#4 Elementary hurdy-gurdy: technique and styles with Alison Gowan

Who should attend: Beginner hurdy-gurdy players.  This course is aimed at complete beginners, but is also suitable for players who have some experience, but wish to perfect their basic techniques.

Descriptif:  In this course, we’ll focus on left-hand articulation and the development of a solid right-hand wrist-stroke technique. We’ll learn basic folk dance rhythms, arrangements of dance tunes and some accompaniment techniques. The workshop will be adapted to suit the interests and skill levels of all participants.

Teacher presentation:
Alison Gowan is a musician, singer and theater artist from Lac-Saint-Paul QC who performs, composes and arranges folk and traditional styles from Europe and North America. Her main influence is neo-traditional folk music from central France. Alison has been playing the hurdy-gurdy for 20 years and has been mentored by renowned hurdy-gurdy players. She currently performs with a number of duos, including Emilyn Stam, Élise Guay, Chanter la Pomme, L’Harfang and Birdbone Theatre. As a founding member of the Swamp Ward Orchestra, Alison has toured for 10 years, performing at notable venues including the Winnipeg Folk Festival, the Calgary Folk Festival, the Lunenburg Folk Harbour Festival, and the Flurry Festival in Saratoga Springs, New York.

MATERIAL PROVIDED :
Audio files sent by email upon registration.

 LOCATION:
Village Saint-Antoine-sur-Richelieu (adress tbd)

SCHEDULE :

Thursday
9:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.: Welcome of trainees
10 a.m. to 12 p.m.: Master class
12 p.m. to 2 p.m.: Lunch*
2 p.m. to 5 p.m.: Master class
6 p.m.: Dinner* with free sessions

Friday
9 a.m. to 10 a.m.: Breakfast*
10 a.m. to 12 p.m.: Master class
12 p.m. to 2 p.m.: Lunch*
2 p.m. to 5 p.m.: Master class

In addition to the core teaching program, trainees will have the opportunity to take part in optional public activities during the festival.