Music
by mygaelic.com
- BeurlaEnglish
- Gàidhlig ShìmplidhSimple Gaelic
- GàidhligGaelic
Scotland’s music is vibrant, varied and a cornerstone of the country’s culture. Where then, does Gaelic music, or ceòl Gàidhlig, sit within the Scottish music scene? The answer is anywhere and pretty much everywhere, as Gaelic music and Scottish music cannot be easily separated. Anyone who is a Gaelic singer or musician is likely to have been influenced by Scottish music, and many well-known Scottish musicians have been influenced by Gaelic music, especially when it comes to traditional music. Gaelic music, whether it be punk, rock or piping, cements communities and enthrals sell-out international concerts. It knows no boundaries.
As well as producing top international performers, Gaelic music has a massive impact at the grass-roots level in communities across Scotland. Scottish music festivals of all sizes seem to bristle with Gaelic performers, and a remarkable movement which began in the 1980s has produced a generation of talented Gaelic musicians. The Fèisean (the Gaelic word for festivals) began in Barra in 1981 where organisers feared that children were in danger of losing touch with Gaelic culture and arts. From this first Fèis (Festival) sprang a national community of teaching festivals under the guidance of Fèisean nan Gàidheal (The Festivals of the Gaels). More than 40 such teaching festivals or Fèisean now teach children singing, various instruments and many other skills, and Gaelic is very much at the heart of much of what they do.
At the top of the Gaelic festival tree sits the Mòd, or Am Mòd Nàiseanta Rìoghail (the Royal National Mod). The Mod needs little introduction as the premier festival of traditional Gaelic music and arts, where people come together to celebrate Gaelic culture. For a week each year, Gaels and people with an interest in Gaelic, young and old, unite to promote and take part in singing, music, drama and many other competitions and events. If you want an instant immersion in Gaelic culture, the Mod is the place to go.
From intimate traditional ceilidhs to Celtic Connections, there’s a lot happening in Gaelic music, and new talent continues to emerge each year. If you want to be involved or hear some Gaelic music, now is the time. You could add your voice to Gaelic music.
Artists
Traditional Music Courses
Plockton - The National Centre of Excellence in Traditional Music
RSAMD- BA Scottish Music
Sabhal Mòr Ostaig - BA Gaelic and Traditional Music
Sabhal Mòr Ostaig - short courses in traditional music
Lews Castle College UHI (Benbecula) - FE Course in Traditional Music with Gaelic
General
Gaelic Music - An introduction to Gaelic song
Footstompin - Website for Scottish traditional music and much more
Màiri Mhòr Gaelic Song Fellowship
