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Càirdeas returns to Common Ground Center, July 2026!
The Common Ground Center (CGC) in Starksboro, Vermont provides 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
YANN CARIOU
We are excited to welcome Yann to his first appearance at Cairdeas in 2026! Yann teaches Scottish bagpipes and wooden flute, and is the chair of the Traditional Music Department at the Quimper Conservatory in Brittany, France. He has served as the Artistic Director for the Bagad Bro Konk Kerne for almost 25 years. Awarded with many solo bagpipe prizes in his career, he's now turned his focus toward the study of pedagogy and the carrying on of traditional repertoires. Yann has been a performer in a variety of groups, including Danns!, focused on the traditions of Scotland and Nova Scotia, as well as the more eclectic SpouM.
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AILIS SUTHERLAND
Returning 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 are thrilled to have Ailis joining us once again!
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TIMOTHY CUMMINGS
A Càirdeas alum, and now serving as our Music Director, Tim is a Vermont-based musician who's been leading smallpipe workshops at Càirdeas for well over a decade. He's a member of Triton, and operates Birchen Music & Publishing. 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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NATE BANTON - Nate is a skilled pipemaker and piper from Portland, Maine who's been attending Càirdeas since 2007. Most years he offers a workshop or two related to the maintenance and function of Scottish smallpipes and Border pipes. Past workshops have included reed-making, reed-adjusting, and the journey of air from bellows intake to pipe ends.
Ask nicely, and Nate will help make repairs and adjustments to your pipes! |
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 2026 at CGC:
Full tuition is $650 with early bird discount (by May 15). After May 15 full tuition is $675 (USD)
- A minimum deposit of $200 is required to secure your place; full balance is due by June 15, 2026
- Tuition covers all camp classes and activities, and 4 delicious dinners (Sun-Wed)
- On-site accommodation at the Common Ground Center is charged separately (see below)
- Tuition scholarships may be available—inquire for details ([email protected])
On-site lodging:
Enjoy a fully residential camp experience at Càirdeas 2026! 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 18, and check-out the morning of Friday, July 24.
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 have bathrooms.
Enjoy a fully residential camp experience at Càirdeas 2026! 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 18, and check-out the morning of Friday, July 24.
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 have bathrooms.
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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Forest 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, with bathrooms. 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
Have a question? Check our FAQ page!
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, 2026).
- A bill for onsite lodging will be sent separately after May 20.
- 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.
Have a question? Check our FAQ page!
