Join us for performances, stories and demonstrations from this year’s PCA/SFMS Traditional Arts apprentices and the master artists who mentored them. This event is part of “Bringing It Home,” SFMS’s program featuring local folk artists.

Feeling inspired? Ask SFMS folklorist Amy Skillman, who will be hosting the event, about submitting your own apprenticeship application in spring 2026!

Nepali Harmonium

Apprentice Bhagirath Khatiwada (bah-ga-REET) and his teacher Muskan Balampaki Mugar (moos-KAHN) are working to preserve the rich, beautiful culture of their Himalayan homelands — teaching their children, connecting the large community of Nepali speakers in Central PA, and sharing it with their American neighbors. Read more about them in our Spotlight article about Nepali Harmonium: Sounds of Home.

East Galway Flute

Irish flute player Lesl Harker learned from Mike Rafferty, a well-known exponent of the regional style from his home in Ballinakill, County Galway, Ireland. Lesl is sharing that knowledge with two local players: Courtney Fox and Katie Borgman. Read our Folk Artist Gallery profile on Lesl Harker.

Sean-nós Singing

Growing up in the north of Ireland, Seamus Carmichael didn't value his mother's singing in the old traditional sean-nós (SHAWN-nohss) style. But as a young man in America, he came back to to those roots, and now he's passing the tradition along to his apprentice Sean Cook. Read our Folk Artist Gallery profile on Seamus Carmichael.

Irish concertina

Last year, Mary-Kate Spring Lee worked with master performer Gráinne Hambly on Irish harp, but both of them also play concertina, so they switched it up this year. Read our Spotlight article on Virtual Apprenticeships to learn how they connected Central PA and County Mayo.