As the days get shorter and Vermont slips into its long stretch of winter darkness, I always find myself looking for ways to keep my hands busy and my spirits up. When the sun taps out around 4:30 and everything outside feels a little too quiet, it’s easy to fall into that low-light slump we all know too well (hello Netflix). That’s why I’ve come to love winter as the perfect built-in excuse to learn something new.
There’s something really grounding about having a project or a workshop to look forward to. It breaks up the long evenings, gives you a reason to pick up your instrument, and adds a little spark to the season. It’s amazing how much lighter winter feels when your brain is engaged in something creative.
Online Music Classes
Here are some of my favorite online music courses and workshops you can take while sitting in your living room:
- Tune.supply has some great traditional music workshops that feel friendly and approachable. They also send you a recording after the workshop so if you can’t make it the day of, you have it for later.
- FiddleVideo.com offers really clean, detailed lessons if you want to drill into technique. They have a variety of genres including Irish, Scottish, and Quebecois music.
- ArtistWorks.com also offers solid lessons across a range of instruments and styles.
So if winter tends to wear you down a bit (hi, fellow Vermonters), consider signing up for a workshop or trying out a new musical challenge. It keeps your mind busy, your mood lifted, and your evenings a whole lot brighter—even when the sky definitely isn’t.
So here’s to staying curious, staying busy, and expanding your horizons this winter.
Happy playing!
Session Obsession 