For years the classical guitar has been one of the most popular solo instruments to feature at weddings as it has a subtle and atmospheric sound as well as being a lively and extrovert instrument.
As the famous classical guitarist Andres Segovia once put it the guitar is like “an orchestra in a Box”. As far as solo Instruments go the classical guitar can do it all.
Read MoreI was fascinated by the songs and folklore, the traditions, reinventions and everything in between. I had been thinking it would be great if there were an independent record label in Scotland representing my specific musical palette, while providing a platform for these underground roots artists who may be escaping notoriety.
It was essentially a vehicle for releasing records I wanted to own and putting on gigs I wanted to go to. I convinced the first bands I could deliver results through little else but passion, determination and graft.
Read MoreWe are not hired to take over your wedding plans, unless you of course you just want to show up, although the main decisions will still remain a personal choice. We are there to provide a wealth of experience in terms of supplier knowledge and the ‘how-tos’. How to budget, how to create a timeline of your wedding day, how to design stationery, how to manage your guest list and how to bring every single aspect together in order to create a seamless celebration.
Read MoreExciting things happened at the weekend!
We were lucky enough to have two of our concert acts, Heron Valley and Abigail Pryde, pre - record as part of the TIDES Digital Music Festival going live 27th March. Being a significant area for both Heron Valley and Abigail, it was great for them to return for one of their first performances of the year.
This opportunity has arisen in response to the cultural-economic impact of COVID - 19 and sees CHARTS, Dunoon Burgh Hall and Live Argyll partner up to create a unique event showcasing musicians from Argyll and the surrounding area.
Read MoreThere are obvious favourites when it comes to video conferencing platforms but they, for the most part, offer similar tools and features that are handy for instrumental lessons. The ability to watch, listen and share materials within the platform with a student has been a great help when I’ve wanted to supplement lessons with online resources. Over the year I have found ways to upgrade my lesson set up with additional microphone placements and camera angles which I hope have been of benefit to my students… although there is still plenty to experiment with.
Read MoreThe harp, often referred to by its Gaelic name Clàrsach, has a rich history in Scotland spanning over a millennium. There is even some evidence to suggest that the global origins of the triangular framed harp are in Scotland. From its earliest iterations in Scottish society the harp has regularly been involved in celebration, ceremony and storytelling. The medium sized instrument played today by traditional Scottish harp players is a Victorian invention, with close links to the large pedal harp used in classical music. The medium-sized instrument used in Scottish traditional music today is a ‘lever harp’ as opposed to the larger pedal harp seen in classical music.
Read MoreNothing screams classy more than a Bagpiper at your wedding! If that hasn’t already convinced you then have a read of 2021 guide to booking a Bagpiper for your wedding.
Typically a Bagpiper will play outside the church or registry as you, your partner and guests arrive. Other possibilities include playing at the reception, playing you or your partner down the aisle, playing for wedding photos and many more!
Read MoreA Ceilidh is a traditional dance found in Scotland, Ireland throughout America and more. Ceilidh dancing is a great way to bring families together, break the ice and get a work out all at the same time. Bands come in all sort of sizes and styles but typically you will have instruments such as Fiddle or Bagpipes playing a selection of Jigs, Reels, Polkas, Slides and Hornpipes accompanied by Guitar, Piano, Drummer or Bodhran player. Don’t worry if you are not a seasoned dancer, our bands will always talk you through the dances and maybe even join in!
Read MoreI was seeing the opportunities pour out for the graduating class of 2020 but the industry forgot about those who had just recently graduated and were getting their feet in the door. One thing about the arts is that only a lucky few are plucked straight out of training and into work. We forget the many creatives who take on various jobs just to make ends meet or to keep them going to pay for auditions and travel. We put on a pedestal the ones with the money but forget that not everyone gets in the door straightaway.
Read MoreI learned to refine my skills studying classical music, but trad music has taken me places I literally never thought I’d see. Music has brought people into my life I’ll never forget and has shaped who I am.
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