Fiddle Retreat

Enjoy an intimate weekend of fiddling and whale watching in St. Andrews, NB.

Only 12 spots available.

Monday, June 23 - Thursday, June 26 2025 | St. Andrews, New Brunswick, Canada

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

On night 1 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 new tunes and work on technique with instructor, award winning fiddler and composer, Katherine Moller. The tunes are taught in group classes, and with a maximum of 12 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!

Here's what's included:

  • Group fiddle classes where we will learn new fiddle tunes and work on technique
  • Whale watching tour
  • Group jams
  • Continental breakfast and coffee/tea breaks  
  • Accomodation at Salty Towers Inn 

Payment and room selection:

$1500 - Suite (includes ensuite bathroom and kitchenette) - SOLD OUT

$1400 - Room with queen size bed and ensuite bathroom - SOLD OUT

$1300 - Room with queen size bed and shared bathroom - SOLD OUT

$1200 - Room with double bed and shared bathroom - SOLD OUT

This includes:

  • Group fiddle classes where we will learn new tunes and work on technique
  • 2 group jams
  • Accommodation at Salty Towers Inn 
  • Continental breakfast and coffee/tea breaks
  • Whale watching tour

A $500 non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your spot.

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

$300 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!)
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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.

Is travel included?

No. It is up to you to get to St. Andrews.

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 (January 2025) 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.

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.