Gaelic Music Course: Background Information An Duilleag Seo 'sa Ghàidhlig

Now in the second half of our successful first year, the Diploma in Gaelic Language and Music is ready to begin setting its sights on 2001-2002. We currently have 14 students on our National Certificate (NC) programme from as nearby as the neighbouring island to as far away as Oregon and Boulder, USA. These 'pioneers' have helped us fine-tune our ground-breaking curriculum which takes an integrative, community-based approach to the language and traditional music of the Scottish Gaeltachd. With our first public concert just behind us now, there is no doubt as to their progress as instrumentalists, arrangers, and singers. It was fantastic to see how much they have all developed!

If you are interested in this kind of course, which provides expert music and language tuition on Uist, a Gaelic-speaking group of islands famous for its bards, pipers, and singers, please read on. Below, you will find a summary of the course and the highlights of each subject area.

Course Brief The Diploma in Gaelic Language and Music is designed to focus on the skills that have played a part in the traditional Hebridean cèilidh—an informal house gathering where friends and family would take part in stories, songs, dance, and music. The cèilidh as a cultural institution is now, sadly, mostly a thing of the past, but the language, folklore and music of the islands continue to live on. The Diploma in Gaelic Language and Music is committed to passing on these traditions through a teaching staff made up of native tradition bearers, expert language teachers, and world-class traditional musicians. This Uist-based core group is complemented by four visiting lecturers throughout the year.

Course Highlights: Music Private tuition by recognised professional musicians on pipes, flute, fiddle, whistle, accordion, and bouzouki Digital recording studio Arranging classes and ensemble work Background and history of traditional music Music theory: how to read music; how to use chords; composition Scottish step dance Marketing and promoting workshops

Gaelic Song Taught by native Uist tradition bearers A wide range of song types including waulking songs, port-a-beul (mouth music), ancient ballads, local songs, and laments Background and history Development of Gaelic proficiency through song Song arrangement and instrumental backing

Gaelic Language Combined instruction by qualified teacher native to Uist and postgraduate linguists Focus on natural, spoken Gaelic as used in the community Language lab facilities Fluent speakers follow individual programme in oral tradition collecting, research and performance Language learning grounded on folklore, oral history and traditions of the Uists Accommodation available in Gaelic-speaking community

Return to Home Page

About LCC Courses Staff Students Online Services Library Contact Us Help

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lews Castle College · Stornoway · Isle of Lewis HS2 0XR · Tel: +44 (0)1851 770000 · Fax: +44 (0)1851 770001 Email:Admin Office Copyright © 2001, Lews Castle College