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Introduction to Scottish Gaelic for Singing Harpers |
All Levels
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No |
Scottish Gaelic song literature is one of the richest sources of material for both singers and harpers. The differences in the way Gaelic and English use letters to
represent sounds, however, presents a barrier. In this workshop, Seumas will introduce you to pronouncing the Gaelic from the printed page. Participants will come away with a solid understanding of how Gaelic represents its sounds in writing, and will learn the refrain of a popular Gaelic song using their new knowledge. |
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What Kind of Song Is That? |
All Levels
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No |
There are many different kinds of Scottish Gaelic songs. Participants in this workshop will sample one of each and learn to tell the difference. Help and advice on arranging the different forms will also be presented. |
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Four Great Gaelic Songs for Every Harper |
Intermediate
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Yes |
In this workshop, participants will learn the melodies, suggested chords, and the words of the refrain to four great Scottish Gaelic songs. Prior attendance at Introduction to Scottish Gaelic For Singing Harpers would be very helpful. |
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Waulking Songs on the Harp |
Intermediate
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Yes |
The Scottish Gaelic song literature boasts several unique song forms; waulking songs among them. In this workshop, participants will learn a few of the traditions around this ancient tradition of wool milling and learn the refrains and melodies of several songs to take back to their harps. |
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Rocking the Background |
Intermediate
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Yes |
In this workshop we will use a variety of non-paper-based methods of learning rhythms and chord progressions to accompany one reel and one jig. You'll be able to do it for reel at the end! (pardon the pun) |
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Cape Breton Fiddle Tunes on the Harp |
Advanced
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Yes |
A great source of dance tunes that are playable on the harp is the literature of Cape Breton fiddlers. In this workshop, advanced players will learn several Cape Breton tunes of difference types that Seumas learned from the playing of Wendy MacIsaac. |
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Play Puirt-a-Beul on Your Harp |
Advanced
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Yes |
Puirt-a-Beul (mouth tunes) are a vocal dance music, corresponding to their instrumental counterparts, the jig, reel, strathspey, march and others. The melodies of many of these lively tunes make great harp pieces. In this workshop we will learn the melodies of several puirt-a-beul and ways to make them into harp-friendly arrangements. |
I am a flexible teacher who mixes humour, cultural and historical context in with technical information about whatever subject I am teaching. I am of the firm opinion that if you don't laugh, you don't learn. Crying is also encouraged when appropriate.