I can't believe we're at the point of launching the 4th 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 three 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, businesses, suppliers and venues in order to put on such a special, welcoming and memorable event.
I know I always say this but I'm just so excited to announce the 2027 tutor lineup! I'm very lucky to be able to call on these musicians, who I'm honoured to call my colleagues and friends. I know that they're 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 2027!
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 and again in 2026. Her students absolutely rave about her lessons - where she focuses on soaring, cello-friendly melodies, bass-lines old and new, modern accompaniment including a bit of ‘chopping', as well as 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.
Marit is Swedish, from Norway and has lived in Scotland for many years, having graduated from the Folk Degree at Newcastle University. She is an outstanding musician and a very down to earth and experienced teacher to boot. Together, Marit, Alice and I make up the trio, Lyre and we will be celebrating the launch of our second album in 2027!
I met Kevin at the Auld Alliance Fiddle Camp in Brittany in 2025 and came away in awe of his playing and teaching. Based in Denmark, Kevin is such an amazing exponent of English fiddle music and pretty much all other styles of fiddle music as well! Lots of you already know him and his amazing YouTube channel, the good tune, which he runs with Sebastian Bloch. Such a versatile musician and lovely person is bound to be a hit at Mull Fiddle Week.
From Poolewe in Wester Ross, Conal is an amazing flute & whistle player and piper! Possibly best known for his work with popular Scottish bands Breabach (my old pals) and Inyal - he is in much demand as a session player and teacher and I can only imagine this is down to his lovely personality as much as his huge talent and passion for Scottish music.
Adam needs no introduction at such events but there is good reason for that! He has been at the forefront of Scottish fiddle music for decades and he is such a unique, talented and humble musician. A deep thinker and inspirational fiddle teacher, I'm excited to welcome him to Mull Fiddle Week for the first time.
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 guitar/mandola/bouzouki (or strumming instruments!) will be offered daily, alongside whole group gatherings for groupwork.
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 Scandinavian music.
There will be three levels of fiddle class; intermediate, upper intermediate & advanced - divided between Kevin Lees, Patsy Reid and Adam Sutherland.
The 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 any important, whole-group repertoire will be covered.
The upper intermediate fiddle class will be suitable for folks who have been playing for a while and are happy learning by ear at a medium pace. For this level, you should be able to get around the fiddle, certainly comfortable using 1st, 2nd (high and low), 3rd fingers (high and low) on all strings, having played a variety of tune types before. This class will probably learn slightly less tunes than the advanced class but cover the same in terms of technique, bowing, ornamentation and stylistic content.
The advanced fiddle class will be expected to be able to learn tunes quickly by ear and be comfortable playing in many keys, including flat keys, and exploring position work! More time will therefore be able to be spent focusing on stylistic bowing, micro-dynamics, bow-distribution and efficient string crossing — all required in order to play accurately and at a faster tempo.
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 Conal McDonagh, 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.
This is a new venture for us and having toured with Marit Fält for many years, I know she has a massive following of fellow-strummers; be it guitarists, cittern, bouzouki or mandola players, or fans of her incredible and fascinating instrument, the Låtmandola (or Nordic Mandola). This class will be suitable for intermediate and advanced players and other plucked instruments are welcome. Please note that participants will need to be comfortable learning from a different instrument as Marit will likely not have the same instrument type as you!
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 Ulva, Staffa, Lunga and wildlife galore!
If you just fancy something a bit more chilled, we're excited to once again offer you the opportunity to learn the ancient craft of willow weaving with local craftswoman and workshop leader, Leen Skinner. This workshop is a perfect introduction into willow weaving, and will run for 3 - 4 hours depending on the group size.
There are only 8 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 1st May 2027. You'll receive a reminder email closer to the date, with final payment details.
Mull Music Makers go free (suitable for Sea 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 and only suitable for those who have participated before — 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, which is our main hub. 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.