About SHISSF

The Southern Hemisphere International School of Scottish Fiddle was founded in 2004 to foster the music and culture of Scotland and to explore the cross over of this culture into others, by bringing together top international teachers with students of all levels for learning, fun, and fellowship.

We aim to create a relaxed and comfortable learning environment for all attendees regardless of age or ability level.

Classes are divided by participants' ability to learn by ear, into four different levels: slow, moderate, upper moderate and fast. While classes are taught aurally sheet music is generally available at the end of the week.

Each fiddle class has the same number of sessions with all the instructors, and there are usually four fiddle sessions per day. Accompaniment classes are flexible depending on numbers, allowing for both group and individual tuition.

As well as the set classes there are a variety of elective classes each year which include informal chat sessions with all our instructors.

The evenings are taken up with dancing, ceilidhs, masterclasses, concerts, and of course, jam sessions!

The Venue

In 2012 SHISSF will again be held at Camp Kaitoke in the beautiful Upper Hutt Valley, North Island, New Zealand. Approximately 16kms from Upper Hutt and surounded by hills and nature reserve Camp Kaitoke provides the perfect atmosphere for a music retreat.

Accomodation is in small, carpeted bunk rooms (sleep a max. of 6 ) with one bathroom shared between every two rooms.

Please note, participants must bring all their own bedding.

Classes are held in meeting and conference rooms with plenty of space for after hours sessioning.

The dining room has a sprung wooden floor, perfect for our evening dances and social events.

Camp Kaitoke has unsurpassed access to bush and forest land in the Tararua Range.There is also a large gymnasium available and lots of room for walking and relaxing.