Schedule
Folk College 2026 Schedule
Folk College is full of great workshops, concerts, singing, and dancing.
Key
Levels:
1=beginner/non-musician
2=advanced beginner
3=intermediate
4=intermediate/advanced
5=advanced/professional
Codes:
S=Singing
I=All instruments
E=Taught by ear
L&C= Lyrics & chords provided
M=Taught from sheet music
P=Percussion
Workshops are for all instruments unless otherwise indicated
2026 Schedule
Friday, May 22, 2026
Friday, 10 am to 1 pm Pre-Event Intensives
Begin your weekend with an intensive workshop that will energize and prep you for what is sure to be a memorable and fun few days. Each class offers an opportunity to spend a three-hour block of time with a respected master teacher exploring a topic in depth. Class size is limited and a separate registration is required.
Separate Registration Required
See Intensives page for descriptions
Basics for Beginners — Carson McHaney & Karl Henry
Level 1-2, all instruments
Banjo — Jay Best
Level 2-5
Bass for All — Noah Harrington
Level 3-5
Blues Guitar — Scott Ainslie
Level 3-5
Fiddle Bowing — Nathan Bishop
Level 3-5
Flute — Clif Nesseth
Level 2-5
Folk Cello — Dani Hawkins
Level 3-5
Guitar Backup — Isaiah Gardham
Level 2-4
Hammer Dulcimer — Grace Leee
Level 2-5
Harmonica — Richard Sleigh
Level 2-5
Mandolin Techniques — Tom Krumm
Level 3-5
Singing for All — Liz Simmons & Flynn Cohen
Level 1-5
West African Drumming — Kelly Parker & Lori Russo
Level 1-5
Folk College Begins
Friday, 3 to 4 pm
Intro to Shape Note Singing – Rachel Hall (Level 1-5, S, music)
Shape note singing, also called Sacred Harp singing, is a 200-year-old American tradition of singing four-part harmony by following music. The music is sung loud with strong rhythms, simple open harmonies, and a strong sense of community. It’s easier than it sounds!
Making a Song Your Own – Eric Ian Farmer (Level 1-5, SI)
Learn how to customize a song to take advantage of your strengths and present your own interesting version.
Rhythm for Beginners – Jay Best (Level 1-2, I)
Rhythm is the element of music that allows us to all play together. You’ll work on making your rhythm solid and compelling.
How to Jam – Henry Koretzky (Level 1-2, SI)
Learn skills that will help you join in jams. How do you figure out what to play, and what do you do if you don’t know the tune being played?
Slow, Beautiful, Easy Tunes – Karen Hirshon & Linda Littleton (Level 2-3, I, music)
You’ll learn some real gems! We’ll use sheet music, and there will be input for both melody and rhythm players.
Scandinavian Tunes Overview – Mikey Marget & Alex Nelson (Level 3-5, I, music)
Learn to identify different styles of Strategies for Nordic Modal Music, harmonization and accompaniment. This workshop will aim to give you the tools on what notes to play, and more importantly, what notes to avoid to make sure that your accompaniments are consonant sounding, and how to go about thinking about ways to use open strings and droning textures to enrich your contributions to a jam, even if you don’t know the tune! So many Nordic tunes are crooked and intimidating sounding, and this session will help to demystify the experience of finding your place in the tradition as an accompaniment or harmony player. tunes, including a couple of easy-to-learn Allspel tunes that will make it easy for you to jump in.
Irish Reels- Grace Lee (Level 3-5, I, ear)
You’ll learn some Irish reels and look at the subtleties of making them sound Irish.
Blues Improv- Richard Sleigh (Level 4-5, I)
Learn to improvise within the blues genre.
Tough Tunes That Are Worth the Effort- Nathan Bishop (Level 4-5, I, ear)
Working by ear, you’ll learn some amazing tunes that can be a bit of a challenge to learn and play.
Friday, 4:15 to 5:15 pm
Blues Gospel – Lily Sexton (Level 1-5, S)
Learn songs in the bluegrass gospel tradition. Lyrics and chords will be provided.
Blues Techniques for Non-Blues Singers – Scott Ainslie (Level 1-5, S)
We’ll outline specific phrasing and expressive techniques used by Blues singers and then drop them into a song you already sing. Scott tells us, “This is not talent, but technique that can be learned”. We’ll begin by lining out familiar techniques we use for communicating emotion in speech, and then we’ll look for places to use them in songs. You’ll have the opportunity to sing a verse or two, and Scott will give you small, specific changes that affect the emotional power of the song.
Beginner’s Jam – Jay Best (Level 1-2, SI, ear)
A slow-paced, supportive jam especially for beginners, also a good setting for more advanced musicians to experiment with improvisation.
Tips for Beginners – Tom Krumm (Level 1-2, I)
Tom will share tips that will help you to become a better musician. Learn to make your playing sound like music and your music-making more enjoyable.
Old Time Tunes – Carson McHaney & Isaiah Gardham (Level 3-4, I, ear)
Working by ear, you’ll learn some fantastic old time tunes.
Nordic Harmony – Paul Sauey (Level 3-4, I, music)
Learn strategies for harmonizing and accompanying Nordic music. We’ll go over which notes to play, but more importantly, we’ll look at which notes to avoid. Learn to use drones textures, even if you don’t know the tune! This workshop will help you find your place as an accompanist or harmony player for Nordic tunes.
Pennsylvania Tunes – Henry Koretzky (Level 3-5, I, ear)
We’ll look at some wonderful but virtually unknown tunes collected in Pennsylvania. We’ll work by ear, and there will be instructions for both melody and backup players.
Balfolk Tunes – Dani Hawkins (Level 4-5, I, music)
Working from sheet music, you’ll learn tunes from this beautiful French folk tradition, with instructions for both melody and backup players.
Learn a Jazz Tune – Noah Harrington & Karl Henry (Level 4-5)
Noah and Karl will teach one of their favorite jazz tunes.
Friday, 7 pm Faculty Concert
Simple Gifts
Low Lily
Ponyfolk
Friday, After the Concert
Beginners’ Jam – Simple Gifts (Level 1-2, SI, ear)
A slow-paced, supportive jam especially for beginners, also a good setting for more advanced musicians to experiment with soloing and improvisation.
Blues Jam – Scott Ainslie (Level 2-5, SI, ear)
Bring your favorite blues songs and tunes.
Celtic Jam – Nathan Bishop (Level 2-5, I, ear)
Enjoy an evening of Irish and Scottish tunes.
Bluegrass Jam – High Horse (Level 3-5, SI, ear)
For voices and instruments, we’ll sing and play bluegrass.
Songwriters’ Circle – Eric Ian Farmer (Level 1-5, SI)
Bring an original song to share with the group, or come to listen and learn.
Drum Circle – Kelly Parker & Lori Russo (Level 1-5)
Fun with drums!
Friday, 11 pm
Dorm Jam – Jay Best & Grace Lee (Level 2-5)
Stop by the dorm lounge for informal jamming before you roll into bed. Anything you want to play or sing is welcome.
Saturday, May 23, 2026
Saturday, 9:30 - 10:45 am
Try a Hammer Dulcimer – Grace Lee (Level 1)
Hammer dulcimer is easier than you might think. Learn the basics and give it a try. Instruments will be provided.
Intro to Drum Circles – Carol Lindsay (Level 1-3)
Carol will explain several types of drum circles, and then we’ll play drums!
Let’s Sing! – Eric Ian Farmer & Ady Martinez (Level 1-5 SI)
We’ll sing a variety of songs. Instruments are welcome.
Peter Rowan Songs – Lily Sexton (Level 1-5, SI)
Learn bluegrass songs by Peter Rowan. For singers and instruments. Lyrics and chords will be provided.
Hearing Chord Changes – Henry Koretzky (Level 1-53, SI)
Learn to hear and identify common chords and chord changes, and to understand where and when they occur.
How to Learn Melodies by Ear – Dani Hawkins (Level 2-3, I)
Learning melodies by ear is difficult for a lot of people. We’ll look at various approaches to figuring out how to play back what you hear, and also approaches to remembering what you just played back. We’ll focus on melodies rather than chords or backup.
Modal Tunes – Jay Best (Level 2-3, I, ear)
Modal tunes are tunes that don’t follow the common major and minor scales used in most Western music, and as a result, they sound wonderfully exotic and fresh. Come to this workshop to learn a few modal tunes and break free of the straight and narrow!
Metronome Practicing – Flynn Cohen (Level 2-4, I)
Learn techniques for getting in sync, warming up, and building speed. Learn to use a metronome for practicing scales, arpeggios, and fiddle tunes.
Chord Substitutions – Clif Nesseth & Alex Nelson (Level 3-4)
We’ll look at ways to modify chords and harmonies to keep your arrangements spicy.
Playing Polskas – Pony Folk Mikey Marget & Paul Sauey (Level 3-5, I, music)
Learn about the amazing world of polskas, a rich tradition of dance tunes in 3/4 time that emphasize the 3rd and 1st beats. Polskas are found throughout Nordic music, and they are an absolute blast to play with for dance and also to experiment and stretch. We’ll learn a short slangpolska from southern Sweden, and a polska from Dalarna.
Mississippi John Hurt Style Guitar – Scott Ainslie (Level 3-5)
John Hurt played a pivotal role in establishing fundamental finger-picking techniques that have marked the music of everyone from Doc Watson to Beck, Bob Dylan to Bruce Cockburn, and Jerry Garcia. In this class, we’ll explore Hurt’s repertoire while focusing on his right and left-hand techniques with a special eye to establishing picking hand muscle patterns necessary to maintain a steady alternating bass while developing independence on the high strings to play melodies.
Mandolin Open Lessons Drop-in – Tom Krumm (Level 1-5)
Drop in for a short mandolin lesson and/or listen as others get their lessons.
Saturday, 11 am to 12:15 pm
Try a Harmonica – Richard Sleigh (Level 1)
For the absolute beginner, Richard will get you started playing this fun instrument. Bring a harmonica in the key of C, or you can buy an inexpensive one at the workshop.
West African Drumming – Kelly Parker & Lori Russo (Level 1-5)
Come explore the culture, rhythms, and techniques of West African Drumming, especially the role of the djembe and djun-djuns. Discover how each blend in a polyrythmic language. Drums will be provided or bring your own. For all levels of drummers, including beginners.
South American Songs – Ady Martinez & Eric Ian Farmer (Level 1-5, S)
Learn some of Ady’s favorite songs. Instruments are welcome.
Jean Ritchie Songs – Liz Simmons (Level 1-5, SI, l&c)
Learn a traditional Appalachian song from the repertoire of Jean Ritchie. Lyrics and chords will be provided.
Advanced Beginner Jam – Jay Best (Level 1-2, I, ear)
A jam targeted to advanced beginners.
Is it a Jig, Reel, or Hornpipe? – Grace Lee (Level 2-3, I, music)
Learn to recognize various forms of Irish music, and learn to play a basic rhythm for each. For all instruments that can play backup, or bring a percussion instrument.
Backing Up a Singer – Karen Hirshon (Level 3-4, I, ear)
Learn how to back up a singer so that you give them room to be heard, yet interject varied and interesting playing.
Rhythmic Groove – Noah Harrington (Level 3-5, I, ear)
Playing together is all about locking into a rhythmic groove that holds the music together and drives it forward.
Learn a Classic Swedish Tune – Clif Nesseth & Mikey Marget (Level 3-5, I, music)
Learn the tune “Långdåns från Sollerön”, which is a beautiful, simple Swedish tune that often closes out the evening in Nordic dances. You’ll learn the melody and also learn how to use drones to support a melody player.
Bowed Backup – Karl Henry & Carson McHaney (Level 2-5, fiddle & cello)
For any instrument played with a bow, we’ll look at techniques you can use to play backup rhythms.
Bluegrass Guitar – Isaiah Gardham (Level 2-5)
Do you ever feel like you can’t quite figure out how to get the driving train-chugging bluegrass rhythm and play with ease at faster tempos? Then join us for a class that covers the essentials you need to know on bluegrass guitar! This will help you be a supportive ensemble member and give you the tools to back up voices and instruments confidently. The class is for guitarists who play with a pick and can change chords smoothly.
Piano Backup – Rachel Hall (Level 2-5)
You’ll learn the basics of backing up melody players on traditional tunes. Those who get the hang of it are encouraged to play piano during the contradance band practice that follows.
Saturday, 1:45 to 3 pm
Try a Bowed Psaltery -Linda Littleton (Level 1)
Bowed psaltery is a very easy bowed instrument that’s used to play melody. Instruments will be provided.
Percussion Petting Zoo – Carol Lindsay (Level 1-3)
You’ll get to try a wide variety of percussion instruments, with explanations of how to play each.
Vocal Health & Technique – Liz Simmons (Level 1-3, S)
Learn how to use your voice to its best advantage and how to keep it healthy and strong.
How to Sing Harmony – Pony Folk Alex Nelson & Paul Sauey (Level 2-4, S)
Tips and tricks for singing in 2-part harmony.
Reading Rhythms – Lori Russo (Level 1-2, SI, music)
We’ll use sheet music that has just rhythm, no notes, to help you better understand and improve your rhythm.
Easy Waltzes – Dani Hawkins (Level 2-3, I, ear)
The waltz is one of the oldest and most romantic dance forms. In this class, we’ll explain the rhythm and basic sound of waltzes and then, working by ear, we’ll play a few easy waltzes. There will be tips for both melody and backup players.
Rhythm, Accenting, and Phrasing – Henry Koretzky (Level 2-3, I)
What’s the difference between playing a series of notes in rhythm and playing music? The answer is that music needs to be played in a musical way, evoking emotion, interpretation, and phrasing.
Contradance Band Practice – Nathan Bishop & Rachel Hall (Level 3-5, I, music)
We’ll play through the music planned for this evening’s contradance and learn arrangements and approaches that make them come alive! Music and chords will be provided, and they’re also available at https://folkcollege.com/contradance.pdf
[Note: It’s ok to skip this workshop and play for the dance anyhow, or to come to this workshop but not play for the dance.]
Sweet Georgia Brown – Richard Sleigh (Level 4-5, SI, ear)
We’ll use the jazz standard “Sweet Georgia Brown” to look at chord progressions and melody.
Classical Melodies for Folk Musicians – Carson McHaney (Level 3-5, I, ear)
Learn classical melodies that lend themselves well to folk music.
Irish Flatpicking for Guitar – Flynn Cohen (Level 3-5)
Working in standard or dropped-D tuning, you’ll learn right-hand techniques, picking patterns, and basic ornaments, using excerpts from a reel and a jig.
Fiddle Open Lessons Drop-in – Karen Hirshon (Level 1-5)
Drop in for a short fiddle lesson with Karen and/or listen while others get their lessons.
Saturday, 3:15 to 4:45 pm
Folk Band Rehearsal – Faculty coaches (1-5, SI, ear, music)
Based on the form you filled out during orientation (Saturday 8:45 am), you’ll be assigned to a band that will rehearse with the help of a staff coach and then perform at Sunday’s Student Concert. There will also be an option to join a non-performing band. Band lists and locations will be posted in Von Leibig Lobby.
Saturday, 6 pm Young Adults Gathering
If you're younger than most in attendance this weekend, this gathering is for you!
Saturday, 7 pm Faculty Concert
Scott Ainslie
Midnight on the Water
High Horse
Saturday, After the Concert
Contradance – Bob Nicholson (Dancers 1-5)
Dances will be taught and called by the world’s best dance caller and party leader! If you can walk and count to 4, you can contradance!
Contradance Open Band – Midnight on the Water (Instruments 3-5, I, music)
Play along with the contradance band and watch in amazement as the dancers are in sync with what you’re playing! Sheet music and chords will be provided. Bring a flashy outfit and get ready for a high-energy night of fun! Music for the dance is available at https://folkcollege.com/contradance.pdf
Jamming with Low Lily – Low Lily (Level 3-5, SI, ear)
Songs and instrumentals with Low Lily
Jamming with Ponyfolk – Ponyfolk (Level 3-5, SI, ear)
Songs and instrumentals with Ponyfolk
Saturday, 11 pm
Dorm Jam – Richard Sleigh & Eric Ian Farmer (Level 2-5, SI, ear)
Stop by the dorm lounge for informal jamming before you roll into bed. Anything you want to play or sing is welcome!
Sunday, May 24, 2026
Sunday, 8:45 to 10 am
Shape Note Singing – Rachel Hall (Level 1-5, S, music)
Shape note singing, also called Sacred Harp singing, is a 200-year-old American tradition of singing four-part harmony by following music. The music is sung loud with strong rhythms, simple open harmonies, and a strong sense of community. It’s easier than it sounds!
Songs from the 60’s – Richard Sleigh (Level 1-5, SI, l&c)
Learn songs written or popularized in the 1960s. Lyrics and chords will be provided.
Practice Smarter – Noah Harrington (Level 2-5, I)
We’ll discuss how to use practice time effectively so you can learn music more quickly, develop skills on your instrument, and have a good time while doing it.
Easy Southern Tunes – Jay Best (Level 2-3, I, ear)
Working by ear, you’ll learn easy tunes from the southern Appalachian Mountains.
Better Backup – Henry Koretzky (Level 2-3, I)
Good backup glues a group together, making the music come alive, driving the music forward, and building a space for solo instruments to shine. Learn tried-and-true backup techniques. This workshop is for any instrument that can play backup.
Music Theory Basics – Lori Russo (Level 1-3)
We’ll cover the basics of music theory that will help you understand how folk music is put together
Morning Jam – Pony Folk Mikey Marget & Alex Nelson (Level 2-5, SI)
Nothing like a jam to get you going in the morning!
How to Write Melodies – Carson McHaney (Level 3-5)
We’ll look at different approaches to tune writing.
Dwight Lamb’s Danish Tunes – Clif Nesseth & Karl Henry (Level 4-5, I, ear)
Learn tunes that were preserved by the family of Dwight “Red” Lamb, a renowned Iowan old-time fiddler. These tunes have an inspiring story, and they are perfect examples of how folk tunes can create beautiful intergenerational bridges between cultures and families, even across the Atlantic. Your Folk College organizers love that Karl in High Horse and Clif in Pony Folk each independently suggested this workshop. Magic is sure to happen if we put them together!
Irish Jigs – Flynn Cohen (Level 4-5, I, ear)
You’ll learn a few jigs and look at the subtleties of making them sound Irish.
Voice & Songwriting Open Lesson – Liz Simmons (Level 1-5)
Drop by for a short one-on-one session on singing or songwriting. You are welcome to listen to others’ lessons while you wait.
Sunday, 10:15 to 11:30 am
Blues Techniques for Non-Blues Singers – Scott Ainslie (Level 1-5, S)
We’ll outline specific phrasing and expressive techniques used by Blues singers and then drop them into a song you already sing. Scott tells us, “This is not talent, but technique that can be learned”. We’ll begin by lining out familiar techniques we use for communicating emotion in speech, and then we’ll look for places to use them in songs. You’ll have the opportunity to sing a verse or two, and Scott will give you small, specific changes that affect the emotional power of the song.
Learn an English Ballad – Liz Simmons (Level 1-5, S)
You’ll learn a traditional English ballad from the repertoire of Anne Briggs.
West African Drumming – Kelly Parker & Lori Russo (Level 1-5)
Come explore the culture, rhythms, and techniques of West African drumming, especially the role of the djembe and djun-djuns. Discover how each blend in a polyrythmic language. Djembes will be provided or bring your own. For all levels of drummers.
Awesome Easy Tunes – Henry Koretzky & Richard Sleigh (Level 2-3, I, ear)
A tune doesn’t have to be hard to be awesome!
Finding the Groove – Jay Best & Eric Ian Farmer (Level 2-3, SI)
When playing nearly any type of music, the groove is so important and so often overlooked! Ever wonder why some bands really make you tap your feet? We’ll explore how to support the foundation of the music: the beat, and build a tune from there.
Next Steps for Novices – Nathan Bishop & Grace Lee (Level 1-3)
You’ve had a great time and learned a lot this weekend, but what’s next for your musical growth?
How to Play Harmony – Dani Hawkins & Tom Krumm (Level 3-5, I)
Help! I want to play harmony, but all I have is the melody! We’ll also discuss how to figure out chords from a melody.
Making it Sound Old Timey – Karl Henry (Level 3-5, I)
Do you want that bouncy, floaty rhythm you hear from your favorite fiddle players? In a workshop for all instruments, we’ll look at how to get that old-timey rhythm on any instrument and how to incorporate that rhythm into the overall groove.
Improvising a Solo – Lily Sexton (Level 4-5, I)
A high-level look at how to improvise a solo.
Learn a Tune in 7/8 Meter – Linda Littleton & Karen Hirshon (Level 4-5, I, ear)
First, you’ll learn to count and drum in 7/8 rhythm. Then you’ll learn “Minka”, a Bulgarian dance tune.
Guitar Open Lessons Drop-In – Isaiah Gardham (Level 1-5)
Drop in for a short guitar lesson and/or listen as others get their lessons.
Sunday, 1:15 to 2:15 pm
Folk Band Rehearsals
This will be another rehearsal with your band.
Sunday, 2:30 to 4:30 pm
Student Band Concert
Your Folk Band and all the others will have an opportunity to perform for all. For many of us, this concert is the highlight of the weekend, so please plan to stay to the end to perform and to support your fellow performers!
Sunday, After the Concert
The Last Jam – Tom Krumm (1-5, SI, ear)
Stick around after the concert and jam one last time until we see each other again at the Pennsylvania Folk Gathering in September. This will be a mix of singing and instrumentals, whatever tunes or songs you want to suggest.
*Schedule subject to change
