Musicians and singers of all ages are invited to immerse themselves in the world of folk music at the 2025 Folkworks Summer Schools and Folkworks Summer Sessions.
Whether you’re a young player looking for an unforgettable week of music-making or an adult ready to play, create and perform, there’s a place for you in the Folkworks community.
Applications open Monday 3 February 2025, with bursaries available for those who need support.
As The Glasshouse celebrates 20 years as an international centre for music rooted in the North East, it’s looking ahead to the next generation – helping young musicians get started and experienced players grow. Folkworks Summer Schools and Sessions are part of that mission, creating spaces where folk music thrives across generations.
For musicians aged 9 to 18, the Folkworks Youth and Junior Summer Schools, running from Monday 4 to Friday 8 August at Durham School, offer an immersive week of folk music, song and dance. Whether folk is already a passion or something completely new, this residential course is all about learning, collaboration and new friendships.
Course Leader Grace Smith says, “The Summer School is a brilliant opportunity for young people to learn about folk music, song, and they can explore creative ideas with a fantastic team of tutors. As well as playing lots of music, we have plenty of social time – dancing, quizzes, games, and concerts. It’s a fantastic week to try new musical ideas and make lifelong friends.”
Guided by expert tutors, including Archie Churchill-Moss, Bevan Morris, Sarah Hayes, Rosie Hodgson, Dave Malkin and Grace Smith, young musicians will explore folk through ensemble workshops, instrumental sessions and dance. The week finishes with an informal performance for friends and family.
Frankie Archer, Artist in Residence at The Glasshouse, reflects on her experience at the Folkworks Summer Schools: “It gave me somewhere to belong. At summer school, I was surrounded by young people from all over, connecting through the universal language of folk music.”
Frankie’s journey from Folkworks participant to professional artist shows what happens when organisations invest in musicians. Now, The Glasshouse is doing the same for the next generation.
Looking for a festival-style folk experience? New for 2025, the Folkworks Summer Sessions, running from Wednesday 16 to Friday 18 July at The Glasshouse, are for adults who want to play, learn and explore folk music in an inspiring, flexible setting.
Dave Gray, Course Leader for Summer Sessions, explains, “Folk is all about collaboration and creativity, and the Summer Sessions reflect that. It’s a space for self-care and reflection – an opportunity to learn and explore folk music in an inspiring and supportive setting.”
Led by a stellar tutor lineup including Jack Rutter, Sarah Hayes, David Gray, Karen Tweed, Nancy Kerr and Jock Tyldesley, participants can join mixed-instrument ensembles, vocal workshops and informal evening events.
The Folkworks Summer Schools and Sessions are part of The Glasshouse’s wider commitment to keeping music education open to everyone. With bursaries available and a focus on inclusivity, the aim is to ensure that anyone – regardless of background – can experience the joy of folk music.
Applications for all courses open on Monday 3 February 2025, with a bursary deadline of Thursday 1 May 2025. The final deadline to apply is Wednesday 16 June 2025 for Summer Sessions and Monday 7 July 2025 for Youth & Junior Summer Schools. For more information and to apply, visit Folkworks Summer Schools & Sessions https://theglasshouseicm.org
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