New traditional music workshop set up in Glasgow by Mid Argyll fiddler
A LOCHGILPHEAD woman is at the centre of one of Glasgow’s newest traditional music workshops.
Mairi Voinot, 22, is one of five tutors who will host workshops in Scottish fiddle, cello and guitar during the day, while also giving people the opportunity to join in or to just simply enjoy live sessions in the heart of Glasgow. The String School workshop will be topped off with an evening concert and ceilidh showcasing the incredibly talented professional tutors.
Mairi, who is organising the workshop as well as teaching and performing at it, said: ‘As a full-time musician who has tutored before, I thought it was time to start up my own teaching event. All of the other tutors I have asked to join me have been my inspiration through the years, so to be able to work with them now as a tutor myself is a true honour.’
From a young age, Mairi was introduced to the fiddle and traditional Gaelic music by her musical neighbour, Archie MacAllister, who sparked Mairi’s passion for traditional music.
She commented: ‘Archie was a great tutor and encouraged me to attend various workshops. From then on I have travelled all over Scotland, America and Spain to play the fiddle.’
Inspired
The String School isn’t the first music workshop she has organised. Before Mairi left Lochgilphead to study at the University of the Highlands and Islands, she taught private lessons and also ran a fiddle workshop in the local library which, she says, inspired her to become a tutor.
Mairi reflected: ‘It is a very supportive place. The community was incredible when I was fundraising to travel with the fiddle and it was really inspiring.’
Her parents, Gillian and Jean-Michel, are owed a lot of credit for her success, says Mairi, after spending many hours driving her all across Scotland to attend various workshops, competitions and classes.
Mairi would love to speak to anyone interested in setting up workshops in Argyll and would encourage anyone to come to Glasgow for the String School to meet her.
Taking place on the first weekend of April at Glasgow’s City Halls, the String School is aimed at all ages, and all abilities are welcome.
To find out more, visit www.thestringschool.co.uk or follow The String School on Facebook.