Music Program — Class Groups & Descriptions

In the Music Program, your day begins with two 90-minute class periods dedicated to the major discipline of your choosing (i.e. fiddle, piano, community singing, etc).  To best serve the diverse family of musicians who come to participate, these morning classes are grouped by experience, and there is a group that will excite and challenge everyone! If you’re interested in our Community Singing program, you’ll find that information here.

The AFTMD morning class groups are:

Moose — From the Ground Up

Seals — Skill Building

Bears  — Nuance and Detail

Eagles — Intensive Artistic Development

You’ll notice that we don’t define the groups by level (i.e. how “advanced” are the students in the class), but by what kind of things each group will be focused on learning.  This means you get to pick the group that is working on the skills and material —and at the pace! — that is most valuable for you at this point in your musical journey.

Groups are self-selecting, and students are welcome to switch freely between the different groups during the camp — though please note that material is progressive throughout the week, so it will be to your benefit to choose the group that is best for you as close to the outset as possible. (If you are uncertain which level will be the best match for your musical goals and skill set, we are happy to help advise you.  Click here for more info).

Read below for detailed descriptions of the morning groups.
You can also check out our YouTube playlist where there are videos explaining our programming and class groups, and more!


Moose – offered for fiddle & guitar
This program is designed specifically for students who are relatively new to their discipline, returning after a hiatus, OR simply wanting to focus on strengthening their foundations on their instrument – a full-immersion week of fun music!

Click to read more about the Moose program


Seals – offered for all instruments
These groups are specially tailored to folks who want to develop both their knowledge of traditional music AND their individual instrumental technique, all while learning some of the best repertoire each style has to offer.

Click to read more about the Seal program


Bears – offered for all instruments
This group is an intensive, fast-paced experience that will cover a LOT of material and dig deep into the essence of what makes each style of traditional music distinct and unique in its own right.

Click to read more about the Bear program


Eagles – offered for all instruments and dance
This exciting multi-instrumental program is focused on helping experienced players and dancers develop their artistry at the very highest level, and develop the skills they will need to become the next generation of “musical ambassadors” in traditional music!

It’s worth noting: The Eagles are NOT “more advanced” students than the Bears!  The difference is that students in the Bears class are working on honing their own individual playing or dancing, while students in the Eagles classes are exploring how their playing or dancing can contribute to the larger world of trad.  If you want to focus on YOU and YOUR playing/dancing, you’re a Bear.  If you want to focus on how you can be of SERVICE in Trad, you’re an Eagle.

Click to read more about the Eagle program


All Animal Groups Combined  – offered for Community Singing
This class is open to everyone, regardless of previous vocal experience, and will explore the joys of singing traditional songs together!

Click here to read more about the Community Singing program.


While these are the “major” instruments that each group is focused on, there are situations where players of other “alternative” instruments are welcome to join in as well. For instance, whistle players are welcome to join the flute groups. Technically proficient viola or cello players might join in the fiddle group (especially in the New-to-Trad Seals).  Just keep in mind that each group will be taught from the major instrument listed, and while some teachers may be able to offer pointers for how you can adapt the material to your particular instrument, most probably won’t play that instrument themselves and it will ultimately be up to you to figure out how to translate the material covered to your own instrument. If you have any questions about whether a particular group may be appropriate for you to take, please get in touch (here); we’re happy to help advise!

The Acadia Festival of Traditional Music & Dance is governed by Friends of the Acadia Trad Festival, a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) Maine nonprofit corporation. Website art by Anabelle Keimach and Annelise Papinsick.