Weekly Scottish music classes start again in Dundee Central Library, on Saturday 12th January 2008.

The classes are held in the beautiful surroundings of the Wighton Heritage Centre, upstairs in Dundee Library in the Wellgate Centre. The Wighton Collection, displayed in the centre, is one of the best collections of old Scottish music books in the world, with over 700 volumes preserved from up to 400 years ago.

On Tuesday afternoons from 2.oo to 3.30pm, the Scots Song class is led by well-known Dundee singer Maureen Jelks.

The instrument classes are held on Saturdays. Well-known Fife fiddler Karen Read teaches fiddle from 11.00am to 12.30pm. Dundee whistle virtuoso Helen Forbes teaches tin whistle from 12.30 to 2.00pm, and historical clarsach expert Simon Chadwick leads the harp class from 200 to 3.30pm

All of the classes are aimed at beginners, and there are instruments available to borrow – fiddles made by an old Fife violin maker are provided for beginners, and there are replicas of historical clarsachs ready for rental. Tin whistles are available for sale.

The organisers, the Friends of Wighton, are a voluntary group dedicated to making the hidden treasures of the music collection available to as many people as possible. Fees for the classes are £2 (or £1 for consessions) for the song class, and £4 (or £2.50 concessions) for the instrument classes.

There are now vacancies for all four classes, and the beginning of a new year is an ideal time to take up an new instrument or learn some traditional songs. Come along to the first classes on Saturday 12th Jan or Tuesday 15th Jan and join in the fun!

For more information see www.friendsofwighton.com or call 07792 336804

The Firends of Wighton would like to thank the Scottish Arts Council for their support.

Photo:

Clarsach teacher Simon Chadwick and song teacher Maureen Jelks in the Wighton Centre