I can't believe we're at the point of launching the 3rd edition of Mull Fiddle Week. It feels like yesterday that I had the idea to start my own fiddle course in Mull and it's pretty inconceivable to me that we've sold out two years in a row and I now get to keep developing an ever enticing experience for our visiting musicians, year on year. To do this, we rely massively on support from the wider community and I'm delighted to continue to collaborate with local volunteers, suppliers and venues in order to put on such a special, welcoming and memorable event.
I'm just so excited to announce the 2026 tutor lineup! I know how lucky I am to be able to call on these musicians, who I'm honoured to call my colleagues and friends. I know that they are as passionate about teaching as I am, which is why they are the perfect fit for Mull Fiddle Week. Find out why I booked them below!
Looking forward to seeing you in summer 2026!
Our world-class tutors, here to inspire and guide you through a week of music, learning, and fun!
Alice is back by popular demand, having been with us for the launch in 2024. Her class absolutely raved about her lessons, where she focused on melody, basslines old and new, a bit of ‘chopping' and general geekery about the cello's role in Scotland over the past few hundred years. She is an incredible musician and I adore working and playing alongside her.
Brian's whistle playing is superhuman! He's a founding member of the amazing, Flook and his tune writing is also out of this world. I'm very lucky to play in Brian's band and it's honestly such a treat to welcome him to the Mull Fiddle Week family. I know he's broken tradition (sorry to the other music camp he usually teaches at) in order to be with us and I know the whistle/flute class will sell out fast.
Pianist, Mhairi and I go way back and she is one of the most genuine and supportive people I've had the pleasure of collaborating with. She's an amazingly creative and versatile musician and she is also a very experienced teacher, having worked at the Plockton Traditional Music School for literally decades! We made Contours of Cairngorm together back in 2012 after the release of her highly acclaimed, Donal Lunny produced, Cairnngorm in 2009.
The organising force behind Mull Fiddle Week! Patsy's unique approach to fiddle teaching has secured her as a popular choice at camps and courses across the globe. Patsy's commitment and dedication to teaching Scottish fiddle music through the lens of violin pedagogy and technique can almost be described as an obsession and she's got the performing career, discography and line of happy students to go with it.
Feedback from 2024 was basically all about Sam! Having not done any teaching in Scotland before, people didn't really know what to expect and it's fair to say he was a resounding hit. Another monster of a player, Sam is genuinely one of my favourite fiddle players of all time and so I'm obviously delighted he wants to come back to visit us so soon and share more of his unique techniques and tunes.
Mike is a special musician - a multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and producer, and he plays a mean fiddle to boot! He is a prolific music-maker, having released so much amazing music under his own name as well as with Malinky and Mairearad Green, under A.D.A.M, to name a few. He is another passionate educator, having taken up post as Manager of the Plockton National Centre of Excellence in Traditional Music a couple of years ago and I'm excited to have him join us on fiddle and groupwork duties!
Just how the week will run, what to expect, and how to get the most out of your experience
Classes in fiddle, cello, whistle/flute and accompaniment will be offered daily, alongside whole group gatherings for groupwork, led by Mhairi Hall and Mike Vass.
For the melody players, with a real focus on deep learning, the week will offer classes in by-ear, tune learning; incorporating technique, improving aural skills, relevant theoretical knowledge as well as stylistic features of Scottish/English and Irish traditional music.
There will be three levels of fiddle class; lower intermediate, intermediate & advanced - divided between Patsy Reid, Sam Sweeney and Mike Vass. The lower intermediate fiddle class will be suitable for players who are interested in learning by ear and have some experience in learning this way. The pace will be slower and it will be assumed that these players have had lessons previously and can play with 1st, 2nd (high and low) and 3rd fingers. This class will, as a result, be learning less tunes than the others but we'll make sure that important, whole-group repertoire will be covered.
The cello class will be taught by the brilliant Alice Allen and is open to intermediate players and above. Technically, this means being at Grade 5 standard (or equivalent) or higher, as well as being comfortable learning by ear.
The flute and whistle class, led by the super-talented Brian Finnegan, is aimed at upper-intermediate through to advanced players. It will be expected that participants can learn by ear in real time and play comfortably at reel speed.
The accompaniment class will be guided by the amazing Mhairi Hall, who is a whizz on all things chords & accompaniment, as well as teaching and interpreting melodies through the lens of accompaniment.
In addition to music classes, there will be an opening tutor concert, tons of sessions all around the town (including guided slow sessions), a chartered boat trip, willow weaving with a local expert, our famous Seafood or Veggie Feast, a farewell concert and ceilidh, as well as restorative, daily yoga classes.
Something a little different for Wednesday afternoon
For those keen to see a bit more of Mull and the surrounding Islands, we have once again chartered Turus Mara to take us on a wonderful boat trip! You'll see Staffa, Lunga and wildlife galore!
If you just fancy something a bit more chilled, we're excited to offer you the opportunity to learn the ancient craft of willow weaving with local craftswoman and workshop leader, Leen Skinner. This workshop will run for 2 - 3 hours, depending on the group size and is suitable for absolute beginners, where you can make your own willow creation to take home.
There are only 12 places available for this popular workshop but we’ll also be offering a shorter, lunchtime willow weaving workshop.
All the timings you need to help plan your arrival, accommodation and departure
We've confirmed the following details so that you can decide when you'd like to arrive in Mull. We recommend booking your ferries in plenty of time.
All the details you need to know about costs, deposits, and discounts
Includes all music classes and Tobermory events, the Seafood/Veggie Feast (Wed), and yoga classes.
A minimum 50% deposit is required at the time of booking, with the balance due by 30th June 2026. You'll receive a reminder email closer to the date, with final payment details.
Mull Music Makers go free (suitable for Wild Cats and Sea Eagles only)
Islanders' Discount & Volunteers: We're offering 30% off for local musicians who live in Mull. You can also volunteer as a runner, gaining free access to classes and events in return for helping behind the scenes. These places are limited — to register interest and request a discount code, please contact patsy@mullfiddleweek.com.
Need to know information about Tobermory
Please note that Tobermory is situated on a hill and due to venue/class logistics - a certain level of fitness is ideal in order to move between classes. Parking is also terrible in the summer, so going on foot really is the most practical option. There are disabled parking spaces near the Aros Hall. We do our best to minimise venue changes but we just can't avoid the hills, unfortunately! On the positive side, our fitness will certainly improve as the week goes on! Please get in touch with us if you require more information regarding the accessibility of the event.