I will be teaching bodhran at the Gaelic College in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Canada for one week this summer (2015). Anyone who has ever been will tell you it’s an experience of a lifetime.
I’ll be at the Gaelic College for Adult Session 1 – August 3rd – 7th, 2015.
The reason I’m only teaching for one week this summer is so I can be back in Scotland to watch my husband and son compete in the World Pipe Band Championships.
There are five classes a day and you can choose from a variety of instruments, dance and language. Click here to find out more about Adult Session 1.
You certainly don’t have to be one of my Platinum students to attend, but once again many Plats from around the globe are reserving their vacation time and planning to come.
There’s even a private Gaelic College SUM15 facebook page for Plat, and non-Plat, bodhran students who are coming. In there they share helpful travel and packing tips, class timetables, and everything you’d ever need to know to prepare.
The last couple of years people shared rides, flights, B&B’s, etc. By the time they arrived for registration on Sunday night they felt like they already knew each other before classes even started on Monday.
It’s pretty incredible to witness such instant bonding through a mutual love of music.
If you are coming let us know so we can add you to that private FB group. You can drop me an email or send me a private Facebook message.
Below: Our annual after-class ‘Tipper Making’ Workshop
Below: Platinum Reunion Party And Photo-Shoot At My Mum’s House
Interested In Attending? Here’s How To Find Out More
If you would like more info about the courses please visit http://www.gaeliccollege.edu or phone (902) 295-3411. You can also email the Director Of School Operations, Kevin Dugas, at info@gaeliccollege.edu
What If I Don’t Have A Drum?
Note For Beginners: If you don’t already have a drum, and not sure what to buy, you can borrow one of my extra workshop drums and use it for the week. Just let me know so I can put one aside for you. There will be students there with drums of different makes and sizes so it will be the perfect opportunity to try lots of different drums before buying one.
The Bodhran Class Photo Tradition
I’ve made sure to take a bodhran class photo every year since I started teaching at the Gaelic College in the mid-90’s. It’s now not only a highly anticipated tradition among the bodhran students, but the shenanigans going on behind the scenes during the shoot is one of the things I look forward to the most.
I think the Gaelic College should also include the fact that you have all your meals cooked for you (which also means no dishes to wash up) in their marketing campaign. It’s like ‘band camp for adults’. Many people find learning in this incredible environment to be a life-changing experience and a priceless gift to themselves.
Hope to see you there,
Drum On!
~ Michelle
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
oops, my text went ( I think) before I finished. I was leading up to a question: As $1,000 for a week in Cape Breton is a bit expensive, have you given thought to offering a shorter and less expensive course, say over a long week-end?
I have only just begun the lessons, but so far (#6) so good. Early days, though…
Michelle – That phone number is wrong – I just called an nice lady in Cape Breton. its 902- 295-3411 not 2411 – Cheers! Koren. Ps.s I am planning on coming the second week 🙂 Can’t wait!
Ok, that’s what happens when I spend too much time on the computer. Thanks so much for the heads up Koren. I’ve fixed it so that lovely lady shouldn’t be getting any more calls. ;0 )
Run, don’t walk! I am full of excitement, planning my second visit to Gaelic College and more in-person bodhran study with Michelle. It’s Brigadoon, just as Michelle told us it was. Of course, Michelle herself makes it Brigadoon x2 for her students. The instruction, the fellowship, the music, the college, the partying, the campus, the ambience, the partying, the traditions, the talent of the teachers, the performances, the partying. . . .oh, did I mention the partying? The partying was all about spending the late hours together making music with other bodhranis, fiddlers, guitar players, piano players, etc. . . . singing, dancing, laughing, and just feeling like we were at the center of the universe. Don’t miss this.
Hi All,
I do plan on coming this year. I seriously felt like I was missing out when you’all were posting last year. Plus I also learn best in these settings…that is when I can just sit and do it for 10 straight hours (ha) but more importantly, if I have a question then we can just talk about it and it is done. One question, what week are most of the Plats going?
Hi Brian.
From the chat in the GCSUM13 Facebook group it looks like most of the Plats are going for the first bodhran week.
Would be great to see you there.
Michelle
I am planning on driving down from Boston for Michelle’s class, Aug 1-8. Anyone want to share the drive?