EVENTS
We run regular sessions and workshops across Birmingham as well as one off events. You can find more details on how these events are run and how to book below. If you are interested in us hosting a Birmingham Folk workshop or session at your festival or event, do contact us for further information about the type of events we offer.
UPCOMING DATES:
02 FEB 2025 Global Session, Old Moseley Arms 6-9pm
02 MAR 2025 Global Session, Old Moseley Arms 6-9pm
06 APR 2025 Global Session, Old Moseley Arms 6-9pm
04 MAY 2025 Global Session, Old Moseley Arms 6-9pm
01 JUN 2025 Global Session, Old Moseley Arms 6-9pm
06 JUL 2025 Global Session, Old Moseley Arms 6-9pm
WORKSHOPS
Our workshops run quarterly and take a more focused approach to tune learning. Workshop leaders will teach by ear slowly and break tunes down with stylistic considerations such as ornaments, phrasing, rhythm, articulation, bowing etc. These workshops are a chance to dig into some more cultural and historical considerations about the music we are learning.
We believe that it is important to recognise how all music is part of a tradition of playing and we need to understand this to play with more sensitivity and consideration. We regularly have guest expert tutors from different folk backgrounds come and lead workshops to give us more insight into the tradition they know best.
Our workshops are open to all ages and are suitable for musicians at an intermediate or above level. Book a spot at one of our upcoming workshops below.
Events
Global Session
1st Sunday of the month | 18:00 - 21:00
Old Moseley Arms, Tindall Street, B12 9QU
This free monthly session is accessible for all levels and all instruments. The premise is that the first hour is slower paced with the focus being on melody learning; anyone is invited to lead a tune from anywhere in the world, played slowly until the group has (mostly) picked it up by ear. Then once we are familiar we’ll build it up to a faster tempo. We collect the names of tunes that are shared in the first half of the session and compile a playlist of recordings on our YouTube channel so that in between sessions, everyone can revisit their favourite tunes in their own time.
The second part of the evening is an open session, where session goers are free to start any folk tune at a more moderate tempo, usually including tunes from our shared repertoire with accompaniment and harmonising encouraged. Afterwards we’ll probably have a curry and then keep playing until last the lights go out!
The idea of this session is that we’ll build upon a growing repertoire of tunes from around the globe, sharing and learning as we go. Find a list of our current repertoire below:
“A really inviting group of folks, excited to share tunes from all over the world. Really broadened my horizons”
— Ruari