Tag Archives: #TraditionalMusic

Unlock the Hidden Secrets of Hurdy-Gurdy Mastery This Christmas: Insights from 32 Global Experts

The Secret Life of the Hurdy-Gurdy


*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.

Email quentinbudworth@yahoo.com today to order your copy — and make this festive season a turning point in your hurdy-gurdy journey!Quentin Budworth Musician

Unlock the Hidden Depths of Hurdy-Gurdy Mastery This Christmas: Insights from 32 Global Experts

The Secret Life of the Hurdy-Gurdy

If you’re a hurdy-gurdy player serious about improving your craft — or on the hunt for perfect Christmas gifts for musicians — there’s one resource that should top your list this festive season: The Secret Life of the Hurdy-Gurdy: Field Notes On Playing by Quentin Budworth. This remarkable hurdy-gurdy book isn’t just another method guide — it’s a treasury of wisdom distilled from 32 leading players from around the world, offering unparalleled perspectives on hurdy-gurdy techniques, musicality, performance, and practice.Quentin Budworth Musician

Whether you’re striving to deepen your technical finesse or seeking fresh creative fuel over the holidays, this book delivers. Read on for key takeaways, expert insights, and seasonal motivation to invest in your musical growth.

Why This Hurdy-Gurdy Book Is a Must-Have

There are plenty of introductory manuals out there. But The Secret Life of the Hurdy-Gurdy stands apart as an expert-level anthology, blending technical guidance with philosophical reflections on music and performance. Instead of a single author’s viewpoint, each chapter features a different voice — from established masters to visionary practitioners — sharing how they approach music, sound production, ensemble playing, and personal expression.Quentin Budworth Musician

Contributors include internationally recognised players like Patrick Bouffard and Matthias Loibner, alongside many others who bring varied stylistic lenses to the instrument. With such a breadth of voices, this book functions like a year-long masterclass in musicality and technique — essential reading for anyone who’s moved beyond beginner basics and wants to achieve deeper understanding.Quentin Budworth Musician

The book’s structure — one player per chapter — allows you to dip in where inspiration strikes, or follow through as a coherent learning journey. The result is not only a compendium of hurdy-gurdy techniques, but a vivid picture of the instrument’s evolving role in traditional and contemporary music.Quentin Budworth Musician

Key Takeaways: What You’ll Learn

Here’s what players of all levels can expect from this rich collection:

🎶 Musicality Beyond Mechanics

Most instructional guides focus narrowly on mechanics. This book goes beyond that, exploring how to make the hurdy-gurdy sing with emotion and narrative. Contributors share how they shape phrasing, balance drones with melody, and listen deeply to their own sound. Whether you’re preparing for stage or intimate sessions, this perspective shifts your playing from technical to deeply expressive.Quentin Budworth Musician

🔧 Refined Playing Techniques

From precise bowing of the wheel to achieving controlled trompette (buzzing rhythmic sound), players offer insights honed by decades of performance and experimentation. Expect to uncover nuanced tips on:

  • Efficient crank motion
  • Dynamic bow pressure
  • Coordination of drones and melody
  • Fine control of trompette techniques

These detailed observations help bridge the gap between knowing what to do and understanding how and why it works.Quentin Budworth Musician

🎼 Applied Theory and Practice Wisdom

Understanding theory can deepen intuition and improvisational capability. Several contributors break down how harmonic, rhythmic, and stylistic concepts inform their practice. These aren’t dry academic lessons — they’re practical frameworks you can integrate into daily routines.Quentin Budworth Musician

🧠 Practice and Pedagogy from the Pros

One of the most valuable sections is advice on how to practice. Many experienced players share how they structure sessions, stay motivated, build technical consistency, and approach learning new repertoire. Whether you’re a self-taught player or coach others, these insights elevate your practice habits.Quentin Budworth Musician

🎤 Performance and Presence

Playing beautifully isn’t just about notes — it’s about connection. Several contributors explore performance psychology, audience engagement, and how to craft a compelling musical narrative on stage. Their reflections help unlock confidence and authenticity.Quentin Budworth Musician

Expert Voices You’ll Turn Back To Again and Again

Among the distinguished contributors, names like Patrick Bouffard and Matthias Loibner stand out as voices of both technical mastery and expressive depth — making this more than a book of tips, but a dialogue with the instrument. Their chapters read like conversations with mentors, giving you fresh ways to think about phrasing, ornamentation, and musical storytelling.Quentin Budworth Musician

But even beyond those familiar names, the diversity of contributors means you’ll encounter approaches rooted in early music, folk traditions, contemporary improvisation, and cross-genre experimentation. That breadth makes this book continually rewarding — you’ll return to it again and again.Quentin Budworth Musician

Perfect for Holiday Self-Gifting or Gifting to Others

This Christmas, there’s no better way to invest in your artistry than by equipping yourself with knowledge that can transform your playing. For £24.99 (UK) or $35 (US), The Secret Life of the Hurdy-Gurdy delivers expert-level insights at a giftable price that any dedicated player will appreciate.Quentin Budworth Musician

Ordering directly from Quentin Budworth not only supports the author and contributors more fairly than big-box retailers, but also helps sustain the global hurdy-gurdy community. It’s a meaningful way to give back to the art form you love — and encourage a thriving musical ecosystem in the process.Quentin Budworth Musician

📫 Ready to get your copy?
Email: quentinbudworth@yahoo.com
Price: £24.99 (UK) / $35 (US)
Delivery: 10–14 days — just in time for Christmas.Quentin Budworth Musician

Holiday Motivation: Gift Yourself Progress

Let’s face it — the best gift you can give a musician isn’t another tuner or metronome. It’s progress. It’s the kind of resource that lights up practice sessions, expands your creative horizons, and makes every turn of the crank feel more intentional. This Christmas, choose growth over gadgets. Choose inspiration over inertia.

🎁 Give yourself or a loved one the gift of deeper musical understanding — because great playing isn’t born in a day, but nurtured through insight, technique, and unending curiosity.

Here’s to a festive season filled with joyful practice, creative breakthroughs, and the resonant hum of hurdy-gurdy strings — may your wheel always turn true. 🎄🎶

Unlock the Hidden Secrets of Hurdy-Gurdy Mastery This Christmas: Insights from 32 Global Experts

The Secret Life of the Hurdy-Gurdy


*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.

Email quentinbudworth@yahoo.com today to order your copy — and make this festive season a turning point in your hurdy-gurdy journey!Quentin Budworth Musician

Cranking in the Cold: A Guide to Playing the Hurdy-Gurdy in Winter

There is something magically atmospheric about the sound of a hurdy-gurdy drifting through the crisp winter air. Whether it’s a Christmas market, a Yuletide festival, or simply busking for the holiday crowds, winter gigs can be lucrative and fun. However, they present a unique set of challenges. Playing the hurdy-gurdy requires precise finger dexterity, and you are essentially operating a complex wooden machine that hates the weather as much as you do.

Having performed in temperatures as low as minus 12°C (during a memorable stint at Beamish near Newcastle), I’ve learned the hard way that survival isn’t just about piling on clothes, it’s about strategy. Here is how to stay warm, keep safe, and avoid the dreaded “Michelin Man or woman” effect.

Preparation: Do the “Faffing” Indoors

Winter playing requires military-style preparation. Do not leave maintenance until you arrive at the venue.

  • Set Up at Home: Faffing with cotton is no fun in the ice and gloom of midwinter. Trying to re-cotton a string or adjust a tangent with frozen fingers in fading light is a recipe for misery. Get your instrument perfectly regulated in the warmth and good light of your home before you set off.
  • Acclimatisation: While you should set up in the warmth, you must respect thermal shock. Never take a warm gurdy directly into freezing air to play immediately. Store the instrument in a cold environment (like a secure porch, hallway, or vehicle boot). This lets the wood settle. This prevents the tuning from going wild and protects the structure from sudden contraction.

The Rosin Strategy: Darker is Better

Rosin’s behaviour changes drastically in low temperatures. Standard light/hard rosin can become brittle and glassy, sliding over the strings rather than gripping them.

  • Choose the Right Rosin: In cold weather, softer, darker rosin is generally superior. Switch from a hard violin rosin to a dark cello or double bass rosin. Because it is naturally softer and stickier, it remains pliable in freezing temperatures where lighter rosin would just flake off as dust.
  • Keep it Warm: Even soft rosin hates the cold. Keep your block of rosin in your trouser pocket. Your body heat will keep it at a workable consistency.
  • Application: The general method of application remains the same, but because the wheel is cold, you need the rosin to be warm enough to adhere. If the rosin is warm (from your pocket) and the grade is soft (dark), it will coat the wheel evenly. If it’s cold and hard, it will skid across the surface.

The Art of Layering (Without Losing Mobility)

The golden rule is layering, but avoid the “Michelin Man” effect, where you have so many layers (vest, shirt, jumper, waistcoat, jacket, coat) that your arms stick out at 45-degree angles.

The Fix: Layer up, but try your outfit on with the instrument before you leave the house.

  • Base Layer: High-quality thermals are non-negotiable.
  • Trousers: Denim is useless in the cold. Opt for heavy external fabrics like heavy wool, moleskin, or thick corduroy.
  • The Coat: A heavy, long overcoat traps heat around your legs and looks the part.

Extremities: Hands and Feet

  • Left Hand: Fingerless gloves help keep the left hand warm and dextrous. You need exposed fingertips to feel the keys.
  • Feet: Standing on frozen ground rapidly drains heat. Wear stout, waterproof boots with thermal furry insoles to create a barrier against the cold earth.
  • Heat Packs: Keep chemical hand warmers in your pockets. Use them to “recharge” your hands (and your rosin!) between sets.

Safety and Surroundings

Working in winter means working in a hostile environment. You need to be hyper-aware of your surroundings.

  • Beware of Ice: This is critical. You really don’t want to fall over with your instrument strapped on. If you slip on black ice, your instinct is to break your fall with your hands, risking breaking a wrist. A fall can result in a broken player and a smashed instrument. Tread carefully.
  • Damp and Wind: As I found at Beamish, the damp is worse than the cold. It seeps into your bones and makes the wheel misbehave. Find a nook or stand with your back to a wall to cut the wind chill.

The Performance: Keep it Simple

Finally, adjust your mindset. You are not in a concert hall; you are battling the elements.

  • Simplify the Repertoire: Your fingers will be colder than usual, and your instrument response may be sluggish. Keep the music simple. Save your energy and focus on keeping spirits high with strong, rhythmic tunes rather than complex ornamentation that might trip you up when your fingers are numb.
  • Keep Moving: Stamping your feet and shifting your weight isn’t just part of the performance—it keeps the blood pumping and stops you from freezing to the spot. The addition of sleigh bells to the ankles adds a seasonal element to your nifty footwork.
  • Reduce Cognitive Load: remember you have to get home in one piece so don’t overplay, keep sets and audience interactions short, snappy and fun.

My friend Rick from historical musicians Hautbois had a fantastic set of very large woollen mittens/driver’s gloves which he hung around his neck as part of his Edwardian musician costume. His secret trick was to hide a small hot water bottle in each mitten, ensuring warm, dextrous fingers throughout proceedings!

Quentin Budworth is author of ‘The Secret Life of the Hurdy-Gurdy : Field Notes on Playing,’ available by emailing quentinbudworth@yahoo.com

The Secret Life of the Hurdy-Gurdy

Found: The Perfect Gift for the Musician Who Has Everything.

Are you struggling to find something truly special for the music lover in your life? Tired of giving the same old socks, scarves, and safe options every December?

This year, give a gift that creates lasting memories, joyful noise, and a genuinely unique story. An in-person hurdy-gurdy learning experience is the standout present you’ve been searching for—perfect for anyone from the complete novice to the seasoned player.

Imagine their delight on Christmas morning when they unwrap not just a gift, but an adventure. This isn’t just a lesson; it’s an invitation to connect with an ancient, enchanting instrument and learn to make it sing.

Have a Go: Learn to Play a Tune

Has your partner or friend always talked about “having a go” on a hurdy-gurdy? Perhaps they are already a musician looking for a new challenge?

Our one-to-one tuition, led by professional musician and qualified teacher Quentin Budworth, makes that dream a reality. In a focused, supportive, and fun environment, students will get hands-on with the instrument, learn correct hand positioning, and amazingly, progress to playing a complete tune in just one session.

Why this is the ultimate experience gift:

  • For Individuals or Couples: They can come on their own for a focused, bespoke session, or bring you (or a friend) along to share the laughter and learning.
  • All Abilities Welcome: Whether they have zero musical experience or are an expert player wanting to refine complex techniques, the session is tailored entirely to them.
  • Stunning Locations: Choose between a session on the beautiful Isle of Skye or in the rolling hills of Yorkshire—make a weekend trip of it!
  • Flexible Gift Certificates: We can arrange a personalised gift certificate for the recipient(s), making it a perfect, tangible surprise to pop under the tree.

“An Amazing Experience” – Hear from Happy Students

You don’t just have to take our word for it. Caroline and Andy received this experience as a joint Christmas gift to each other earlier this year and had a day they’ll never forget.

“This was a gift to each other and it made a great gift experience. Interested in learning to play a hurdy-gurdy, my husband Andy and I spent a day with Quentin as complete beginners… Quentin quickly put us at our ease and gave an overview of a plan for the day. We began by exploring the instruments… He watched us closely and listened to us individually, instructing us on the correct methods and hand positioning as we played our first notes.”

They were astonished by their progress, noting that the step-by-step approach really worked:

“By lunchtime, we had practised half of a tune called ‘The Ride’… Towards the end of the day, Andy and I were also given time in separate rooms to practise the tune and link both parts of it together… We had not expected to have progressed to playing a tune that day so were very pleased with what this talented artist had helped us achieve. We would not hesitate to recommend him!”

— Caroline and Andy Lee, South Yorkshire

Give the Gift of Music This Christmas

Ready to arrange the most memorable gift under the tree? We suggest a minimum booking of two hours to really get the most from the session.

To purchase a gift voucher or find out more, contact Quentin Budworth directly:

Step away from the boring gifts this Christmas. Instead, give an inspiring experience that will resonate for years to come!

Immerse Yourself in Tradition: The UK Hurdy Gurdy & Bagpipe Weekend at Halsway Manor

Tune In & Turn Up: Discover the Magic of Halsway Manor’s Hurdy Gurdy & Bagpipe Weekend!

Dreaming of a dedicated weekend to dive deep into the world of hurdy-gurdy and bagpipes in a stunning, historic setting? Look no further than the UK Hurdy Gurdy & Bagpipe Weekend at Halsway Manor, the National Centre for Folk Arts in Somerset, UK! It’s a bit like Hogwarts; there is a ghost, fantastic food, and great walks.

This unique residential event is a cornerstone of the UK Hurdy-gurdy scene. It offers unparalleled tuition for all levels, from absolute beginners finding their first drones to advanced players seeking to refine their technique and repertoire. Imagine days filled with inspiring workshops led by renowned tutors, and evenings alive with the sounds of concerts and informal sessions where you can share tunes and connect with fellow enthusiasts.

Halsway Manor itself provides a magical backdrop. This beautiful historic house is dedicated to folk arts, creating an immersive and supportive atmosphere perfect for learning and musical exploration. Whether you want to kickstart your hurdy-gurdy journey or share your passion with a vibrant community, this event should not be missed.

Halsway has an excellent library dedicated to Folk music and Folk Arts which is well worth a visit.

Key Details:

  • What: UK Hurdy Gurdy & Bagpipe Weekend
  • Where: Halsway Manor, Somerset, UK
  • Focus: Tuition for all levels, concerts, sessions for hurdy-gurdy and bagpipes.
  • Organiser: Claire Dugue / Halsway Manor (National Centre for Folk Arts)
  • Website: https://halswaymanor.org.uk/ (Check their events page for specific dates and booking)

Want to deepen your understanding of the player’s journey? Inspired to continue your learning journey beyond the workshops? For a deeper dive into the nuances and stories behind playing, consider exploring “The Secret Life of the Hurdy-gurdy: Field Notes on Playing.” You can find more details here: https://quentinbudworthmusic.com/book/

The Secret Life of the Hurdy-Gurdy

PS. The last time I stayed at Halsway Manor, their resident ghost threw me out of bed! It’s a common occurrence, apparently.