Gloucestershire Academy of Music (GAM) is delighted to be partnering with the English Folk Dance and Song Society, Folk England (EFDSS), also known as Folk England, to bring a free Folk Experience Day to young musicians in Gloucestershire.

Taking place at Barbican House on Saturday 24 October, the day will give instrumentalists aged 12–18 the opportunity to explore folk music, develop new skills and make music alongside other young people.

Discover folk music with professional musicians

Participants will work with professional folk musicians Miranda Rutter, Rob Harbron and Megan Deakin, who bring experience of the National Youth Folk Ensemble programme.

Throughout the day, young musicians will explore learning and playing music by ear, develop creative arrangement ideas and experience playing together in a band. They will also discover techniques and repertoire used by the National Youth Folk Ensemble.

No previous experience of folk music is needed. The day welcomes instrumentalists of all backgrounds, whether they are discovering folk for the first time or looking to develop their existing skills.

Creating new musical opportunities

The English Folk Dance and Song Society (EFDSS) works to champion English folk music, dance and related traditions. Through initiatives such as Folk Experience Days, young musicians can explore this rich musical heritage and discover new ways to learn, create and perform.

For Gloucestershire Academy of Music, the day is another opportunity to connect young people with professional musicians, broaden their musical experiences and introduce them to new creative possibilities.

Folk Experience Day details

• Date: Saturday 24 October
• Time: 10am–4pm
• Location: Barbican House, Gloucester
• Who can attend: Instrumentalists aged 12–18
• Cost: Free

To book please head to our portal here.

We look forward to welcoming young musicians for a day of creativity, collaboration and folk music-making.