WorldFolkMusic1.jpg
WorldFolkMusic1.jpg

World Folk Ensemble

$279.00

Learn melodies from several different folk music traditions around the world, working towards a collaborative world music ensemble experience by the end of the week!

Melody players such as violin, flute, mandolin, accordion, recorder players will learn the melodies. Chord and rhythm players such as guitar, bass and percussionists will learn diverse chords and rhythm structures. All players will become familiar with both rhythms and melodies.

Sheet music will be provided, although we will focus on learning by ear in honour of the aural traditions these musical lineages come from, and to be present with the "feel" of the music. As well as learning the music, being introduced to improvisation in folk music, and learning some cultural and historical context about the tunes, participants will also be supported and encouraged to listen to each other, to discover their natural strengths in music, and most importantly, to have fun and connect with one another!

Learn melodies from several different folk music traditions around the world, working towards a collaborative world music ensemble experience by the end of the week!

Melody players such as violin, flute, mandolin, accordion, recorder players will learn the melodies. Chord and rhythm players such as guitar, bass and percussionists will learn diverse chords and rhythm structures. All players will become familiar with both rhythms and melodies.

Sheet music will be provided, although we will focus on learning by ear in honour of the aural traditions these musical lineages come from, and to be present with the "feel" of the music. As well as learning the music, being introduced to improvisation in folk music, and learning some cultural and historical context about the tunes, participants will also be supported and encouraged to listen to each other, to discover their natural strengths in music, and most importantly, to have fun and connect with one another!

ESSENTIAL INFO

If you purchase a ticket for this course, all the information on this page will be emailed to you with your ticket.

👥 Ages: Adults only 18+

📍 Venue: Bellingen Public School

📈 Level: Suitable for all skill levels

⏰ Schedule: Mon–Fri, 1pm – 4pm (5 Half-Days)

Required skills & experience

  • ?

Supplies that will be provided by your tutor

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  • ?

NOTE: Supply costs will be collected by the tutor before Camp Creative.

Supplies that you need to bring to class

  • Your own instrument of choice

Learning outcomes

  • Master a Global Repertoire: Learn to play four distinct, traditional folk tunes from different cultures around the world.

  • Train the Musical Ear: Develop strong active-listening and aural skills by learning authentic music directly by ear rather than relying strictly on sheet music.

  • Unlock Rhythmic & Timing Skills: Learn how to hold down a groove, master diverse accompaniment styles, and explore exciting "odd timings" and time signatures from regions like the Balkans.

  • Explore Creative Improvisation: Gain the confidence to improvise, use traditional musical ornaments, and express personal creativity through fun, pressure-free soloing games.

  • Play in a Collaborative Ensemble: Master the art of "band etiquette" by listening to fellow musicians, building custom song arrangements together, and performing as a cohesive global orchestra.

WEEK PLAN

DAY ONE

  • Meet each other

  • Learn the first tune of the course

  • Introduction to the basics of improvisation and expression

DAY TWO

  • Refresh Monday's learning

  • Learn tune #2

  • Introduction to traditional ornamentation on melodies and different ways of accompanying melodies

DAY THREE

  • Refresh Monday and Tuesday's tunes

  • Learn tune #3

  • Introduction to "odd timings" (time signatures from the Balkans and beyond)

DAY FOUR

  • Refresh everything learnt so far

  • Learn tune #4

  • Introduction and implementation of "arrangements" as an ensemble

DAY FIVE

  • Consolidate all the learning!

  • Play all the new music, with improvisations, ornamentation, rhythmic ideas, and ensemble led arrangements.

  • Encourage participants to audio/video record this on their phones for reference.

  • Provide participants with useful resources for continuing their learning.

  • Celebrate the week!

COURSE TUTOR

Laura Targett

Fiddler, Singer, Composer & Educator

Laura Targett is an acclaimed Australian musician and educator celebrated for her distinctive fiddle style and deep connection to world folk traditions. A dynamic performer, she has appeared at leading global festivals—including Woodford, Port Fairy, and the National Folk Festival—and collaborated with folk icons like Tim Edey, Steve Cooney, and Michael McGoldrick. Her award-winning compositions and recent fiddle album, recorded at Scotland's iconic Tpot Studios, seamlessly blend Celtic roots, global folk influences, and classical training.

Equally dedicated to education, Laura is a highly sought-after workshop leader specializing in Celtic and world fiddle traditions. She has taught at the Maleny Celtic Winter School and Broadstairs Folk Week (UK), focusing on accessible, inclusive music-making. Currently developing her second solo album produced by Luke Plumb, Laura’s teaching combines deep stylistic knowledge with an emphasis on creative expression, improvisation, and cross-cultural connection.

“Laura is an amazing teacher, so encouraging, non judgemental, and very generous in sharing her wealth of experience.
She has drawn so many of us in our community together through music, even dissolving rifts between people through our happily playing together.”
— Shankari

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