Colburn Park Trad Music Festival
Saturday: 9 am - 9 pm
Sunday: 9 am - 3 pm
Dive into the dynamic world of traditional music for a weekend of playing, learning, dancing, jamming, performance, and more. Upper Valley Music Center brings together some of the best traditional musicians in New England, all of whom are dedicated to keeping the tradition alive through performance and teaching.
Saturday workshops will give participants a chance to immerse themselves in a specific musical tradition to learn tunes, practice ensemble playing skills, and perform together. Genres include Scottish, Irish, French, Quebecois, English, and New England. Within each group, faculty will teach tunes from the tradition by ear including melody and accompaniment. Instructors will coach each ensemble, exploring stylistic approaches within the tradition, and arranging a set for performance. Each group will have the opportunity to perform in an informal student concert Saturday evening, followed by a traditional dance with music from our faculty.
Our Saturday workshops are open to everyone who wants to dive into learning and playing tunes together. All instruments are welcome, and tunes will be taught by ear. Participants should be able to play a few tunes on their instrument already, whether from the trad world or other styles.
Sunday will feature a variety of sessions highlighting the many talents of our faculty, including options for trad enthusiasts and newcomers. Examples include a harpers circle, Irish tune jam session, instrument petting zoo, traditional dancing, and song sharing. In addition to our core faculty, Sunday sessions also highlight our friends and partners including Revels North and Young Traditions VT. Sunday participants can pick and choose their path, dropping into multiple sessions or focusing on one area. The Sunday program will culminate with a concert featuring the festival faculty, open to the public.
Enrollment options:
Join us for the full weekend of festivities, or choose the program that best suits you!
- Full weekend: includes all programs on Saturday and Sunday.
- Saturday only: includes all Saturday sessions, plus evening concert and dance
- Sunday only: includes all Sunday sessions, plus faculty concert.
Individual tickets for the dance and concert will go on sale in May.
Locations: Upper Valley Music Center, First Congregational Church of Lebanon, Revels North Center for Traditional Arts, & Colburn Park
Faculty : Jeremiah McLane: accordion, piano Rachel Clemente: harp Amy Cann: fiddle, piano Carol Compton: piano, accordion, recorders Liz Faiella: fiddle Dan Faiella: guitar More faculty TBA!
Early Bird Discount: Register by June 1 for a 15% discount!
Questions about a class or not sure whether to register yet?
If you are interested in a specific class and have questions, or not sure whether you are ready to register but want to stay up to date, please complete our New Student Inquiry Form and list the name of the class.
Tuition Assistance
We believe that everyone, no matter their financial resources, should have access to music education. Click here to learn how to apply for financial support.
Tuition & Payment Plans
Payment plans of two or more payments are available by contacting the office or for group classes via online registration. Learn more about tuition, fees, discounts, and payment plans here.
UVMC Calendar
Wondering about holidays and whether UVMC is open? Find our school calendar – including holidays and make-up weeks – here.