Learning to Play Accordion with John Somerville

Click here to listen to an interview about the      “The Voyage of the Hector”

Sabhal Mòr Ostaig are delighted to introduce the talented John Somerville to their Short Courses programme with this brand new course Learning to play accordion, which is aimed at first time learners and will introduce course participants to the basics of the instrument in a fun and interactive way.

Whether a complete beginner or someone who has been learning for a short time, John will break down the basic concepts of accordion playing – right hand technique, left hand technique and the bellows into easy bite size chunks.  The course is designed to be comfortable for both ear and sheet music learners and will concentrate on simple and easy to learn material to gain confidence in the instrument.  There will be an opportunity to perform as a group some of the new tunes and skills learnt at the informal Thursday night cèilidh.

There’s only space for a maximum of 7 people on this course and participants are expected to bring their own instrument.

Accordionist John Somerville is one of the current crop of exciting musicians to emerge form Scotland’s vibrant Folk scene.  He has gained a reputation for pushing folk music’s  boundaries whilst remaining true to his native roots.   Hailing from  Loch Ness, John has drawn influences from far and wide – from Highland and West coast music through to Border and piping traditions, Ceilidh music, European Folk and contemporary dance music.   His current musical itinerary includes playing with supergroup Treacherous Orchestra, Cask Strength Ceilidh Band and along with outstanding fiddler Adam Sutherland.  John’s experience as a musician has seen him work with a host of bands and acts both big and small including David Byrne, Salsa Celtica, Franz Ferdinand, Session A9, Babelfish and Croft No Five. 

John now lives in Glasgow and is in demand as a teacher, performer, arranger and composer.  In teaching and education he has actively worked with many organisations including the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Fèisean Nan Gàidheal, University of the Highlands and Islands, Falkirk Traditional Music Project and Celtic Connections festival.  John was nominated for “tutor of the year” at the 2016 MG Alba Traditional Music Awards and his recent composition “The Voyage of the Hector” (which was commissioned by Fèis Ròis) has been performed by over five hundred teenagers and adults in Scotland, England, Australia and Cape Breton.  

This course will be taught through the medium of English.