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Ed Hicks and Peter Earle - All Instruments
We’re delighted to introduce this addition to this October’s programme: the All Instruments Class, led by the formidable team of Pete Earle and Ed Hicks.
Designed for players of all acoustic instruments and all abilities, this class focuses on the essential skills needed to play confidently with others. Through guided group playing, participants will develop their timing, listening, repertoire, and understanding of how to contribute effectively in a jam setting.
Ed Hicks is an experienced folk music tutor and multi-instrumentalist with more than a decade of teaching experience. Best known as an old-time banjo player, he also performs on fiddle, guitar, and mandolin. He spent ten years teaching for the English Folk Dance and Song Society (EFDSS), was a lead tutor on their Full English project, and previously directed the London-based Trad Academy.
Pete Earle is a double bassist, teacher, and graduate of Leeds College of Music. A familiar face at Sore Fingers since discovering bluegrass in 2006, he has performed at festivals across the UK, Ireland, and the United States. He also leads the popular Basic Music Theory elective, helping students build confidence with chords, scales, and playing by ear.
Together, Ed and Pete will lead a supportive, hands-on class built around playing music with others. Think of it as a guided slow jam: a welcoming environment where participants learn by doing, gain confidence in group settings, and develop the skills needed to join sessions and jams beyond the classroom. |
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Sam Quintana - Bass
Surrounded by music from an early age, Sam Quintana took up electric bass at 12 years old and double bass at 18. Since graduating from the jazz course at Leeds College of Music in 2014, he has become an active member of the city's thriving music scene. He has shared the stage with some of the finest musicians from across the UK and frequently performs alongside renowned artists from the jazz, folk and pop scenes.
As well as being an in demand sideman, Sam is a permanent member of an array of diverse creative projects which perform frequently around the UK including renowned Bluegrass band The Often Herd. He has played at esteemed venues and festivals, embarked on lengthy tours and has several television appearances to his name. Sam also performs internationally and has played a number of venues and festivals all over Europe. Notable gigs include Ronnie Scott's, Glastonbury Festival, Hamburg Elbphilharmonie, London Jazz Festival, Stockholm Jazz Festival, Montreux Jazz Residency.
As an educator Sam has years of tuition experience, has led workshops in schools and higher education institutions and works as a lecturer and accompanist at Leeds Conservatoire. We are delighted to welcome him back to SFSS! Website
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Niles Krieger - Bluegrass Fiddle
We're delighted to welcome back Niles to SFSS! Niles is a versatile and highly accomplished multi-instrumentalist whose work spans a wide range of musical styles, with particular expertise in American roots music. A specialist on fiddle, mandolin and guitar, he is recognised for his dynamic musicianship and distinctive approach to traditional and contemporary repertoire.
He currently tours internationally with Newcastle-based progressive bluegrass band The Often Herd and alternative singer-songwriter Liam Fender, while also working extensively as a sought-after session musician for a diverse range of artists and projects.
Alongside his performing career, Niles is an experienced and engaging educator with a strong track record of delivering high-quality music tuition for learners of all ages and abilities. He regularly leads group sessions at The Glasshouse International Centre for Music, CORE Music, Newcastle University and other venues across the North East. |
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Laura Carrivick - Dobro
Dobro players - you're in for a real treat!
Laura is a Wiltshire based musician, specialising in bluegrass and country on dobro and fiddle.
She has toured throughout the UK and internationally with The Carrivick Sisters and in the all-female bluegrass band Midnight Skyracer. More recent projects include her prominent role in the country band Rocking Horse Money, where she shows off her bluegrass chops on dobro, fiddle, and vocals.
Alongside her performing career, she teaches fiddle and dobro through the Bath Bluegrass School and works as a recording session musician. She has extensive teaching experience, offering private lessons from her home studio, and delivering workshops at festivals and in primary school. Website
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Evan Davies - Mandolin
Evan Rhodri Davies is a multi-instrumentalist and songwriter - and a very familiar face to SFSS!
Evan is known for his proficiency on the mandolin, guitar and fiddle, his soulful singing and songwriting and as a founding member of The Often Herd. In recent years, he has gained a reputation in the UK folk/roots scene as a proficient and creative practitioner with bold and inventive artistic ideas.
Evan is known as a confident and spontaneous stage performer and has toured around the UK and Europe. He has performed at festivals including Edinburgh Fringe, SummerTyne Americana, Twinwood Festival and many bluegrass festivals around the UK, Netherlands and France. He has also supported Grammy winning/nominated artists including Sarah Jarosz, Tim O’Brien and Yola Carter, as well as Chance McCoy (Old Crow Medicine Show), Chatham County Line and Holy Moly and the Crackers. As a sideman, Evan has also appeared onstage alongside renowned Swedish fiddler Lena Jonsson and New York jazz-bluegrass legend Grant Gordy.
A legendary mandolin player - Evan is one of the best, and will help you drive your playing forward in a tasteful and musical way. Website
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Charlotte Carrivick - Old-Time Banjo
One of the UK’s most sought after bluegrass and old time musicians, Charlotte Carrivick is an experienced and award winning musician and teacher.
Charlotte is a multi instrumentalist, composer, singer and songwriter based in South West England. She has received particular recognition as one of the leading flatpicking guitarists in the UK, to the extent that she was invited to teach at the prestigious 2024 Bryan Sutton's Blue Ridge Guitar Camp in North Carolina. However, she's not only an amazing guitar player - she also plays a mean banjo, too!
As one half of the The Carrivick Sisters, Charlotte grew up with a love of American Bluegrass and Old Time music alongside her twin sister, Laura, in South Devon. After many years of playing and writing together as well as touring across the UK, Europe and Canada, the duo released their 5th studio album at the end of 2022 to critical acclaim.
Charlotte was a founding member of all female bluegrass group, Midnight Skyracer, with whom she toured the UK, Europe and Australia. The band was the first bluegrass band to be signed to Island Records (2020), under which they released their second album, and was nominated for an IBMA Momentum Award (2018). Charlotte also plays in a duo with fiddle player, Kieran Towers and was a member of Cardboard Fox. She currently plays in her own project - The Charlotte Carrivick Band - featuring a stellar line up of some of the best bluegrass and old-time musicians in the UK.
We can't wait to welcome her back teaching Old-Time Banjo, and look forward to seeing what gems of wisdom she imparts on her class. From nailing the clawhammer rhythm to teaching driving, quirky old-time tunes - Charlotte is an excellent teacher and promises to lead a wonderful class! Website
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Kieran Towers - Old-Time Fiddle
Kieran Towers is a UK-based fiddler and multi-instrumentalist specialising in contemporary bluegrass and Appalachian old-time music. He is highly regarded for his driving rhythm, improvisation skills, and knowledge of fiddle tunes.
A prominent member of bluegrass bands Hot Rock Pilgrims and The Charlotte Carrivick Band, he has also played with well-known groups like Pet Yeti, and more recently in JAEJA - a contemporary acoustic quartet blending together influences of jazz, old time, and Scandi-folk to create their unique, unbridled sound.
When he's not setting jams alight and elevating every performance with this red-hot solos, Kieran spends him time teaching in London. He's a well-known and well-loved face of SFSS, so we're very excited to be welcoming him back as a tutor. |
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Andy Quelch - Old-Time Guitar
Andy Quelch is a highly regarded guitarist whose understated approach and deep musicality have made him one of the most respected accompanists on the UK old-time scene. Drawing on influences from traditional Appalachian music, bluegrass and swing, he combines impeccable rhythm, tasteful dynamics and an instinctive understanding of ensemble playing.
Playing in bands such as The Firecrackers - as well as being an asset to any old-time jam - Andy has become a leading figure in the growing UK old-time community. His performances have earned widespread praise for his authenticity, energy and ability to bring the tradition to life for players of all levels.
A returning member of the Sore Fingers teaching team, Andy has consistently received outstanding feedback from students. His clear, supportive teaching style and exceptional command of old-time guitar make him an invaluable tutor for anyone looking to develop their accompaniment skills and deepen their understanding of the tradition. Welcome back Andy! |
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Roger Jackson and Sue Pomeroy - Singing
What a treat to have this dynamic duo leading our singing course this year!
Sue Pomeroy (woman of a thousand songs) is a member of The Rye Sisters and a gifted teacher, with workshops at the famous Sore Fingers Summer School and other events to her credit.
Roger Jackson is a film & TV composer and has played with bands and produced recordings for many years.
He writes songs and loves playing guitar, but played Hammond organ in his lockdown funk band.He is one of the country’s top community choir leaders, and runs workshops at festivals and choral gatherings.
Whether you're new to singing, or a seasoned performer, you're sure to learn something new in the capable hands of Roger and Sue. We can't wait to hear how you all sound! Website
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Percy Copley - Ukulele
*Class subject to bookings*
Percy performs and teaches bluegrass, country, old-time, jazz, and popular music from the Golden Age. A regular and much-loved tutor at S.F.Week, he brings exceptional musicianship, humour, and energy to every event. He has taught at camps across the UK and Europe and is especially popular with ukulele students.
After training at the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art in London, Percy built a diverse career spanning Shakespeare, musicals, and other stage productions, often incorporating his musical talents along the way. An accomplished actor, singer, and multi-instrumentalist, he is known for his ability to play almost anything put in his hands.
Locally, Percy is best known for his work on banjo, mandolin, guitar, ukulele, and bagpipes, among many other instruments.
Please note that this class will run subject to sufficient bookings, so be sure to register early, grab your ukulele and spread the word amongst your string-loving friends! |
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