Gaelic and Traditional Music

Immerse yourself in a vibrant musical environment as a traditional singer or instrumentalist, and prepare yourself for a dynamic career as a Gaelic musician, with opportunities across a variety of sectors.

Benefit from the strong practical elements of this BA (Hons) Gaelic and Traditional Music course, learning from leading musicians, with frequent opportunities to perform and record both on campus and further afield. Base yourself in the heart of a Gaelic-speaking community, at our Sabhal Mòr Ostaig campus on the beautiful Isle of Skye, as you gain an outstanding education in Gaelic musical heritage within the broader context of Gaelic and related studies.

Develop a range of practical skills for solo and group performances, make important professional contacts, experience hands-on learning in our outstanding dedicated recording studio, and enjoy the incredible opportunity of studying abroad for a semester, in Canada or Ireland, in your final year.

Module outline

Year 1 - CertHE

Subjects include:

• Music performance 1 (1:1 lessons, group singing and ensemble classes)

• Theory, composing and arranging 1

• See An Cùrsa Comais (English) (An Cùrsa Comais) or Gaelic and Communication (Gàidhlig agus Conaltradh) for other modules

Year 2 - DipHE

Subjects include:

• Music performance 2 (1:1 lessons, group singing and ensemble classes)

• Theory, composing and arranging 2

• History of Gaelic music 2

Year 3 - BA

Subjects include:

• Music performance 3 (1:1 lessons and ensemble classes)

• Gaelic song 3 (group singing)

• Recording and producing

• Professional, presentational and organisational skills

Year 4 - BA (Hons)

Subjects include:

• Music performance 4 (1:1 lessons, group singing and ensemble classes)

• Themed production

• Composing and arranging portfolio

• Recording and producing

You must also complete a dissertation.

This outline reflects the modules as currently delivered and is subject to change.