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Gaelic Song Class
Bria’s Gaelic Song class has been running since 2018. Students learn one song per week, chosen from a variety of eras and genres. Bria discusses the literary context of the song as well as going over pronunciation, translation, and grammar points (and of course the tune!). The final class is a sing-through of all the songs learned during the term.
The class is ideal for Gaelic learners, but anyone with an interest in the material is very welcome, even if you have no Gaelic! It’s a relaxed, quirky, friendly class.
Course times/dates:
10:30-12:00 on Fridays
27 September
4, 11, 25 October
8, 15, 22, 29 November
6 December
(Note no class on 18 Oct or 1 Nov)Classes: 9
Venue: Online via Zoom
Course fee: £81
Minimum registration: The course will run with a minimum of four students.
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Gaelic Improvers (online)
Join a small but keen group of international Gaelic learners in improving your beginner Gaelic skills.
This course addresses a variety of topics, with both grammar learning and some conversation. It’s tailored to the interests and skills of the group of learners taking part.
Please get in touch if you have questions about your level or the level of the course.
Course times/dates:
19:00-20:00 (Scotland) on Wednesdays
25 September
2, 9, 23 October
6, 13, 20, 27 November
4 December
(Note no class on 16 or 30 October)Classes: 9
Venue: Online via Zoom
Course fee: £72
Minimum registration: The course will run with a minimum of four students.
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How to Learn a Gaelic Song
Gaelic has a rich and beautiful song tradition. Singing Gaelic songs can be very rewarding, but it can also be overwhelming when first starting out. This course on how to learn Gaelic songs aims to equip you with the tools you need to explore this tradition and get the most out of your singing. The course will be run online over three sessions, with gaps between sessions to give you time to go and put what you’ve learned into practice.
We’ll use a few songs as case studies throughout the course as we move through each session. We’ll start with how to select a song and explore its context, followed by a session on looking at the song itself and how to approach the words, metre, rhythm, and melody. Our final session will look at interpreting the song and how to honour the tradition while making it your own. Participants will be encouraged to prepare their own songs in tandem with the course.
It is not necessary to have any Gaelic to take part in the course, but being on a Gaelic learning path will be helpful. This course won't teach you any particular Gaelic song - rather, it will give you the tools and inspiration to explore and learn Gaelic songs of your choice in future.
The course is suitable for beginners or for those who wish to think about their learning and singing process in more depth.
Course times/dates:
Mondays 19:00-20:30
23 September
7 October
21 October
Venue: Online via Zoom
Course fee: £60
Minimum registration: The course will run with a minimum of four students.
What Bria’s students say:
“Our classes with Bria are fun and stimulating. She encourages and is sensitive to our learning needs. A very creative teacher, full of ideas to help me learn.”
“Learning Gaelic with Bria is really good fun – and challenging. Bria has the knack of pitching lessons at the right level for the class in front of her. She is a very patient, supportive and encouraging teacher and she chooses a variety of activities, exercises, song and reading to make her lessons lively and interesting in order to help her students progress.”
“Bria has been my teacher for four years now in person and, throughout the pandemic, on Zoom. I started with no knowledge of Gaelic, but she has taught, encouraged, enthused and supported me so well that I will sit the Advanced Higher Gaelic exam next spring. Tapadh leat.”