Growing demand for Gaelic leads to a call for more tutors

Oide, which means tutor in Gaelic, was launched in May 2020 by Fèisean nan Gàidheal in a bid to support people, of all ages, with their learning and practicing of traditional music and Gaelic skills at home.

The online music tuition service started with more than 70 video lessons in accordion, fiddle, chanter, clarsach and Gaelic song, in both Gaelic and English, and to date over 900 people from across the world have accessed the lessons.

Fèisean nan Gàidheal is now looking to expand the offering to include lessons in tin whistle, melodeon, step dance, guitar and Gaelic drama.

Oide allows users to access a range of pre-recorded tuition videos at beginner, intermediate and advanced levels from a range of experienced traditional musicians and Gaelic singers.

Tutors so far have included accordionist Ian Smith from popular folk band, Trail West, fiddler Robbie Greig, who plays with electronic folk bank, INYAL, and Gaelic singers James Graham, Eilidh Cormack, a member of Gaelic vocal harmony group, Sian, in addition to Deirdre Graham.

When the new service was launched last year, Fèisean nan Gàidheal made the decision to offer all of the Oide content for free whilst Lockdown restrictions are in place during the Global pandemic.

The service runs via the Gaelic arts organisation’s FèisTV platform. FèisTV was launched by Fèisean nan Gàidheal with support from Bòrd na Gàidhlig and HIE, to allow people across the world to experience events streamed from Fèisean, the Blas Festival and other performances in which it is involved, as well as providing the dedicated online traditional music tuition service, Oide.

Calum Alex Macmillan, Development Manager, Fèisean nan Gàidheal, told the Gazette: “The demand for Oide during lockdown and the feedback from the learners, parents and teachers has been really positive and we are delighted to now be extending the service with more music and Gaelic language sessions for people to benefit from and enjoy.

“We are seeking proposals to deliver online music tuition lessons for a range of traditional instruments and Gaelic song, both from Gaelic speaking tutors who would be able to deliver music lessons in Gaelic and music tutors who could deliver lessons in English.

"We are so fortunate that we have many fantastic traditional music tutors across the country and we would like to work with them at a time when the demand for learning these various skills is continuing to grow and shows no signs of slowing down.”

For more information on the tender process, or for an informal discussion about what may be required, interested parties should contact Calum Alex Macmillan, Fèisean nan Gàidheal Development Manager, by email at: [email protected].

More information can also be found at the website: www.feisean.org. All proposals should be submitted by Friday, February 26 via email to: [email protected].