New Manx music tutorial videos

New Manx music tutorial videos

Fri, 28 Aug 2020

The first of a new collection of traditional music video tutorials has been launched by Culture Vannin. Part of the Treisht lockdown initiative (Manx Gaelic for ‘hope’), seven established musicians were invited to share their technical knowledge and create instruction films teaching a selection of Manx songs and tunes. As well as Gaelic songs for children and advanced singers, there are Manx tune tutorials for fiddle, whistle and harp.

Whistle and flute player Peddyr Cubberley was one of the successful applicants. A renowned performer and composer, Peddyr plays with Mactullagh Vannin, the Peddyr Trad Trio, Croan y Tead, and he is also a founding member of the Tarroo Marroo Ceili Band. He is particularly well known for his tune “Kinnoull”, which has become an international hit performed at the Royal Edinburgh Tattoo. Peddyr said; “I would like to thank Culture Vannin for the opportunity to get involved in playing a further part in helping to keep our traditional Manx culture alive, and to help make it further available by way of the Treisht tutorials.”

For his videos, he chose to firstly teach the beginners’ staple, “Smuggler’s Lullaby”, and his own composition, “Nelson’s Tonic”; a simple tune which has gained popularity in recent years after its inclusion on Barrule’s self-titled album. Then he also teaches the reel “Eunyssagh Vona” and jig “Ben Rein y Voaldyn” step-by-step for those wishing to accompany Manx dancing or play in sessions.

Dr Chloë Woolley, Manx Music Development Officer, explained the background of the project: “Lockdown was an ideal time to draw upon the talents of self-employed musicians while they weren’t busy gigging or teaching, and take the opportunity to add to the growing bank of teaching resources for Manx music. The collection includes a range of tunes and songs for various abilities and ages, and the videos should appeal to anyone interested in adding some Manx music to their repertoire, but also to more advanced students who want to learn tunes by ear to play in sessions or to accompany dancing. There is a rising interest in the culture of the Isle of Man internationally, and having these bespoke lessons available online will help us take Manx music even further around the globe.”

Manx song and tune video tutorials are also being produced by Ruth Keggin, Phil Gawne, Beccy Hurst, Isla Callister, Mera Royle and Laura Rowles, and they will begin to be released over the coming weeks. David Kilgallon and Rory Murphy have both created a variety of instrumental backing tracks which will be freely available for non-commercial use very soon, and David Rowles is also producing audio files to aid learners with the “Steady as she Goes” Manx music session sets.

The instruction videos by Peddyr Cubberley are available here:

Manx Whistle Lessons