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Lismore
Fiddle Retreats
Join Mairi for a five-day journey on the Isle of Lismore in Argyll, Scotland, to discover the delights of playing fiddle!
Mixed-ability: intermediate to fluent players. Must be able to play at least 10 tunes fluently.
10 places available.
You’ll come away with an armful of ideas to take your playing to the next level!
‘A wonderful experience of learning how to improve on technique within a mixed ability group. A holiday from work, with time to play and relax in beautiful spaces with wonderful food and no pressure.’
‘I was very nervous, but soon came to realise it was a safe space to play, warts and all. It was empowering, liberating and enlightening and gave me some confidence.’
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2027 Fiddle Retreat Dates
- March 15 – 19
- May 10 – 14
- June 28 – July 2
Arrive on Sunday, classes start on Monday morning and end after lunch on Friday.
Cost: £600 (includes 22 hours’ tuition plus lunches and dinners. Does not include accommodation).
“Like a fever dream. One of the most revitalising and nourishing experiences I’ve had in years.”
Fiddle Retreat FAQs. To book your place, contact Mairi directly.
Testimonials
“It was a challenging but fun time with the right ‘space’ for personal growth and connection in all ways: skills development, musicality, knowledge and technique, harmonising with the natural world- it felt like a spiritual journey – quite special.”
“It really delves into what it means to make music with others. I think a lot of us adult learners tend to focus on the technique required to achieve a certain sound, but take a long time to make any kind of emotional connection, to turn it from ‘notes in the right order’ to a form of communication.“
“Having tunes to become familiar with beforehand is great, and makes me learn things I might not have come across, or noticed in a tune book. Also, to be able to bring a tune along is good, as it gives us a chance to play something we know well, and want to share and play with others.”
“this is the first time since I was a teenager that someone has provided feedback on how I hold the fiddle and bow and play. With that and suggestions to and from others in the group, I have come away with a multitude of ideas about how to develop my playing which was exactly what I was hoping for.”
“A wonderful way to continue the learning journey on my fiddle, and in such a beautiful environment.”
“Challenging in the best way!”
“Like a really engaging and rewarding holiday! The stuff we did outside of the tutoring, from sessions in the evenings to all the food and merriment, as well as exploring the island, was all great fun and a testament to the friendliness of the group and the environment you created.”
“I’ve left feeling a lot more positive and like I’ve got a new lease of life with my playing. I loved the social side of it and the gratification of playing with other people and being able to make something together. It’s also great to hear the improvement in my playing in some areas.”
“For me, the week was about being around sound, playing with others and generally finding a way back to a fiddle that has often sat alone in the corner. The workshop really fulfilled these hopes.”