Join us for an event that is part learning, and part vacation!

Are you an advanced beginner/intermediate fiddler?

Do you want to learn some new tunes in a relaxed atmosphere?

Do you want to learn in small classes so you can get individual attention?

This retreat is perfect for you!

Join 9 other students in this intimate weekend in scenic St. Andrews, New Brunswick, Canada!

On night one we gather to start the event off with a jam session! This is an informal gathering where we play through tunes that you already know!

On day 2, wake up in the lovely Salty Towers, and join your fellow fiddlers for a luscious continental breakfast!

Through days 2 and 3, learn 6 new tunes with instructor, award winning fiddler and composer, Katherine Moller. The tunes are taught in group classes, and with a maximum of 10 students, you get lots of attention! You will receive sheet music and MP3s of the new pieces ahead of time so you can get a head start!

Take a break from the fiddle while we go on a whale watching excursion! Enjoy a three hour cruise on the Bay of Fundy with the possibility of seeing whales, porpoises, and seals!

Our final evening together we have a second jam session where we can now add in the tunes that we learned over the weekend as well as playing old favourites!

Finally, on the last morning, join your fellow fiddlers for a farewell breakfast!

Price:

$600 CAD

Early bird price $500 until October 31st, 2023

This includes:

Group fiddle classes where we will learn 6 new tunes
Whale watching tour
2 group jams (Friday evening and Sunday evening)
Continental breakfast and coffee/tea breaks

A 50% non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your spot.

Accommodations at Salty Towers are not included and must be arranged on your own.

Want to bring along your spouse or a companion? Companion rates are also available:

$275 CAD

Your companion is welcome to join us for:

Whale watching
Breakfast and coffee/tea breaks
Jam sessions (they can join in if they play an instrument!)

We had a great weekend, just past, with Katherine Moller, at the Salty Towers Inn, in St. Andrews, New Brunswick, where Katherine Moller, held her fiddle workshop. The hosts were fabulous, providing us with the best of everything. We worked on 6 new fiddle tunes, and even had a jam on Sunday evening. I must also mention the Whale Watching tour with Quoddy Link Marine, we saw whales, porpoises, harbour seals and grey seals. The weather was terrific, fantastic meals at the many local restaurants, and the participants were up for a fun learning time. I would suggest that if one gets a chance to participate in this workshop in the future, please do so, you won’t be disappointed! St. Andrews by the Sea, is a most charming venue for such an event!

— Valerie D.

FAQs

What level should I be to attend this retreat?

I expect you to already know how to play the fiddle. You should be able to play a two octave G major scale, a two octave A major scale, and a D major scale. You should also be familiar with slurs.

Will I have to play by myself?

No! All of the classes are done in groups. If you want to play something on your own for feedback you can, but at no point will you be singled out and asked to play on your own.

What is the nearest airport?

The nearest airport is in Saint John, NB, which is 126km away.

How do I get to St. Andrews?

If you need to fly to New Brunswick, the closest airport is in Saint John, but you could also fly into Fredericton or Moncton. You will need to either rent a car or take a taxi to get from the airport to St. Andrews. There is a company (http://saintjohnlimo.ca/airport-transfers) that will bring you from any of the airports to St. Andrews. The fees currently listed (October 2024) are $225 from Saint John, $325 from Fredericton, and $425 from Moncton.

Will I need a car in St. Andrews?

We are only a 5-10 minute walk from the centre of town, so you will not need a car. Also, if we do need to drive somewhere, we can arrange for you to get a lift with someone who has a car.

Is travel and lodging included?

No. It is up to you to get to St. Andrews. We will be staying at Salty Towers, however, you must make your own bookings directly with the inn.

Do you provide music for the jams?

Yes. Last year I did send out a list of music that we would use during this jams, and provided sheet music to anyone who needed it. The jams are informal, and you are not expected to be able to play every piece necessarily.

What will my companion do during the classes?

Salty Towers is a 5-10 minute walk to the centre of St. Andrews. You companion is welcome to explore St. Andrews or spend some time at the inn during our classes.

Fiddle Retreat

Friday, September 6 - Monday, September 9 2024 | St. Andrews, New Brunswick, Canada