Introduction

Winter School is one of the flagship programs of the Celtic Arts Foundation. Each year, we bring some of the world’s most accomplished Celtic musicians from Scotland, Ireland, Canada, and the US to teach aspiring musicians. The Winter School is opportunity to learn tunes from some of the best players and the most creative instructors of Celtic music, while spending time in community with fellow musicians and music appreciators, to be inspired, and just have fun! The schedule includes group classes, evening sessions and ceilidhs, and more. We welcome all ages to participate in the program. Those under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian. Adults and kids attend classes together as groups are based on speed of learning and not age. Winter School classes are not designed for those who are complete beginners on their instrument, but rather continuing learners who want to expand their knowledge and skill.

Housing Options

Winter School takes place at Seabeck Conference Center in Seabeck, WA. All housing and classrooms are on-campus and walkable. Students have the option of selecting one of three types of housing packages:

1. Single Room + Meals: Private room for one person. Meals provided.
2. Shared Room + Meals: Up to two people per room. Roommate requests can be made during the check-out process, however, students do not need to have a pre-arranged roommate in order to select this option. Meals provided.
3. No Room + Meals: No accommodation at Seabeck. Meals provided.

There is not a no room + no meals option. Students can make requests for specific houses and/or rooms using our tiered housing options. The Celtic Arts Foundation will do all we can to meet these requests, although we cannot guarantee them. Priority for housing requests is granted in order of student registration; early registration is encouraged for students with specific requests.

• Tier One Pricing: Highest cost, newer buildings, private bathrooms (Pines, Huckleberry, Salal)
• Tier Two Pricing: Older buildings, both private and shared bathrooms (Spruce, Inn, Annex)
• Tier Three Pricing: Most affordable, oldest buildings, shared bathrooms (Firs, Hemlock, Madrona, Maples, Cedars, Tamarack)

Seabeck can accommodate a limited number of specialty diets: vegetarian, vegan, dairy free, and non-Celiac gluten free. Please note that Seabeck is also a completely nut free facility. Students will indicate any dietary restrictions during the checkout process. For students with allergies or dietary restrictions not listed above, options exist for storage of food brought from home. Chaperones who are not attending classes can register to accompany a student at a reduced rate. Email Cayley@CelticArts.org for pricing.

Payment Installments

Students have the option of paying for Winter School over three installments if preferred. All payments must be completed before the first day of Winter School; exact installment dates can be determined between the Celtic Arts Foundation and the student. If you would like to pay in installments, please follow the invoice instructions described above in the Scholarship section, and contact Roberta Bjorling (Roberta@CelticArts.org or 360-416-4934) to arrange payment details.

Winter School Merchandise

Winter School t-shirts and hoodies are available for pre-order during registration. We won’t be printing any extra, so this is your only chance to order one! You will be asked for your shirt size during check-out. A limited selection of other Celtic Arts Foundation merchandise including mugs, hats, and pins will be available for purchase at Winter School. Cash, check, or card are accepted for any merchandise purchases made at Winter School.

Masters of Scottish Arts Concert

A concert featuring many of the Winter School Highland Pipes, Drums, Scottish Fiddle, Accompaniment, and Smallpipes instructors will take place on Friday, February 7th at 7:30PM at the Edmonds Center for the Arts in Edmonds, WA. New this year, students will be in charge of purchasing their own tickets to this concert if they would like to attend. Students and guests of students will receive a heavily-discounted special rate, and the chance to pick their own seats through the Edmonds Center for the Arts website.

Support

We are grateful to Prediletto, Halpin, Scharnikow and Nelson for their support of our Winter School 2025 program. If you or your business would like to make a contribution this year, you can do so on our donations page. Thank you!

Registration

Registration is open as of August 26th at 9am PST.

Please note that by registering to Winter School, you are agreeing to our waiver and policies. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to the Celtic Arts Foundation at 360-416-4934 or events@celticarts.org. Registration ends on December 31st, 2024.

Click on a program to learn more about it and to register:

Piobaireachd
Uilleann Pipes
Kids Highland Pipes and Drumming
Highland Pipes and Drums
Smallpipes
Fiddle and Melody
Accompaniment