Learn from the best with Sabhal Mòr’s summer of music and song
07/2012
Sabhal Mòr Ostaig’s short-course programme is offering a superb choice of week-long classes in traditional music and Gaelic song this year, with some of Scotland’s best known exponents gathering at the Gaelic college in Sleat on Skye over the summer months to pass on their knowledge and passion.
A host of top-class music tutors will include Alasdair Fraser, Natalie Haas, Robert Nairn, Angus Nicolson, Mhàiri Hall, Charlie McKerron, Marc Duff, Eilidh Scammell and Fergie MacDonald and students will also have a chance to learn from two of Scotland’s foremost Gaelic singers, Christine Primrose and Margaret Stewart.
Speaking about the summer programme, Short Courses Manager at SMO, Alasdair MacKay said: “Sabhal Mòr Ostaig has long been renowned for its links with traditional music and this summer we have an even wider range of music courses to choose from for those wishing to improve their playing and singing under the direction of some truly outstanding musicians. Also this summer, local arts group SEALL will be providing a series of concerts and events mostly based at the college from July right through to September. Amongst the musicians, groups and acts appearing will be Julie Fowlis, Blazzin’ Fiddles, Gabe McVarish and television comedian Al Murray. We are all looking forward to hearing the music and attending the weekly dances and ceilidhs which are open to all.”
For those interested in accordion music, in July there is a fantastic chance to learn from the best in a course being led by Robert Nairn with the help of the one and only Fergie MacDonald. Also in July, Sleat piper Angus Nicolson will return home to run a course for pipers who are at the intermediate level, and at the end of July accomplished pianist Mhàiri Hall is the tutor for a course on traditional Scottish music on the piano.
Three fascinating and inspiring courses are on offer for budding Gaelic singers. At the end of July, Margaret Stewart will run a course entitled, ‘Gaelic Songs of the Jacobite Era’ and Christine Primrose will be offering two singing courses, one of which looks at mouth music and waulking songs. August is the month for the fiddle, with two very talented musicians on hand to help students expand and enhance their skills. Eilidh Scammell is running a course ‘Beginner and Intermediate Learner’s Group-work’ and renowned Capercaillie fiddler Charlie McKerron’s course for intermediate students will allow them to discover ‘The Music in the Fiddle Music’.
For more information about these course and other short courses at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, contact Alasdair MacKay on 01471 888242 or visit the short courses webpage.