Sidmouth Methodist Church – Main Church
Returning for the 2025 festival we are pleased to present our education programme. All sessions are FREE, just make sure you book your place to make sure you get in, these events will be popular!
All ages and abilities are welcome to the programme, bring your kids, parents and grandparents – everyone is welcome to join in the groove!
All events are held in the Sidmouth Methodist Church, High Street, Sidmouth EX10 8LE
Saturday 24th May 2025
10:30am – 12:30pm – Even you can play the Blues
Get started with playing the blues and be encouraged whatever level you are and whatever you play! Bring a guitar or harmonica! Drums and keyboards will be available.
2:00pm – 4:00pm – Blues Jam
Lead a Blues Number with the House band from the Blues in the Pews Team or sit in with a standard – bring your instruments!
Sunday 25th May 2025
10:30am – Blues Church Service
Everyone is welcome!
2.00pm – 4.00pm – Jazz Jam
This open curated Jazz Jam is hosted by Devon Music Hub. It will be supported by a house band of experienced performers to support attendees who wish to participate. This is an inclusive, supportive, and fun model that also ensures a quality experience for all involved. It allows for more experienced participants to shine with a supportive rhythm section and less experienced people to sit in alongside the house band and be guided along.
Monday 26th May 2025
10:30am – 12:30pm – Blues Jam
Another opportunity to lead a Blues Number with the House band from the Blues in the Pews Team or sit in with a standard – bring your instruments!
2:00pm – 3:00pm – Acoustic and Electric Blues Guitar Techniques
From Slide to Stevie Ray Vaughan we’ve got you covered – bring your guitar!
3:30pm – 4:30pm – The History of the Blues
Roots and Routes to the Blues, this popular seminar returns for a second year with something new for everyone to learn. From the American Civil War, banjos to Ragtime through 8 bar and twelve bar blues to R&B and Soul. Male and female blues legends and their innovations.
Sidmouth Methodist Church – Rear Hall
Saturday 24th May 2025
10:30am – 12:30pm – Singing for the Slightly Terrified
Do you love to sing but fear doing it in front of others?
Have you always fancied having a go but believe you’re simply not good enough?
This workshop is for you!
Designed for EVERYONE and ALL abilities, together we will learn some Jazz and Blues Numbers. Led by Jess Cunningham.
2:00pm – 4:00pm – Jazz Workshop
This event is in partnership with Sidmouth Sea Fest and the Sea Spot Grass Roots Music programme. More details to be announced.
Sunday 25th May 2025
2:00pm – 4:00pm – Family Djembe Drumming Workshop
This extremely popular workshop with James from Drum Devon returns for a second year. Rhythmic fun times for the whole family! Bring your kids, their friends, your friends, your grandmother, uncles & aunties, bring everyone for this fun-filled drumming session. No experience necessary.
Monday 26th May 2025
10:30am – 12:30pm – South Devon Youth Jazz Workshop
Join us for a 1.5 hour workshop with a 30 minute sharing concert at the end for everyone to enjoy. Suitable for all instrumentalists Grade 3+ ability.
2:00pm – 3:00pm – Jazz Composition Workshop
Led by Sam Massey from Devon Music Hub.
3:30pm – 4:30pm – Jazz Trumpet Workshop
Devon-based trumpet player Sam Massey will host a workshop for trumpet players of all ages focussed around developing jazz style and improvisation skills.
Remember – all sessions are FREE but please make sure to book your place!