Under the banner of FèisTV, with funding from Bòrd na Gàidhlig, Creative Scotland, Highlands & Islands Enterprise and the Scottish Government, new traditional music lessons, at different levels, have been added to Oide (Gaelic for tutor), Fèisean nan Gàidheal’s online traditional music lessons service.
26 new courses in Gaelic and English are available to support learners of the language and fluent Gaelic speakers. Added to existing lessons, there are now further accordion, fiddle and Gaelic song lessons as well as some in guitar, step-dance and tin whistle.
The lessons, which are suitable for all ages and abilities, are led by some of the most experienced traditional music tutors in Scotland, including Angus MacKenzie, Deirdre Graham, Chloë Bryce, Grant MacFarlane, Ron Jappy, Rachel Hair, Calum McIlroy and Ainsley Hamill.
Fèisean nan Gàidheal’s Chief Executive, Arthur Cormack, said: “During the covid lockdowns Oide was offered free while people were isolating and looking for ways to pass the time. In broadening the lessons on offer, and to ensure artists had employment, we commissioned a new range of lessons and are delighted to make them available for the first time during Seachdain na Gàidhlig (World Gaelic Week) and free until the beginning of April.”
The new Oide resources were launched at a Fèis Day on Saturday where some of the tutors involved delivered lessons to young people as part of Fèisean nan Gàidheal’s programme of events to celebrate Seachdain na Gàidhlig.
With more than 270 video lessons now at levels appropriate for beginners, intermediate and advanced learners, this resource will provide something for everyone wishing to get involved in learning the disciplines available.
The Oide video lessons can be found online at tv.feisean.org.
