This class allows Accordion Learners to work on a selection of popular tunes on the right hand keyboard. An introduction to the bass keyboard will also be included – working towards playing a few simple tunes with both hands together.

Skill Level required : Easy – i.e. class members should already be able to play a couple of easy tunes on the right hand. RCS Graded Exam levels approx Prelim – Grade 1

Delivery: Weekly Zoom sessions with video and written resources provided before each class, plus the opportunity for 1:1 sessions
Day/Time:  Wednesday 7-8.15pm
Maximum class size: 15
Tutor: Matthew Maclennan

A continuation from last year’s 5-string banjo class and so aimed at those with at least two years’ experience playing clawhammer/frailing banjo (please contact the tutor via the Office if unsure about the style). We will continue our exploration into the role of the banjo in old time music with occasional detours into other genres. New techniques will be introduced to help add musicality to our playing as we start to tackle more complex tunes and song arrangements. To get the most out of this class, you should be comfortable with the fundamental clawhammer rhythm hand technique and have some experience of both double and drop thumbing. You should also have a basic familiarity with two common tunings (open G and double C).

Delivery: The class will be delivered via a mixture of pre-recorded video, live Zoom sessions (arrangement tbc depending on group size) and accompanying written learning materials. There will also be the option for short 1:1 sessions, again via Zoom, to allow more detailed feedback to be provided to students.
Day/Time: Wednesday 7-8pm
Maximum class size: 12
Tutor: Michael Starkey

For people that have been playing for at least one year and have some experience of learning tunes by ear. We will focus on:

• Learning new tunes by ear
• Looking at some new key signatures, notes, time signatures, and rhythms
• Learning new scales and arpeggios
• Getting a nicer overall sound and tone
• Perfecting general technique
• Looking at some basic bowing and ornaments

Delivery: 1.5 hour Zoom sessions with 10 minute break, followed by an email with a summary of the lesson and three recordings of any new tunes at different speeds. All recordings and other materials will be available via Google Drive.
Day/Time: Thursday 7-8.30pm
Maximum class size: 15
Tutor: Eryn Rae

Suitable for people with around 2 years’ playing experience. We will cover:

• Improve tone and bow control
• Explore new key and time signatures
• Expand our knowledge of the stylistic elements of Scottish fiddle music
• Introduce using grace notes and embellishment in our playing
• Begin to think about grouping tunes into ‘sets’
• Build on confident, tension free playing
• Have fun while doing all of the above!

Delivery: 1 hour 15 mins class via Zoom, with tune breakdown, sheet music & technique videos provided following each class via Dropbox.
Day/Time: Thursday 7-8.15pm
Maximum class size: 15
Tutor: Kirstie Mclanaghan

For improvers who have played for around 3 years already. Building on basic skills and knowledge, this class will cover:

• How fiddle tunes are structured
• Technical work and how it relates to tune playing
• Some music theory, as it relates to quicker learning
• Different bowing patterns
• Different styles of ornamentation
• Comparing and contrasting Scottish and other traditional fiddle styles
• Building confidence playing and performing
• Exploring multiple options within fiddle tunes

Delivery:  1h 15min Zoom sessions plus extra resources
Day/Time: Thursday 7-8.15pm
Maximum class size: 15
Tutor: Marit Fält

The class will focus on improving technique, including intonation, tone and bowing, and building confidence in your playing.

• Playing in a range of keys, including more challenging keys
• Using ornamentation, ringing strings and different bowing styles
• Learning more quickly by ear
• Playing up to speed

Delivery: a weekly group Zoom session (1 hr -1 hr 15 mins) which includes some 1:1 time, plus tuition videos and resources sent out to learn in advance.
Time: Thursday 7.30-8.30pm
Class Size: 15
Tutor: Sally Simpson

For people who have been playing for around 6 years or more and are confident learning quickly by ear.

Delivery: 1hr Zoom sessions plus additional resources
Day/Time: Online Zoom sessions on Thursdays from 7pm
Maximum class size: 15
Tutor: Luisa Brown

For people who have been playing for around 6 years or more and are confident learning quickly by ear.

The class aims to build on your repertoire, learning how tunes can be used (e.g. playing for dancing) and focusing on more complex keys and positions and unusual tunes. We will work on advanced technique, bowing and ornamentation, the understanding of regional styles and the development of your own style. Learn a range of traditional and more contemporary tunes commonly heard in traditional music sessions around Scotland.

Delivery: 1-hour online Zoom sessions plus extra resources
Day/Time: Thursday 7-8pm
Maximum class size: 15
Tutor: Eilidh Steel

For players with several years’ experience. We will look at getting to know the guitar neck better, tunes and songs, rhythm work, chords and inversions. The focus will be on flat-picking traditional dance tunesand contemporary tunes in the traditional idiom.You should know these open string chords: C A G E D; Am, Em, Dm; A7, D7, E7, B7

Day/Time: Thursday 7-8pm
Maximum class size: 15
Tutor: David Francis

Suitable for any instrument. Over the term the class will build up a repertoire of session tunes.

Learn to play music in arrangements with other people. We’ll create our own arrangements of a variety of traditional tunes together. All instruments welcome. For people who have been playing for a year or more. Music for this class will be available from Nigel’s website. A link will be available nearer the start of term. sessions with a 5 minute break in between.  Students will have access to a shared Google Drive folder, containing lesson material in PDF format, as well as video demonstrations.

Delivery: Online Zoom sessions
Day/Time: Wednesday 10.15am-12pm
Maximum class size: 39
Tutor: Nigel Gatherer

All instruments welcome. During these Zoom sessions, we will focus on a variety of tunes and look at how to form arrangements from the ground up. Some theory knowledge will be covered during this process: choosing appropriate chords; finding a suitable rhythmic feel; and creating harmony lines. Skills you can hopefully apply to all your other playing! For those who already feel comfortable with their instrument. Tuition will be by ear with written music & recordings provided. While learning remotely, hopefully we can create a recording together of some tunes and I will keep the process as simple as possible.

For smallpipers who are confident in basic fingering and playing tunes. Learning by ear is encouraged and the tools for this will be provided, but manuscript will also be available for all the tunes. We will look at technique throughout the weeks and also end with 2/3 sets, where the tunes all work well together. You should have a set of smallpipes in A to bring to the class.

For smallpipers with several years’ experience, confident in fingering and with a good basic repertoire of more complex tunes. We will develop your technique and phrasing, harmonising and playing with other instruments in various keys. The class will look at improving rhythm and getting tunes up to speed, working towards playing more confidently by ear.

A friendly, relaxed singing group who enjoy learning folk songs from across Scotland and beyond. Online sessions will include gentle vocal exercises and the chance to sing a wide range of traditional and contemporary folk music. This group is suitable for complete beginners as well as experienced singers, with the opportunity to sing in harmony and to work at a pace which suits you.

Delivery: 1.5 hour Zoom session which can be accessed online or by phone
Time: Wednesday 10.30am-12pm
Maximum class size: 39
Tutor: Robyn Stapleton

This class is aimed at improving beginners to improving intermediate players.  As a minimum, you should already be familiar with how your instrument works and be able to tune it yourself prior to class.  You should be comfortable playing and changing between the basic ukulele chords in the keys of C, D, G and A, and have a basic understanding of strumming different beats and rhythms.  You will learn and play with other people at a comfortable pace in a friendly and encouraging environment.

While classes are online, Colin is running a free session for more experienced ukulele players on Thursday evenings. Zoom opens at 7.15pm for a 7.30pm start & ends at 9.00pm.  Any Wednesday student can join this session if they want to and are able to play or learn the session repertoire.

Delivery: 2 hour online Zoom session
Day/Time: Wednesday 7.15-9pm
Maximum class size: 29
Tutor: Colin Graham

This class is aimed at students with some experience, who are keen to develop their repertoire and learn some basic gracings. We will develop upon the basic understanding of the tin whistle, taking players into a slightly more diverse and technical tune territory, while moving at a pace suited to all involved. Some straightforward traditional music will be introduced along with some contemporary melodies, with opportunities for students to make suggestions.

Delivery:Music and a tune tutorial video will be issued prior to the class. The video will include the tune broken down into phrases, as well as a slow and faster version of the tune. There will be a Zoom class for 1 hour to consolidate learning and address tricky areas!