These guidelines are to help you understand whether a course is suitable for you. Pick the level that best describes your current playing.
Playing by Ear / Reading Music: Most of our courses are taught be ear. On courses where it is necessary to be able to read music, or to be a good sight reader, the course description will make this clear.
Please get in touch if you are unsure; it can be really hard to assess your own ability level, and we’re happy to help you decide.
Level 0: Absolute beginner
- You have your own instrument
- You have no prior experience at all and don’t even know which way up it goes
- You may be completely new to music
Level 1: Beginner
- You are at the beginning of your playing journey
- You may have had a few lessons or attended a few workshops / classes
- You can play a few simple tunes
- Learning by ear may be a slow process for you
Level 2: Improver
- You can play a range of tunes, but lack fluency and confidence (in a group setting)
- You know what the notes are and how to find them in first position
- You can pick up tunes by ear given enough time
- You have some understanding of folk tunes in the most common formats
- You have limited experience of playing in a group setting
Level 3: Intermediate
- You can play a range of tunes with fluency and confidence (in a group setting)
- You can pick up tunes by ear without too much trouble
- You have a good understanding of folk tunes, their format and rhythms
- You have some experience of playing in a group setting
- You have started to explore double-stopping, chords and harmonies
Level 4: Advanced
- You are comfortable playing a wide range of tunes fluently in various time signatures and keys
- You can pick up tunes quickly by ear
- You have a solid sense of rhythm
- You are exploring aspects such as ornamentation, phrasing and personal style
- You are comfortable with varying bowing patterns within tunes
- You have some experience of playing chords and harmonies
- You have a lot of experience of playing in a group setting