School of Bardic Arts
Program 2 · Adult Arts Education

Cenacle of Bardic Arts

Courses, workshops, and study groups for adults — songwriting, mythology, folklore, and storytelling — designed to deepen creative practice and cultural connection.

About the Cenacle

A cenacle is a gathering place — a room where people meet to share ideas, art, and fellowship. The Cenacle of Bardic Arts provides opportunities for adults to engage deeply with music, songwriting, storytelling, folklore, mythology, and the creative process. Through courses, workshops, study groups, and community partnerships, participants develop artistic skills while exploring the cultural traditions that shape human creativity. Programs are designed to remain accessible through grant support, ensuring that cost is not a barrier to participation.

Current Offerings

Weekly Study Group

Oscura Book Club

A weekly gathering in Ashland, Oregon dedicated to the study of esoteric philosophy — reading, discussion, and research exploring mythology, mysticism, and the philosophical traditions that underlie bardic practice. Open to curious minds of all backgrounds; no prior study required.

Meets: Weekly, Ashland, OR
Format: In-person discussion & research group
Cost: Free / donation-based
Oscura Book Club members gathered on a rug surrounded by books
Weekly meeting, Ashland
Three musicians walking a country road playing flutes
Bardic wandering & practice
Ask About Oscura
One-on-One

Adult Music Education: Songwriting Sessions

Private, one-on-one songwriting sessions for adult learners at any level — from first-time writers to experienced musicians looking to deepen their craft. Sessions cover lyric writing, melody, structure, and the folk/bardic songwriting traditions that inform the School's approach.

Format: 1-on-1, in person or virtual
Length: By arrangement
Cost: Sliding scale available
Book a Session
6-Week Course · Feb–Mar 2027

Mystic Songwriting

A six-week course exploring the mystical and philosophical roots of songwriting — tetrachords and ancient music theory, Pythagorean tuning, myth and the muse, and hands-on original composition. Designed for adult learners drawn to the esoteric and historical side of the craft, blending music theory with folklore and songwriting practice.

Dates: February–March 2027 (6 weekly sessions)
Format: Small-group course — offered both online and in person
Cost: Discounted / grant-subsidized rate
Enrollment opening soon

Join the Waitlist

The Bigger Vision

The Cenacle is the first chapter of a longer-term vision: a full Bard School curriculum spanning music lessons, songwriting, classical philosophy and music theory, mythology study, and community collaboration — developed in partnership with organizations across the Rogue Valley. Courses are designed to remain accessible, reaching a diverse audience of learners, including those who might not otherwise be able to afford them.

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Songwriting workshop / study session