Training Plan
Fèisean nan Gàidheal supports a training plan for staff, tutors, organisers and volunteers. This plan, consisting of a range of one or two day courses, or longer courses provided by external agencies for which financial assistance is available, encourages continuing professional development and assists the professionalisation of a largely voluntary workforce throughout its membership. Fèisean nan Gàidheal employs a Training Development Officer whose time is divided between FnG and the Traditional Music Tutor Training Network.
Every year, a calendar of training events is organised for the Fèisean with relevant courses on administration, culture, discipline-specific and statutory training in a way that is attractive and fun where possible.
Among the courses which run regularly is the Tutor Training course, where participants are given guidance on planning, running and teaching classes with information on health and safety, child protection, professional methods and requirements, and the importance of being a good role-model. Also, there are courses for fèis organisers and committees where local training can be delivered on matters of importance and relevance to them, and discipline-specific cultural courses where experts will be recruited to teach a particular topic in detail, such as "The Gesto Collection" by Keith Norman MacDonald, where in addition to learning the tunes and words, the historical context and background to the works may be given. Gaelic language is an important part of the Fèis experience, and assistance is given to those wanting to learn or improve their skills in this area.
Funding for these courses comes from the Scottish Arts Council, the E U, the local authorities, HIE and from Fèisean nan Gàidheal itself.
It is encouraging to see the high regard in which Fèisean nan Gàidheal Training is held throughout the traditional music sector. The Level 1 and 2 Tutor Training Workshops are held up as an example of good practice, and are used as a model within other tuition-based organisations. The annual February workshops run at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig are well-attended both by Fèis tutors and by tutors with other organisations.
With the SQA-validated Certificate in Music Tuition now in the catalogue, local FE colleges throughout Scotland are being encouraged to offer this professional development award, the design and implementation of which was led by Fèisean nan Gàidheal.
Discipline-specific workshops have continued in various locations, providing existing tutors with additional repertoire and placing the material in context, as well as the chance of a "masterclass" experience from foremost performers in the Gaelic traditional genre, and a programme of training events is widely publicised, covering a wide range of tutor, organiser and participant training, most of which is available to the general public.
