Classes and Schedule 2024
2024 Schedule
Quick view
You are free to arrive at the Waycross Center anytime after 2 PM on Wednesday, September 4.
We offer a short "getting started" class and spend time with you from 4 to 9 PM on Wednesday to help get your instruments ready for the next days' classes.
Thursday, Friday, and Saturday Classes begin after breakfast and go all day until dinner (with lunch and regular breaks.)
Jam sessions are offered in the evening and are a fun way to socialize, practice workshop tunes, be exposed to new music, and even learn the Balfolk dances associated with the tunes!
Sunday there is a morning class only. We depart after lunch.
See the outline below for a more detailed description.
A more detailed class schedule for specific classes with select teachers will be posted in the Main House. Some teachers will have alternating schedules that allow for one-on-one time as well as larger class settings. See the posting in the Main House for days and times.
There will be one-on-one time with teachers throughout the schedule so students can work directly with teachers to help address their own needs. These individual time slots will not be reflected on the schedule but a sign up board will be available in the Main House on your arrival. One-on-one time is based on the needs of the students and focuses on everything from basic cottoning to advanced aspects of use of electronics for the hurdy gurdy. Consult your teacher to find out which teacher can best answer your needs.
This is an intensive workshop aimed at providing you with the knowledge you will need to successfully regulate and play your hurdy gurdy in the future. Recordings and photos are welcomed and encouraged during the course
To download a PDF of the Class Descriptions and Schedule, click here
Class Descriptions
To get the most out of your workshop, select a teacher that fits your experience and report to their class but do not be afraid to join other classes that fit your musical style: the classes are Beginner, Intermediate/Advanced, or Baroque. Tom Lozano will be teaching a specialized class that all students are welcome to attend.
Foundations in Hurdy Gurdy - Beginner Level (Tom Lozano)
Introduction to the Hurdy Gurdy, playing techniques, basic maintenance, and music theory. Music will be taught by ear and by using sheet music. Basic skills of reading sheet music will also be taught, so all are welcome.
Intermediate Level (Taryn Spink)
The level is a mid point between the beginner and the advanced player. Music will be taught through sheet music and by ear. This class will encompass the steps between beginner and advanced player in a way that keep the student engaged and moving forward.
Traditional Music and Technique - Intermediate/Advanced Level (Scott Gayman)
A class for students to improve their playing technique for left and right hand using Traditional music. Music is taught by ear and using sheet music.
Baroque Music (Robert Green)
Exploration of the eighteenth-century repertory with emphasis on techniques specifically associated with this music. Music is taught using sheet music.
Schedule Outline
Wednesday, September 4:
4:00 pm Arrival and Check in. Get your Hurdy Gurdy in tune and address minor adjustments with assistance from your teachers and other experts.
Scott and Taryn will be available early in the afternoon for instrument set up and maintenance as well as minor repairs.
6:00 pm Dinner
7:30 pm Intro to your class and workshop tunes.
8:00 pm Instructor Concert
Baroque Evening sessions arranged with your teacher.
Thursday, September 5:
8:00 am Breakfast
9:00-11:45 am Class Morning Workshop
12:00 pm Lunch
1:30-2:30 pm Instrument Setup and Maintenance / Music Theory
3:00-5:45 pm Class Afternoon Workshop with a short break during class
6:00 pm Dinner
8:00 pm Beginner and Trad music Hurdy Gurdy Jam session and Dance lesson starting with a review of your workshop tunes followed up with more Trad tunes.
Friday, September 6:
8:00 am Breakfast
9:00-11:45 am Class Morning Workshop
9:00-11:45 am Private Lesson opportunity
12:00 pm Lunch
1:30-2:30 pm Instrument Setup and Maintenance / Music Theory
3:00-5:45 pm Class Afternoon Workshop with a short break during class
3:00-5:45 pm Private Lesson Opportunity
6:00 pm Dinner
8:00 pm Beginner and Trad music Hurdy Gurdy Jam session and Dance lesson starting with a review of your workshop tunes followed up with more Trad tunes
Saturday, September 7:
8:00 am Breakfast
9:00-11:45 am Class Morning Workshop
9:00-11:45 am Private Lesson opportunity
12:00 pm Lunch
1:30-2:30 pm Instrument Setup and Maintenance / Music Theory
3:00-5:45 pm Class Afternoon Workshop with a short break during class
3:00-5:45 pm Private Lesson Opportunity
6:00 pm Dinner
7:30 pm Concert, Recital, and Balfolk jam!
Students and the community will come together for a concert showcasing group and small group performances and then a final Balfolk jam session with dancers.
Sunday, September 8:
8:00 am Breakfast
9:00-11:45 am Class Morning Workshop
12:00 pm Lunch
Departure