Tunes and Stories with Riksspelman Leif Alpsjö
Two-Workshop Package
Dates: May 31st & June 7, 2026
Time: 10-11:30 AM Pacific / 1-2:30 PM Eastern
Location: Zoom
Cost: $25 for both sessions – open to ANA members only
All instruments welcome!
Registration is now closed and the Zoom link has been sent by email!
If you registered, but don’t see that email, please contact us.
About the Workshop
Leif is a storyteller and tradition bearer in the Uppland tradition of nyckelharpa. The details for the workshops are still being ironed out, but they’re sure to include story time, tune sharing, and tune teaching. Sheet music and recordings will be for private use only, and absolutely not to be shared on any form of public media.
About Leif
Riksspelman Leif Alpsjö is self-taught and though he started on fiddle, he has been playing the nyckelharpa full-time since 1975. He’s known for his enthusiasm, pedagogical skills, and ability to share the traditions of Swedish folk music with audiences worldwide. He has performed for various dignitaries, including the King and the Pope, and has been instrumental in spreading awareness and interest in the nyckelharpa globally.
Leif is both a tradition bearer, innovator of folk music and a storyteller. With his broad knowledge and humor, Leif offers genuine tradition, joy and warmth. His performances include more than just the tunes–sometimes there are stories about great fiddlers and old customs, sometimes something current.
Some of his notable achievements include:
- Early Career: Alpsjö became a riksspelman in 1974 and started playing the nyckelharpa, despite being initially a fiddler.
- Nyckelharpa School: He created a nyckelharpa school with instructional books, recordings, and videos, which has been widely used by aspiring musicians.
- American Nyckelharpa Association: Alpsjö was a founding member of the American Nyckelharpa Association (ANA) in 1995, promoting the instrument and its music in the United States.
- Performances and Workshops: He has given numerous concerts, workshops, and lectures, showcasing his expertise and sharing Swedish folk music traditions with diverse audiences.
- Recognition: Alpsjö is considered a Swedish national treasure, known for his captivating stage presence and ability to connect with audiences through music and storytelling.
Overall, Leif Alpsjö’s background is rooted in Uppland folk music, and he has become an international ambassador for the nyckelharpa and its rich cultural heritage.