Bristol Balkan Music Workshop at Bridge Farm

Grab a tune or two and make it sound fantastic!

Sun 17th May, 10.30am – 2pm

Bridge Farm, Bristol, Glenfrome Road, Bristol BS16 1BQ

Fee: £25 / £20 Concession // Get your tickets on Eventbrite

Join us for a fun, immersive Balkan Music Workshop tailored for all melodic instruments!

In this session, I will share a couple of tunes from my ‘secret repertoire’, including an odd-metered Balkan dance piece that is not well known among British Balkan music players. The main teaching is by ear (sheet music for your instrument is available). We will work on expressive elements such as articulation, embellishments, and phrasing to bring the music to life. If there is time at the end, we’ll jam through a few more tunes…

Learn by EAR, play with SOUL

Led by Gundula Stojanova Gruen www.magicviolin.uk

For more info, email gundula@magicviolin.co.uk

Detailed Info:

Join us for a 3½-hour deep dive into the vibrant world of Balkan folk music, designed for players of all melodic instruments who want to elevate their Balkan playing and add some musical treasures to their repertoire.

As a warm-up, we’ll indulge in an easy, melodic, and utterly beautiful tune, allowing everyone to settle in. From there, we challenge ourselves with a longer, more complex piece, which we explore in depth through a clear, step-by-step approach. Starting with the ‘skeleton tune’, we gradually develop it in style by studying:

· Phrasing and articulation

· Ornamentation and embellishments

· Stylistic nuances and variations

The workshop is primarily taught by ear, helping you internalise the music in a direct and intuitive way. Sheet music is available for those who prefer to read, with parts provided in all relevant clefs and tunings.

Whilst we will briefly touch on accompaniment, the main focus is on melodic playing and expressive detail — the elements that give Balkan music its distinctive character.

All material is carefully chosen to be fresh and not widely played within UK Balkan music circles, ensuring a new and engaging experience for everyone.

Expect a workshop that is focused yet relaxed, detailed yet accessible — a space to listen closely, develop your ear, and deepen your connection to the music. I do not need to mention that FUN and joyful playing is always at the forefront.

What Students Say:

"I love your teaching. The material is so enjoyable and interesting, and you present it so well."

"Excellent workshop. Really enjoyed the music and learning from you."