Grow your guitar skills
with Dominic Martin.

What’s next if you are a guitar strummer? Progress your skills by going beyond the basic strum with lead-ups, walk downs, chord progressions, dynamics. Techniques to enhance your playing. It’s a slow session, bring your guitar along. Domenic will show how he does it.

Blues Harmonica
with Bill Buttler.

Take the first steps learning blues style harmonica ('blues harp' aka 'cross harp'). Learn basic chords, how to play a 12-bar blues progression, how to sound like a train, a bit of background about the harmonica and 'cross harp', and first steps in bending notes for that authentic blues sound. You just need a standard diatonic harmonica in C, and preferably be able to already play a few notes on it, but the workshop is also suitable for absolute beginners on the harmonica. If we have time you will also learn how to play a non-blues folk tune using the techniques covered in the workshop. Printed material supplied.

Squeezebox
with Don Fraser.

The button box is light, portable and big on sound. With a little bit of harmonica knowledge and a teensy bit of perseverance you are 90% of the way to understanding the squeezebox too, they work pretty much the same way. The squeezebox is a great instrument to own and play. We have a few to lend but bring a ’10 hole blues harp in C’ if you don’t have one.

Basic Harmony in folk songs
with Ken McGregor and friends

Harmonising with a song can be great fun - no matter how good your voice. Harmony shouldn't get in the way - it should enhance the beauty of a folk song. We'll try some simple exercises to help get your ear in sync with other singers. Sometimes you'll be next to a person singing the same melody line, and then next to someone who's singing the harmony. Expect to be walking round the hall occasionally while singing.  Rounds are a lovely way to gain the confidence in singing 'against' someone else.

Music Session
with Joan Mundy

Enjoy a music play-along with Joan and Ray; bring your instrument or just sit and listen if you prefer

Premier Song Writing Workshop
with Chris Lazaro

Ever thought of writing a song? This workshop could be just what you need to get started!

'Throw Away Partners' Dance Workshop
with Norm Ellis

Featuring contemporary folk dances with no specific partner. ie mostly Set dances for odd numbers, 3, 5, 7 and ‘gender neutral’ dances without a specific partner. Norm is a founding member of the TSDAV.

Australian themed poetry open mic with Bette Martin.

Entertain and be entertained with some great Aussie poetry. A session for all aspiring poets and yarn spinners.

Blackboard Hotspots
with Maree Buttler

An opportunity to share your favourite song(s). Just put your name on the board at lunchtime and you’re in. A great opportunity to put your newly gained knowledge on show and get performing confidence in front of an audience.