Betsy Small

I have played and taught lute in the DC area since 1975, having studied with Ronn McFarlane, Paul Odette, Lukas Henning and Jacob Heringman. I was director, lutenist and recorder player for The Washington Camerata (1978-1997), a chamber ensemble of singers and instrumentalists specializing in Medieval, Renaissance and early Baroque music. I also directed and performed with The Story Minstrels, (1990-2005), for which I created children’s educational shows based on folk tales, accompanied by Renaissance music. I have been editor and writer for the Lute Society of America Quarterly Magazine, dedicating one issue to contemporary music composed for lute, a repertoire which I enjoy playing. I play Renaissance, contemporary and Celtic music, and have had my book “Lute solo arrangements of Scottish Gaelic Airs” published in 2022 by the British Lute Society. I used to play folk guitar, and from 1999-2010 I taught guitar as a volunteer at the Sitar Arts Center in Adams Morgan, DC. Every year since 1999 I have organized and hosted the Ronn McFarlane Weekend Seminar at my home, featuring private lessons and master classes, as well-as ensemble playing and other lute-related activities.