angel de la Calle
‘It’s an excellent book. I learn something new from every chapter!’ Kevin Holland multi-instrumentalist.
‘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.
‘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
To place an order directly, send me an email at quentinbudworth@yahoo.com with your postal address and preferred payment method (I can accept PayPal or Direct Bank Transfer), and I will forward payment details.
Email: quentinbudworth@yahoo.com to get your copy.
Meet Quentin Budworth, a musician living on Skye He is a multi-instrumentalist, a highly skilled performer and composer, specialising in the hurdy-gurdy.
Quentin Budworth Musician 