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Càirdeas 2025 will be held in a beautiful new location!The Common Ground Center (CGC) in Starksboro, Vermont will provide a beautiful backdrop for our piping school and allow campers to enjoy a fully residential camp experience. 30 minutes from Burlington and Lake Champlain, the 700 acre site is located on an old farm with rolling fields nestled among forested hills and a lovely swimming pond.
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Càirdeas is an annual gathering of musicians united by their camaraderie and their shared passion for the Scottish piping tradition.
Each summer, among the scenic foothills of Vermont's Green Mountains, this group of enthusiasts gathers with renowned Scottish musicians to immerse themselves in traditional Scottish and other Pan-Celtic music. With a particular focus on bellows-blown Scottish smallpipes, our instructors lead participants in learning new tunes, improving their musicianship, and more deeply connecting with this vibrant, living tradition.
*Càirdeas (pronounced KARSH•jess) is a Scots-Gaelic word meaning "kinship," "friendship," and "alliance".
Each summer, among the scenic foothills of Vermont's Green Mountains, this group of enthusiasts gathers with renowned Scottish musicians to immerse themselves in traditional Scottish and other Pan-Celtic music. With a particular focus on bellows-blown Scottish smallpipes, our instructors lead participants in learning new tunes, improving their musicianship, and more deeply connecting with this vibrant, living tradition.
*Càirdeas (pronounced KARSH•jess) is a Scots-Gaelic word meaning "kinship," "friendship," and "alliance".
Your amazing instructors
MICHAEL RODDY
We are pleased to announce that Michael will be returning to Cairdeas, bringing us melodies from the Maritimes and beyond. For nearly 30 years, Michael has been developing a unique blend of Scottish and Irish piping styles. His ability to comfortably move between competitive Scottish piping and bellows piping, pipe bands and folk bands, uilleann pipes and whistles has led him to be a highly sought after performer and teacher.
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AILIS SUTHERLAND
New to Càirdeas this year, Ailis is a piper and flute player from Kirriemuir, Angus. She has taught at the National Piping Centre in Glasgow, appeared on BBC Radio nan Gàidheal and BBC Radio Scotland's traditional music programs, and has performed at festivals and venues around the world. She was also a finalist for the BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician Award in 2023. We welcome Ailis as our newest instructor!
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TIMOTHY CUMMINGS
One of the guiding lights of Càirdeas, Tim is now Càirdeas’ Music Director. Tim is a Vermont-based composer and multi-instrumentalist (chiefly a piper) who enjoys an uncommonly diverse repertoire. His music spans from contemporary and sacred music to the traditional melodies of the British Isles, Appalachia, Cape Breton, Brittany, and beyond.
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A day at Càirdeas
Morning: A typical day at Càirdeas begins with two 75-minute morning workshops from our stellar instructors, with a mid-morning pause to share a cuppa together. Workshops are organized by level, with every instructor spending time with each group throughout the week. For all levels, tunes are generally taught by ear, with sheet music provided after the workshop (and, when possible, during the workshop for those in particular need).
Afternoon: We enjoy a generous midday break, allowing folks to get lunch independently. (There are good options close by for dining out, as well as willing carpoolers; there's also a small kitchen available on site in the Eco-Lodge for those who wish to prepare their own meals.) After lunch, we gather as a full camp for a Càirdeas specialty: our "Deep Listening" sessions. Curated by staff and guest instructors, this daily workshop encourages us to tune our ears and open our minds by exploring myriad musical influences through reverent listening and inspired group discussion. Following an afternoon tea break, additional, one-hour specialty workshops are offered. This is followed by free time, and on our new campus this year, we're thrilled to have the option for a late-afternoon swim to top off the day.
Evening: Our communal dinners are catered and shared together as a full camp. Each evening we enjoy group sessions guided by the instructors. Sessions will generally run in a progression of slower-to-faster tempos and tunes, with an emphasis on 'Scottirish' repertoire (i.e. tunes from Scotland primarily, but also from the closely-related Irish, Cape Breton, and Lowland & Border traditions). After hours, it's up to you!
Afternoon: We enjoy a generous midday break, allowing folks to get lunch independently. (There are good options close by for dining out, as well as willing carpoolers; there's also a small kitchen available on site in the Eco-Lodge for those who wish to prepare their own meals.) After lunch, we gather as a full camp for a Càirdeas specialty: our "Deep Listening" sessions. Curated by staff and guest instructors, this daily workshop encourages us to tune our ears and open our minds by exploring myriad musical influences through reverent listening and inspired group discussion. Following an afternoon tea break, additional, one-hour specialty workshops are offered. This is followed by free time, and on our new campus this year, we're thrilled to have the option for a late-afternoon swim to top off the day.
Evening: Our communal dinners are catered and shared together as a full camp. Each evening we enjoy group sessions guided by the instructors. Sessions will generally run in a progression of slower-to-faster tempos and tunes, with an emphasis on 'Scottirish' repertoire (i.e. tunes from Scotland primarily, but also from the closely-related Irish, Cape Breton, and Lowland & Border traditions). After hours, it's up to you!
More about Càirdeas 2025 at CGC:
Full tuition is $625 (USD)
Early Bird Tuition Discount (if tuition is paid in full and postmarked by):
- A minimum deposit of $200 is required to secure your place; full balance is due by June 15, 2025
- Tuition covers all camp classes and activities, and 4 delicious dinners (Sun-Weds)
- On-site accommodation at the Common Ground Center is charged separately (see below)
- Tuition scholarships may be available—inquire for details ([email protected])
Early Bird Tuition Discount (if tuition is paid in full and postmarked by):
- May 15: $600 (USD)
On-site lodging:
New this year: Enjoy a fully residential camp experience at Càirdeas 2025! Students are encouraged to stay at the Common Ground Center (CGC) in Starksboro, VT, where all our workshops, catered dinners, and evening sessions will take place. (You're welcome to stay offsite if you prefer, and join us on site for all daytime and evening activities). The Center also boasts 700 acres which include lush forests, trails, an expansive field, a swimming pond, tennis courts, a small basketball court, and ping pong.
Lodging fees cover 6 nights lodging at CGC, with check-in beginning Saturday, July 19, and check-out the morning of Friday, July 25.
Lodging options at CGC
Please note: Cabins and Eco-Lodge rooms are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. A central bathhouse with hot water, electricity, flush toilets, and indoor and outdoor showers is available for those staying in tents or cabins (and anyone else attending the school). Eco-Lodge rooms each have a private bath.
New this year: Enjoy a fully residential camp experience at Càirdeas 2025! Students are encouraged to stay at the Common Ground Center (CGC) in Starksboro, VT, where all our workshops, catered dinners, and evening sessions will take place. (You're welcome to stay offsite if you prefer, and join us on site for all daytime and evening activities). The Center also boasts 700 acres which include lush forests, trails, an expansive field, a swimming pond, tennis courts, a small basketball court, and ping pong.
Lodging fees cover 6 nights lodging at CGC, with check-in beginning Saturday, July 19, and check-out the morning of Friday, July 25.
Lodging options at CGC
Please note: Cabins and Eco-Lodge rooms are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. A central bathhouse with hot water, electricity, flush toilets, and indoor and outdoor showers is available for those staying in tents or cabins (and anyone else attending the school). Eco-Lodge rooms each have a private bath.
Camping
Nine tent platforms are located on the edge of the hillside field, overlooking the main campus and adjacent to the cabins (or you may pitch your tent in the field). The field has a gorgeous view, and many campers choose to nestle their tents up against the edge of the forest that borders the tenting areas. There is ample room, so no need to worry about privacy! RV parking is also available, but there are no hook-ups.
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Rustic Cabin
Cabins are rustic and cozy, with whimsical names and decor. They are in clusters in the woods, a short walk from the main campus. Toilets and bathhouses are nearby. Cabins have no electricity so we can enjoy the starry Vermont nights. BYO linens/sleeping bag, pillow, towel, etc.
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Eco-Lodge Room
The Eco-Lodge offers guest rooms, each with a private bath. These rooms feature unique finishes and electricity, and all bedding and linens are included. Eco-Lodge rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
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"Non-Piper Guests"
Guests (family, partners...) are welcome to stay on site during camp and enjoy the Common Ground Center (CGC) locale and Càirdeas evening social activities. We are sharing the CGC campus with a day camp: Guests will only have access to the designated Càirdeas areas during the day; in the evening we have access to the full campus. There are many sights and outdoor activities to enjoy and places to eat in the areas nearby for guests to explore during the day.
Please make your requests for lodging and any guests who plan to accompany you to camp via the registration form and we will contact you to confirm your assignment and make payment arrangements. There is a fee for guests to stay on site; they may also join us for catered dinners ($20/dinner). Please reach out to [email protected] for more details on bringing guests to Càirdeas.
Payment
Guests (family, partners...) are welcome to stay on site during camp and enjoy the Common Ground Center (CGC) locale and Càirdeas evening social activities. We are sharing the CGC campus with a day camp: Guests will only have access to the designated Càirdeas areas during the day; in the evening we have access to the full campus. There are many sights and outdoor activities to enjoy and places to eat in the areas nearby for guests to explore during the day.
Please make your requests for lodging and any guests who plan to accompany you to camp via the registration form and we will contact you to confirm your assignment and make payment arrangements. There is a fee for guests to stay on site; they may also join us for catered dinners ($20/dinner). Please reach out to [email protected] for more details on bringing guests to Càirdeas.
Payment
- You'll receive instructions to complete tuition payment in a confirmation email upon completing your registration form (reminder: a minimum deposit of $200 secures your spot; final tuition balance is due by June 15, 2025).
- A bill for onsite lodging will be sent separately no later than May 15.
- Preferred payment is by check.
- Payment via PayPal is also available, and includes an additional charge to help us cover PayPal fees.
- Please note that tuition payments are not tax deductible. A separate button for tax deductible donations will also be found on our website.
- Any deposits paid are fully refundable until May 15th
- Cancellations after July 1st will forfeit 50% of your initial payment.