FE Course in Traditional Music and Gaelic
Located at our Benbecula Campus, this is a strong interwoven introduction to Scottish traditional music and the Gaelic language. Students receive tuition in a wide range of topics including Gaelic Language and Song, instrumental tuition, arranging group work, music theory and digital sound recording.
Level
SCQF Level 5/6
Entry Requirements
No formal entry requirements for this course, but some previous knowledge of Gaelic and Music is desirable. Applicants will be asked for a live or taped audition.
Duration & Mode
1 Year Full-Time
Description
This practical skills-based, full-time course runs three days per week (21 credit hours). The FE Course is suitable for people wishing to increase their skills in traditional music and Scottish Gaelic. It is a unique and excellent choice for someone looking to take a year out to soak up the culture, music, and language of the Western Isles. Whilst flexible enough to challenge the most skilled musicians and Gaelic speakers, it also provides supportive learning experiences for those completely new to Gaelic and traditional music (click here for a list of our tutors).
Course Features
- Increase skills and knowledge in Scottish traditional music performance, practice, and theory.
- Increasing fluency and usage in Scottish Gaelic, with learning grounded in the oral traditions of Gaelic Scotland.
- Present the different strands of the programme in as interconnected a manner as possible.
- Enable students to begin to produce and create music using digital recording technology.
- Provide students with a solid preparation in traditional music and Gaelic language that could be used for vocational development or other courses at Higher Education (HE) level.
- Two hours of dedicated studio time per week.
Gaelic Language Tuition
- Combined instruction by qualified teacher native to Uist and postgraduate linguist.
- Eight hours of Gaelic classes per week.
- Suitable for all levels of speakers.
- Focus on natural, spoken Gaelic as used in the community.
- Language learning grounded in folklore, oral history and traditions of the Uists.
- Accommodation available in the community with native speakers.
Access and Making an Application
Some previous knowledge of music and Scottish Gaelic is preferable, but not required. Entrance is by interview and recorded audition (4-6 minutes, showing a diversity of tune or song types, keys and technique). Students with little or no musical experience may apply, but will be expected to provide evidence that they have aptitude for the subject.
Applications may be downloaded here or may be requested by contacting the college on 01851 770 500 or at music@lews.uhi.ac.uk To guarantee consideration, prospective students should have their applications posted by the 1st of June.
Course Code: LEFEMUSICF
Progression
Students interested in pursuing Gaelic studies should consider the
courses at Lews Castle College’s Stornoway Campus and Sabhal Mòr
Ostaig, which are both part of the UHI Millennium Institute network
offering Gaelic-medium degree and immersion courses. Edinburgh, Glasgow
and Aberdeen University all offer Celtic Studies degrees, with Scottish
Gaelic a core part of their programmes.
The Royal
Scottish Academy of Music and Drama offers a 4 year degree in
traditional music.
Campus
Benbecula
