THE COLLEGE OF PIPING-GAELIC SINGING WORKSHOP-JULY, 2008

SCOTTISH GAELIC  &  SCOTS-ENGLISH SONG    (all levels of experience welcome)

Instructor: Patricia Murray,  Prince Edward Island

2008 dates:  Tuesday – Thursday, July 15-17, July 22-24, July 29-31  

Hours of Instruction:  3:30 – 5PM

Tuition Fee:  $100

Song lyrics will be provided, but participants are encouraged to bring a pen/pencil.

 
Join award-winning Gaelic singer, Patricia Murray, for a fun & relaxed session on Scottish Gaelic song.  The class will focus on several styles of Gaelic song and the approach to learning songs in another language. Special attention will be given to songs traditional to Prince Edward Island.  All levels and ages are welcome - no previous Gaelic instruction is necessary! 

Instructor’s Biography

To hear Prince Edward Island's Patricia Murray is a rare opportunity to experience one of the world's foremost Gaelic and traditional singers.

Her powerful and captivating voice, which earned her one of Scotland's most prestigious Gaelic singing award, continues to touch listeners worldwide.

Whether performing for an audience in a small hall or a large outdoor venue, Patricia creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere.  Her comfortable manner and compelling stage presence, added to the sweetness of her voice, makes for a truly memorable music experience. 

Patricia traveled to Scotland over the years studying the Gaelic songs from world-renowned singers such as Christine Primrose and Findlay MacNeill, and attending Gaelic Immersion courses on the Isle of Skye at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig.  Learning about her own Scottish ancestors who settled on the Island and the legacy of their language, customs and history has had a strong significance to Patricia. 

By earning a degree in music from Dalhousie University and a Celtic studies degree from the University of Toronto, Patricia has linked the two passions in her life.  Her involvement with the College of Piping in Summerside and the Gaelic community in Nova Scotia has fostered her interest in the connection of language and music found on the Island and the East Coast of Canada. 

Patricia performs, teaches and conducts workshops across the country based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. She is also a member of tuig (Gaelic for “to understand”), the fastest rising Irish/ Celtic group in the Canadian Maritime Provinces, working on their first full-length album. 

In Summer of 2008, she reprises her role in the College of Piping’s Summer Concert Series, Highland Storm – Maiden from the Sea performing with the instructors and students.

Patricia’s most recent achievements:

Winner of the prestigious Silver Pendant Award at the Royal National Gaelic Mod (Inverness, Scotland), becoming the first Canadian to take top honors in Gaelic singing. 2006 Winner Roots/Traditional Artist of the Year, Prince Edward Island Music Awards.

Featured performer on television program, “Celtic Angels at Christmas”, aired nationally with Scottish Gaelic singer, Maggie MacInnes & East Coast performers.  One of the featured musicians in the project, “The New Tunemakers” at the International Celtic Colours Festival in Cape Breton with 10 composers from Scotland and Canada.