Workshops

May Fèis Weekend
Saturday 9th May 2026

A full day of hands-on workshops in traditional music and Gaelic song at Paisley Arts Centre. Build your own day and take part in as many sessions as you like.

Overview

Schedule

Levels

Tutors

Registration

Free to attend

10.30am-3:45pm

Paisley Arts Centre

Build your own day of music-making across singing, melody and accompaniment workshops. Sessions are designed to be relaxed and supportive, with options to suit a range of experience levels.

Workshop Schedule

Explore the workshops below – click to expand each section and find what suits you.

Accompaniment Workshops (with Seán Gray)

Our accompaniment workshops, led by Seán Gray, are for those who play accompaniment instruments such as guitar, keys or clarsach and would like to develop their skills in a supportive group setting.

A suggested level has been given for each workshop below. You can find more information in our Choosing Your Level section further down the page – please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you’re unsure.

10:30-11:30am
Getting Started with Accompaniment

An introduction to the role of accompaniment in traditional music, covering basic chord patterns, rhythm, and how to support a tune effectively. This will include playing along to the most common types of tunes including jigs and reels.

Level: Early-stage players – suitable for those who can play a few chords and change between them, but not aimed at complete beginners.

11:45am-12:45pm
Expanding Your Chord Choices

This workshop will expand on the basic accompaniment chords (I, IV and V) and explore chord substitution and how to add colour and variation depending on the tune type. This will also involve looking at a variety of tune types including jigs, reels, marches and waltzes.

Level: Elementary to intermediate – players comfortable with basic chords and looking to develop their harmonic understanding.

1:30-2:30pm
Arranging Accompaniment

This session will look at more creative ways of using chords. This will involve looking closely at the tune for chord placement and rhythmic ideas. Topics might include dynamics, texture, rhythm changes, and building a toolkit to keep arrangementsinteresting.

Level: Intermediate to advanced – players who are confident accompanying tunes and want to develop their musicality and creativity.

2:45-3:45pm
Accompaniment for Ceilidh Dancing

Focusing on the practical skills needed for ceilidh playing – steady rhythm, set structure, transitions, and responding to dancers. This will look at real-life playing situations and how to keep energy and momentum.

Level: Open to all (not complete beginners) – particularly useful for anyone interested in playing for dances or sessions.
Gaelic & Singing Workshops (with Joy Dunlop)

Our singing workshops, led by Joy Dunlop, offer a chance to explore Gaelic language and song in a relaxed and welcoming environment – whether you’re trying the language for the first time or looking to build confidence in singing.

A suggested level has been given for each workshop below. You can find more information in our Choosing Your Level section further down the page – please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you’re unsure.

10:30-11:30am
Introduction to Scottish Gaelic

An informal and fun introduction to Scottish Gaelic, covering simple greetings, pronunciation and basic conversation. A relaxed and encouraging starting point for anyone curious about the language and keen to give it a go.

Level: Open to all – no previous experience required.

11:45am-12:45pm
Puirt à Beul / Mouth Music

A lively and engaging introduction to puirt à beul (mouth music), focusing on rhythm, phrasing and learning by ear. This session explores the strong rhythmic drive of this tradition and offers a fun and accessible way to experience Gaelic song.

Level: Open to all – no previous experience required.

1:30-2:30pm
Gaelic Waulking Songs

Explore traditional waulking songs, originally sung to accompany the rhythmic working of cloth. This session focuses on simple, beat-driven songs, with a strong sense of rhythm and group participation at its heart.

Level: Open to all – no previous experience required.

2:45-3:45pm
Scratch Gaelic Choir

A fun and informal introduction to Gaelic harmony singing. In this session, you’ll learn simple songs from the Gaelic choral repertoire in a relaxed, supportive environment – no pressure, just the chance to sing together and enjoy the sound of group harmony.

Level: Open to all – no previous experience required.
Melody & Tune Workshops (with Chloë Bryce)

Our melody workshops, led by Chloë Bryce, are for those who play melody instruments such as accordion or fiddle and would like to develop their playing, style and musical confidence.

A suggested level has been given for each workshop below. You can find more information in our Choosing Your Level section further down the page – please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you’re unsure.

10:30-11:30am
Learn a Traditional Tune (Early-stage players)

A relaxed introduction to learning a traditional tune, working through a melody step by step at a steady pace. This session focuses on building confidence, developing listening skills, and getting to know the shape of a traditional tune in a supportive environment.

Level: Beginner to elementary – suitable for those starting out in traditional music or building confidence on their instrument.

11:45am-12:45pm
Style and Ornamentation

Explore how to bring a tune to life through phrasing, expression and ornamentation. This session looks at ways to move beyond the notes on the page and develop your own musical style, with practical techniques you can apply to your playing.

Level: Elementary to intermediate – for players comfortable with learning tunes who want to develop their musical expression.

1:30-2:30pm
Learn Upbeat Traditional Tunes

A chance to learn one or two lively traditional tunes in a faster-paced session. This workshop focuses on picking up melodies by ear, building fluency, and developing confidence playing at a steady tempo.

Level: Intermediate to advanced – for players who are confident on their instrument and comfortable learning tunes at a quicker pace.

2:45-3:45pm
Ensemble Skills

Focus on playing together as a group, exploring arrangement ideas, dynamics, and how different instruments can work together effectively. This session offers practical tools for making group playing more engaging, musical and enjoyable.

Level: Intermediate to advanced – for confident players interested in developing their ensemble playing and musical awareness.

Meet Our Tutors

Chloë Bryce
Melody & Tune Workshops

Chloë Bryce is a fiddler and Gaelic singer from Easter Ross, now based in Glasgow, with a strong grounding in Highland musical traditions. A graduate of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, she has performed across the UK and internationally and is an experienced and engaging tutor. Her teaching combines musical development with a deep respect for tradition and style.

Joy Dunlop
Gaelic & Singing Workshops

Joy Dunlop is an award-winning Gaelic singer and educator, known for her engaging and accessible approach to teaching song. With a strong background in both performance and education, she brings a deep understanding of Gaelic language, style and tradition. Her workshops are welcoming, supportive and full of energy.

Seán Gray
Accompaniment Workshops

Seán Gray is a highly regarded accompanist and musician, with extensive experience performing and teaching across Scotland’s traditional music scene. He is known for his clear, practical approach to accompaniment, helping players develop rhythm, harmony and confidence. His workshops focus on real-life playing skills in a relaxed, supportive environment.

Choosing Your Level

We offer workshops across a range of levels and welcome participants of all ages. Our sessions are designed to be intergenerational, bringing together people with a shared interest in traditional music and song.

As a guide:

Early-stage – you have some basics (e.g. a few chords or simple tunes) but are still building confidence
Elementary – comfortable with the basics and ready to develop technique and understanding
Intermediate – confident playing and looking to refine style, musicality and expression
Advanced – experienced players looking to deepen creativity and explore more complex ideas

Participants should be able to take part independently in a group setting. Under 16s are welcome, but should be comfortable following instruction and engaging fully in workshops.

Please read the workshop details carefully and choose sessions that best match your level. If you’re unsure, go with what feels closest – tutors will help guide you on the day.

Registration

Use the form below to register for our May Fèis Weekend Saturday Workshops.

Please complete a separate form for each person taking part in the workshops. You can choose one or more workshops across the day. Spaces are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

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Workshops

May Fèis WeekendSaturday 9th May 2026

Workshop Schedule

Meet Our Tutors

Chloë BryceMelody & Tune Workshops

Joy DunlopGaelic & Singing Workshops

Seán GrayAccompaniment Workshops

Choosing Your Level

Registration

Join Our Community

May Fèis Weekend
Saturday 9th May 2026

Chloë Bryce
Melody & Tune Workshops

Joy Dunlop
Gaelic & Singing Workshops

Seán Gray
Accompaniment Workshops