Hello again Shona

Click here for the competitions page of the Auchtermuchty Festival website - it looks like you're in luck!

As for suggestions for songs, that's a hard one. It's great that your Mum and Granny can teach you songs, I think that's a good way to learn. I learned a lot of songs from my dad, but his songs are mostly Irish so that's not much good for Scottish competitions!

I've been going to a singing class since last September. The best bit of advice I got was that you sing best the songs that you love and that really mean something to you.

The other bit of advice I got was to listen as widely as you can to different singers and different styles of singing and that way you will find songs. I've spent the last few months listening to some of the old singers such as Lizzie Higgins and Jeannie Robertson, and current ones like Sheena Wellington, Aileen Carr, Cathal McConnell (they don't have to be women!), Stravaig and Old Blind Dogs. I've also learnt a couple of brilliant Burns songs too.

I get a lot of stuff from Edinburgh Library so it doesn't cost too much money! I will put my email address at the bottom of this so you can email me and, if you like, I could send you a tape. Or if there is something you know you want and can't get, I could see if I can get it for you.

WickedLad is right - you should try having a look at the Digitrad. There are thousands of lyrics there and a lot of them have tunes too.

Sorry this is so long! I'm off to practice my pennywhistle now.

Tracy

tboyle@btinternet.com