Join the Folk Education Network
A national peer support network for anyone involved in, or interested in, folk arts in learning and participation.
Membership of the Network, and attendance at many Folk Education development events, is free.
The Folk Education Network is for everyone involved in, or interested in, folk arts education in any context – including those working in schools, with youth groups, in adult learning and/or community settings.
Although aimed at folk arts educators in England, practitioners from across the UK and beyond are welcome to join.
I'm very impressed by the strength and breadth of knowledge shown by the many passionate, talented and dedicated folk music practitioners. It feels like, while there may be challenges ahead for traditional education, there are many great educators ready to take things on board!
Pete Taylor, Singing Project Coordinator, Sheffield Music Hub
The Folk Education Network was established by the English Folk Dance and Song Society in 2011. The growing Network is committed to promoting high-quality folk arts education, and to supporting everyone who delivers it.
It exists to provide peer information and support, and to encourage dialogue with the wider worlds of culture, learning and participation.
The FolkEducation Network also offers other organisations a platform through which to consult, or inform, a committed group of folk arts educators.
Folk Education Development Events
We run FREE Folk Education Development Events and low-cost conferences. These are dedicated events packed with professional development opportunities, information sharing and networking. They are now taking place in real life again, at different locations around the country. The events are for anyone who is working in or interested in folk arts learning and participation.
We also run some shorter online discussion sessions.
Next FREE Folk Education Development Day
Wednesday 13 November, University of Sheffield.
Join us for this lively informal conference and practitioner development day presented by our Folk Education Network in partnership with Access Folk at the University of Sheffield. Spotlighting interesting folk music and dance learning and participation practice in Sheffield and the surrounding region, expect presentations, short workshops, and opportunities for discussion with others involved in these sectors.
Organisations and Speakers:
Access Folk - Fay Hield and Esbjörn Wettermark
Coventry University’s Centre for Dance Research & Dancing Dialogues - Rosa Cisneros
English Folk Dance and Song Society / National Youth Folk Ensemble - Rachel Elliott, Hannah Mears-Young and Jen Cox.
Folk Factory - Nicola Beazley and Robyn Wallace
Forge & Fledge - Rosie Hodgson and Rosie Butler-Hall
Leeds Conservatoire’s Folk, Roots and Blues degree – Rachael Sutcliffe
Orchestras for All - Laura Fullwood
Sheffield Music Hub - Ian Naylor
Welcoming Cultures - Terezia Rostas
Presented by the English Folk Dance and Song Society's Folk Education Network in partnership with Access Folk at the University of Sheffield.
Upcoming Event:
Creating Accessible and Inclusive Folk Dance
Saturday 15 March 2025, Cecil Sharp House
Join us for this lively practitioner development day presented by our Folk Education Network and Dance Development programmes.
This workshop and discussion day is for anyone who is interested in broadening the accessibility of folk dance teaching practice and performance, or anyone who is interested in finding out more about accessible and inclusive practice. Our focus will be on disability inclusion. There will be opportunities available for all to participate in dance and discussion.
This event is suitable for ages 18+.
Save the date - booking available soon!
Past Events
Read about our recent and past eventsArchive: Past Folk Education Development Events
Join the Folk Education Network
Membership of the Group and attendance at the Folk Education Development Days is free. As a member you can access the members’ only Facebook site, which allows you to share good practice, advertise job opportunities and get in touch with other members.
To register, please visit the Folk Education Network Facebook page facebook.com/groups/folkeducators
Please note: You will be approved to join the members-only group only if you answer the three simple questions when you request to join.
For more information contact [email protected]
Join the Folk Education Network Facebook group now
You can also follow us on LinkedIn for general news and opportunities
Membership of the Folk Education Network, and attendance at many of the Folk Education development events, is free.
The English Folk Dance and Song Society (Registered Charity no.305999) is committed to paying the costs of running the Network.
