32nd Annual Goderich Celtic Roots College

This is your opportunity to learn from some of the very best musicians and artists from around the world. There are course levels for everyone from beginner to advanced, all are welcome to participate.
Unsure which level to sign up for? CLICK HERE

The Celtic College is a four-day immersive event the week before the Celtic Festival that teaches the ins and outs of many types of Celtic music, dance, and craft art, taught by the artists who will be appearing at the Festival on the weekend.  There are four 80 minute classes per day, which repeat throughout the week.  For example, you will have the same class from 9:00 to 10:20 every day.  Classes cover a broad range of instruments, styles, focuses, artistic mediums, and levels of experience: anything from beginner fiddle tunes to advanced Irish harp technique, from ceilidh dancing to Ontario step dance, or from blacksmithing to illuminated letters, and everything in between.

The Celtic College takes place over a four day period – Monday, August 5th to Thursday, August 8th and is taught by the same musicians and artists brought to the Goderich Celtic Roots Festival to perform throughout the festival.

After learning and growing as musicians throughout the college, all students are welcome to participate in our Friday Showcase. Taking place on Friday, August 9th at the Festival Grounds in Lions Harbour Park, this is a wonderful opportunity to show off your new skills.

To be honest the Goderich Celtic College was a life changing event for me! It’s exactly what I needed in my life! 
I am counting down the days until next year’s Celtic festival!!!!!  – Stacey Underwood, First time Attendee

A college student’s day might look like this: 

1) 9:00-10:20 – Scottish Song

2) 10:40-12:00 – Advanced Cape Breton Fiddle Style

LUNCH 12:00-1:30 – at the College or at a local restaurant

3) 1:30-2:50 – Irish Ensemble

4) 3:10-4:30 – Quebec Style Dance

In the evenings, the experience goes on to include evening teacher concerts in the town square, and everyone can put their skills to practice at the ceilidh dances and sessions that often run into the night at local venues.  The week wraps up with a Celtic College Showcase at the Festival on Friday afternoon, which kicks off the weekend!