What instruments and types of music do you teach?
Fiddle, Hardanger fiddle ("hardingfele") and nyckelharpa (Swedish keyed fiddle) comprise our core instrument program, for which we offer daily classes at three levels. Additionally, we offer classes in ensemble playing, harmony, and playing for dancing. These music classes focus on traditional Swedish or Norwegian folk dance tunes.
How about singing?
We offer daily vocal music classes. Depending on the specialty of the singing teacher, singing classes may focus on tralling (singing) for dance, lullabies, table songs, special occasion songs, or kulning.
Do you teach other traditional Scandinavian instruments?
Some years we have additional musical offerings such as kohorn (cowhorn), seljefløyte (willow flute), or accordion. We offer such classes when our teaching staff comes with this additional skillset.
How do you accommodate music students of various levels?
We offer three levels of music class for fiddle, hardingfele and nyckelharpa, all taught by ear. Our Level 1 music classes introduce students to traditional tunes and to the basics of new instruments. Our Level 2 music classes presume previous playing experience, and move at a slow to moderate pace, depending on the students who are present. Our Level 3 music classes presume previous playing experience, and move at a moderate to fast pace, depending on the students who are present.
How do I know what level to take?
We can advise you based on your experience with playing Scandinavian music, or you are welcome to try different levels until you find the level of class you are comfortable with. While you are welcome to audit any number of classes, we ask that you participate actively (play, ask questions) in only one level per track.
How big are your music classes?
Our music class sizes vary from year to year, level to level, and instrument to instrument. Some years, at some levels, you may be one of only a few students with a teacher, and get a week of semi-private instruction. Our Fiddle 3, singing and Gammaldans Band classes are typically our largest.
What are the ensemble classes?
Our Hardingfelelag is a group of hardingfele musicians who meet daily to work on lively, danceable tunes from the group’s common repertoire that they play at the evening dance parties. It is open to hardingfele players only. The Gammaldans Band meets daily to prepare gammaldans music to play at the dance parties every night. It is known for its lively music and fun arrangements. It is open to all instruments and voices.
I'd like to try the hardingfele/nyckelharpa/fiddle, but don't have access to one. Are there loaner instruments I can use at camp?
We have a limited number of hardingfeles and nyckelharpas that we have available for use at camp by prior arrangement. We ask campers who are interested in starting to play the fiddle to rent one from their local violin shop prior to camp.
I do other types of fiddling. Will I be able to learn this type?
We don't see why not.
Can I bring my accordion/cello/other non-traditional instrument?
Sure! The Gammaldans Band welcomes all instruments. It is important to check with the music teacher about a non-traditional instrument in other music classes. We have enjoyed a great variety of non-traditional instrument performances at our talent show!
I've never learned by ear before. How does that work?
Learning by ear takes time, patience, and practice. Our camp musicians teach tunes one phrase at a time, with lots of repetition to capture the melody, ornaments, bowing, and more. This is the traditional way that Swedish and Norwegian folk tunes are passed from one fiddler to the next.
I don't read sheet music. Is that a problem?
Not at all. Our fiddle, hardingfele and nyckelharpa classes are taught by ear. Our music teachers provide sheet music for most tunes that they teach, but this is strictly for reference, outside of class. Our Gammaldans Band does use sheet music, but if you have a quick ear, you may play with them without needing to read. Our singing classes use sheet music, often with just the lyrics.
I'm not particularly interested in learning new tunes. Are there opportunities just to jam with one another?
Sure. We have organized jams every evening, with staff musicians or longtime campers in the lead. You also have all day to find other musicians to jam with.
Are there opportunities to play music for dancing?
Yes, there are a few opportunities to play at the evening dance parties. The Gammaldans Band plays a set every evening. Camper musicians can sign up to play a non-amplified "tweener" tune at the evening dance between sets to keep the dance floor moving while the sound crew gets the stage and microphones ready for the next set. Our daily class called "Playing for Dancing" gives musicians an opportunity to polish a tune for danceability for a "tweener" in a supportive environment.
Can you provide me with a sample schedule?
Sure! Take a look here.