Our style - Open format:

Living Tradition Summer Schools are structured around what we call an ‘open format’, which does not restrict you to a single class subject, but allows you to create your own curriculum and take as many classes as there are periods in the day. This structure gives you considerable flexibility, and is an essential element of the programme’s character and appeal.

The mornings tend to be the time when you focus on a particular class and teaching tends to be more structured. In the afternoons, classes tend to be less structured and more 'social'. The programme for these afternoon sessions is less fixed with some of the options often being decided the day before in response to student feedback.

The evenings each feature a concert followed by late sessions and 'slow sessions'. Although these are not part of the formal teaching, the opportunities to learn and to contribute are endless.

The 'menu' for the day is available each day at breakfast. You will find that you are never short of things to do.

The range of classes caters for family participation, allowing some people to get specialised intensive tuition and others to have a more general experience.

The following is a reasonable indication of the range of classes planned.

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Instrument Classes: Guitar, Whistle, Fiddle, Mandolin, Clarsach, Pipes, Accordion, Harmonica, Piano, Bass.

Song Classes: Scots and Gaelic Song, Harmony singing, Gospel Choir, Vocal styles, The Blues

Songwriting & Performance: Songwriting, Performance workshops

Dance: Step and Clog dancing, Ceilidh Dancing

The Spoken Word: Story Telling, Introduction to the Gaelic language

Visual Arts and Crafts: Watercolour Painting, Sketching, Weaving, Felting, Decorative Leather work.

Music Technology: Sound systems and recording techniques, Photography, Video.

Human Arts & Special Gatherings: The Search for Common Ground, Everyday Non-violence, Gospel choir.

Local History and Cultural visits:

'Children Among Us'

Secondary focus:

Each week has a PRIMARY FOCUS and a range of options as an alternative or as a secondary focus. The secondary focus during the various weeks includes some selection from:

Music technology
Sound and recording technology
Storytelling
Painting
Creative writing
Photography
Various specific instrument, vocal, art and craft workshops.

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This is not a definitive list. Not all the courses run in every week. Contact us for available options.

Many of the courses have a practical element and performance is a key element. Opportunities to develop these skills are built into the courses and every week includes some opportunity for public performance or exhibition.

Typical day schedule

The table below shows a typical daily schedule for 1 week