Soundbone Gathering 2026 - Class Descriptions

Please refer to Soundbone Gathering 2026 - Schedule for the times of each class. Classes are at the same time every day and last about 45 minutes (to allow for changeover).

Accordion 1 (Jim Payne)

This class will start with getting to know your accordion. As we focus mainly on the melody (right hand) side, you’ll learn to play a couple of tunes from charts that will be supplied. We’ll find out how the diatonic nature of the instrument is an ideal fit for playing our traditional tunes. We’ll also learn the difference between singles and doubles, jigs and reels, as well as the techniques for playing them.

Accordion 2 (Jim Payne)

This class will start with learning to strengthen your rhythm within tunes through use of the bass side, finger work on the right hand, use of the diatonic keyboard that gives you two notes from each button on the melody side, and bellows action. We’ll also work on using the accordion as accompaniment, both in playing for our traditional dances and also for accompanying songs.

Bodhran (Madison Mouland)

This class is for anyone with an interest in the bodhran that has never played before. Students will learn how to hold the instrument and the basics of playing. Students will also learn how to play some basic patterns with other singers and instrumentalists, as well as how to accompany their own voices, if interested.

Fiddle Techniques 1 (Evelyn Osborne)

Come learn or review the basic skills that will help you be a better player – how to hold the instrument comfortably, how to make a good sound, how to get your fingers to play in tune. We’ll learn a couple of easy tunes to try your new skills out on!

Fiddle Techniques 2 (Christina Smith)

Improve your skills on the fiddle! This class is about developing some comfort with things like playing faster, using your pinky, string crossing, playing double stops and drones, freeing up your bow arm and left hand, and sounding authentic (playing “stylistically”). Maybe we’ll even get to improving our shifting or vibrato! At the beginning of the session, we’ll make a list of technical things participants would like to learn or improve upon, and let that be our guide for the week. Along the way we’ll learn a couple of fun tunes to show off our new and improved abilities!

Guitar 1 (Madison Mouland)

An introduction to guitar accompaniment focusing on basic chords, strumming techniques and easy songs.

Guitar 2 (Eric West)

This class is for those who have been playing guitar for a while and have mastered the basics. We'll cover advanced strumming, fingerstyle technique and melody playing.

Introduction to Dance Calling (Jane Dennison)

This new class is for people who enjoy dancing and who’d like to build confidence to teach or lead NL set dances (group folk dances from Newfoundland or Labrador). Information will include help expanding your repertoire of dances, choosing dances for your participants, the nuts and bolts of when and what to communicate for your dancers to have a positive experience, working with a musician, what to do when things fall apart, and much more! We will both discuss and dance together. Participants will receive a booklet of strategies and tips for successful dance calling, and everyone who would like to, will have a chance to lead the group in a dance. To participate you should have some dance experience in NL set dancing or another similar style such as ceilidh, contra, or square dancing and also register for one of the Dance Classes during the week. This class will proceed if enough people are interested.

Mandolin/Banjo 1 (Dave Panting)

This is a class is for anyone with an interest in starting to play these instruments. The course will include exploring the fingerboard, basic chords and learning to pick at least two tunes.

Mandolin/Banjo 2 (Dave Panting)

In this class we will learn more complicated pieces as well as accompaniment strumming techniques. Advanced chord structure and melody/chord playing will also be covered.

Mandolin/Banjo 3 (Dave Panting)

A class for advanced players who have mastered the basics.

Musical Literacy (Madison Mouland)

This is a class for any musician who struggles with reading and talking about written sheet music. In this class, you will learn the basics of reading sheet music, as well as some musician jargon and vocabulary to help you follow along more easily in jams and sessions. This class will include short music lessons, open discussions with Q&A’s, music games, etc. to help you build your knowledge and vocabulary of music to make those jam sessions and music lessons that much easier and fun!

Newfoundland Tunes (Christina Smith)

Open to intermediate and advanced players on melody instruments, in this class we will be learning tunes from the repertoires of notable Newfoundland musicians including Mrs. Belle Fennelly, Emile Benoit, Rufus Guinchard, Jack Fitzpatrick, John Brown and more. Tunes will be in keys that can be accommodated on the fiddle, mandolin, D whistle, and D accordion.

Set Dance 1 (Jane Dennison with Dave Panting, Hugh Scott)

In Set Dance 1 and 2, we focus on a style of group folk dance from Newfoundland and Labrador known as set (or square) dancing. In both classes all moves are taught and no prior experience with any style of dance is necessary. We’ll look in detail at the movements so that you’ll finish the week feeling like you know one or more of these beautiful dances quite well. The difference between Dance 1 and Dance 2 is that we might do slightly more complicated dances in Dance 2. Take whichever one fits into your schedule. If you love dancing, take them both and join us for the evening dances!

Set Dance 2 (Jane Dennison with Dave Panting, Hugh Scott)

Songs of NL (Jean Hewson)

In addition to learning a variety of folksongs, participants will be introduced to the basics of traditional singing, harmony singing, and storytelling through song. The workshops will also include some discussion on the history and social context of traditional songs. This session is for singers of all ages and levels.

Songwriting (a) (Hugh Scott)

In this class you will learn song construction, techniques in finding subject mater, and how to write the right melody to fit your lyrics. We also discuss arranging songs and how to get your songs played publicly. And, of course, you will write a song.

Songwriting (b) (Hugh Scott)

Soundbone Folk Orchestra (Jean Hewson, Christina Smith)

This class is open to intermediate and advanced players on any instrument – as long as you can play it in the key of D! We will learn a couple of easy tunes and explore harmony, bass lines, counterpoints and descants. We’ll have a couple of dandy arrangements by the end of the week!

Soundbone Gathering Choir (Jean Hewson with Madison Mouland)

The Soundbone Gathering Choir is open to all participants and will be directed by Jean Hewson with assistance from Maddy Mouland. Participants will learn songs arranged for three parts: melody, high harmony and low harmony. All you need is the ability to listen and the desire to heave it out of you – and no one named Sister Rose will tell you to mime the words!

Stepdancing (Jim Payne)

This class will start with learning a basic 4/4 dance rhythm for step-dancing to reels which traditionally have been the most commonly used tunes for step-dancing. We’ll then work on learning more complex steps to that rhythm, as well as speeding up and improvising steps. As the week progresses we’ll also learn steps for single and double jigs, which are used mainly in group dances such as square sets and cotillions. We’ll also examine how these dance steps differ from those used for reels. Other topics covered include keeping time with your feet while playing music and duo step-dancing. f you want a head start on this class, check out this Introduction to Stepdancing video which Jim did for the NL Folk Festival a couple of years ago while sidelined by Covid.

Storytelling: Traditional Tales (Catherine Wright)

A hands-on course focused on the art of oral story sharing, with emphasis on traditional tales of Newfoundland and Labrador – including tall tales, ghost stories, the famous ‘Jack’ tales and other folk stories. Learn story fundamentals, develop oral telling skills including use of gesture and voice, deepen connection to your story and audience. Through discussion, a series of exercises and supported practice, participants will select, shape and bring a story to life. Build confidence, find your own style and discover the joy of storytelling!

Storytelling: What’s Your Story? (Catherine Wright)

We all have stories to share, from our lived experiences and/or passed down through families; informed by our cultures and environs. Explore sources of inspiration, approaches and techniques to share a story in a way that suits you, your tale and intended audience. This could be through narrative, rhyme, song, with movement and/or imagery. This course includes practical exercises, discussion, in-class story sharing and supportive feedback in the development of stories that are (at least in part) true.

Tin Whistle 1 (Gerry Strong)

This is a class for anyone starting to play the instrument. The course explores the fingerings of the G and D scales. You’ll learn to hold the tin whistle correctly, and how to make a good sound. You’ll also learn to play an easy tune or two. Note: You will need to have a ’D’ tin whistle in order to take this class.

Tin Whistle 2 (Gerry Strong)

For those students who already have some experience on the tin whistle, this class will concentrate on building your repertoire and improving technique. We'll be aiming to learn two new tunes and look at some ways to "dress up" tunes with various ornaments. Note: You will need to have a ’D’ tin whistle in order to take this class.

Ukulele 1 (Eric West)

An introduction to playing ukulele, focusing on basic chords, strumming techniques and easy songs.

Ukulele 2 (Eric West)

For those who have been playing ukulele for a while, this workshop will explore more advanced chord accompaniments and instrumental playing techniques. Low ‘g’ tuning is recommended for this workshop.

Wooden (Irish) Flute (Gerry Strong)

* DESCRIPTION TO COME *