Instrument Classes:

There will be a division in the instrument classes between beginning and experienced students. The morning group classes are 1½ hours long and will begin at 9:00 am. For example, a student can choose to take the experienced gaida class followed by the beginner tambura class. In the afternoon there will be individual and/or small group instrument classes lasting 30 minutes each. Please bring your own instrument(s), if possible. If you don’t have one, or it is too difficult transport, the Academy will make arrangements for instrument rental for a small daily fee.

Singing Classes:

There will be two consecutive 1½ hour group singing classes every morning, and each class will focus on a different regional style. As with the instrumental classes, afternoon singing sessions will last for 30 minutes each, and be for either individuals or small groups.

Dance Classes:

Two group dance classes will meet consecutively each morning and two more each afternoon. New dances will generally be taught at every class. All of each teacher’s dances will be reviewed at the final class for that teacher. As in prior years, each dance teacher presents dances over a 2-day period, and usually two different villages/regions are presented on any given day (except for the first day).

The Teachers page indicates the specific days during which each of the dance teachers will be presenting dances from their village/region.

Language Classes:

An hour-long Bulgarian language class will be held daily, beginning at 2:30. The goal is to help students acquire basic communication skills in Bulgarian that they can use during their Seminar classes and in everyday life. The class will be oriented towards students who have never spoken Bulgarian before. A second class level may be added if there are enough students with some Bulgarian language experience.

Daily Student Gathering:

A brief student gathering will be held daily from 12:15-12:30 pm in the Dance Hall to discuss special events, guest performances, evening activities, administrative matters, etc.

After Lunch Special Programs:

After the lunch break on most days, time has been set aside for special 1 hour folk presentations in the Academy's concert hall. In past years these programs have included presentations by old master musicians, revered singers, instrument makers and others.

Evening Activities:

Some evening activities will be planned for those who wish, such as restaurant outings, dance events at the Music Academy, and attending a local village sabor. During the week of the Seminar, an International Folk Music and Dance Festival will also be taking place at the nearby Roman Theater.