An exciting opportunity for young musicians (not just fiddle players!) to meet, learn and perform at the North Atlantic Fiddle Convention 2018!

From 11-15 July, NAFCo Aberdeen will host the NAFCo 2018 International Youth Fiddle Camp. 

Up to 100 young musicians from the UK and abroad, aged 10-25, will come together to participate in workshops, sessions and other activities and will showcase their work at the NAFCo Gala Concert at His Majesty’s Theatre on Saturday 14 July, and the NAFCo Final Stramash on Sunday 15 July.  

Participants will develop their musical skills at dedicated workshops with leading international fiddle players, engage in cultural exchange with musical peers, attend NAFCo 2018 workshops and concerts, participate in the arrangement and performance of a newly commissioned piece by noted Scottish fiddler and composer, Patsy Reid, and take part in performances at NAFCo 2018, including the Gala Concert.

Fiddle groups and traditional music groups that work with young musicians, as well as individual young musicians from around Scotland, the UK and abroad are invited to take part in the project.

The NAFCo 2018 Youth Fiddle Camp activities include:

• Daily workshops with composer Patsy Reid on a piece of music commissioned for NAFCo 2018 Youth Music Camp.
• Daily workshops with other NAFCo Guest Artists from Scotland and beyond.
• Welcome ceilidh & session on Tuesday 10 July
• Performing in the premiere of the commissioned piece at the NAFCo Gala Concert on Saturday 14 July.
• An all-access NAFCo festival workshop pass and additional NAFCo event tickets, including the all-ages Festival Club for all participants.

Who can take part?

• Young instrumentalists, not just fiddle players, interested in traditional music.
• Groups or individuals
• Age 10-25*
• Unfortunately the fiddle camp is not suitable for complete beginners. Individuals should be able to learn by ear and/or read music, and have a small repertoire of standard session tunes.

Costs:

• Fiddle camp registration is free and includes all fiddle camp workshops, as well as an all-access NAFCo workshop pass for the other festival workshops.
• Lunch and refreshments provided during the fiddle camp workshops.
• Fiddle Camp Participants must finance their travel to/from Aberdeen, accommodation, evening meals, and some local travel.

Accommodation:

Single Rooms £15 B&B per night for participants, approx. £30 B&B for accompanying adults.

If you are interested in being part of the NAFCo 2018 Youth Fiddle Camp, register your interest before 15 June.

Individual Participants      Groups

Due to limited places, groups and individuals who can attend all 5 days of the Fiddle Camp will be prioritised.

Tutor shadowing opportunities are also available for advanced musicians. Please contact us for more details. 

Additional Youth Music Opportunities at NAFCo 2018 include:

• Performance opportunities for groups and individuals.
• Join in with NAFCo busking trails, pop-up performances and music sessions around the City Centre.
• Free workshop passes for performers!

Please get in touch for more details: nafco at abdn.ac.uk

* Individuals/groups under age 16 (age 18 for individuals staying in Festival accommodation) must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or other designated responsible adult when attending NAFCo 2018.

NAFCo Youth Fiddle Camp and Youth Programming is supported by the REMT Youth Talent Development Fund.