Sage Gateshead

Folkworks Adult Summer School is a fun week of folk music, song and dance. With world class tuition on main instrument and ensemble, sessions, ceilidhs, sing-arounds and concerts. Each day you will learn in main instrument, ensemble and options classes with lots of opportunities to wind down in the evening with social activities and sessions across the college.

Adult Summer School is a perfect way to get involved with folk music, whatever your level. We ask that instrumentalists have a basic understanding of their instrument (contact us if you are unsure) and you do not need to be able to read music or learn it by ear.

The summer school is based in Grey College, where you can choose between standard and en-suite rooms (twins may be available on request). You can also attend as non-residential and can choose whether to receive food as part of your ticket price or bring your own each day. We create a friendly and welcoming atmosphere and can cater for many accessibility needs – please contact us directly to discuss how we can help you.

Everyone works towards a performance at the end of the week and this year this will also include a farewell picnic with young people for Youth and Junior Summer Schools on the Saturday morning!

🔽 Download the Information Pack

Contact: Email us at [email protected] if you have any queries regarding Folkworks Summer Schools.

Folk Tutor Scheme
For those interested in teaching folk music in their communities, our Folk Tutor Scheme will help you get the most out of Adult Summer School. Find out more and apply.

What can you learn?

Please see our tutor biographies to learn more about our amazing tutors! More tutors will be announced soon.

Everyone can learn in both a Main Instrument Class and an Ensemble Class. More information on tuition is available in the information pack.

Main Instrument

Piano Accordion – Karen Tweed

Mixed Instrument – TBA

English Concertina – Alex Wade

Wind Instruments – Joey Oliver

Mandolin – Tom Kimber

Fiddle – TBA

Song – TBA

Northumbrian Pipes – Anthony Robb

Fretted Strings – TBA

Ensemble

Band with Song – TBA

Band with Dance – Joey Oliver

Folkwords – Taffy Thomas

Americana Band – Tom Kimber

Beginner Band – Alex Wade

Intermediate Band – Anthony Robb

Advanced Band – TBA

Booking information

Twins Rooms may be available on request – please enquire at [email protected]

*Concessions are available to full-time students, unwaged and those aged 60 and over.

There are two ways to book for Folkworks Adult Summer School:

• Pay in instalments: To reserve your place you can pay a £50 non-refundable deposit. You can pay this deposit and further payments at any time by visiting our Box Office in person or calling 0191 443 4661.*. Once your deposit is paid, you should fill in the online enrolment form to complete your booking. Please note, all fees must be paid by the enrolment deadline of 20 July 2020.
• Full payment: You can pay in one full payment online, in person at our Box Office or call 0191 443 4661. You should fill in the online enrolment form to complete your booking.

Please provide information as fully and clearly as possible on your enrolment form. This information is vital to us if we are to provide the best experience for you and we are unable to reserve a place at Summer School until this form is completed.

If you do not have the facilities to complete an online enrolment form please get in touch with the team (by email at [email protected] or phone on 0191 443 4661) and we will try and provide a suitable alternative.

Enrolment closes on Monday 20 July 2020