Young violinists benefit from new resource

An exciting new resource is available for young violinists learning to play Manx music.

The Manx Heritage Foundation (MHF) commissioned music teacher Laura Rowles to produce a Manx music book, Fiddyl.

‘The book introduces Manx music through solo pieces, duets and arrangements for fiddle groups and contains background information on Manx music, scales and exercises as well as ideas for composing,’ said Chloe Woolley, Manx Music Specialist with the MHF.

‘Laura worked with Tom Field and Melvyn Booth, violin teachers with the Department of Education and Children’s Music Service, to select Manx melodies that follow elements of the standard classical violin syllabus and that can also be performed in internal exams organised by the Music Service.

‘An additional Fiddyl teachers’ book contains chords, piano accompaniments for exam pieces and notes on traditional fiddle ornamentation,’ Chloe said.

Fiddyl is suitable for players from beginner level to grade three. Pupils who receive lessons through the Music Service will receive a copy via their teachers, but copies are also available to buy from the MHF.

The pupils’ book is £5, the teachers’ book £10 and a Fiddyl teaching pack (special offer of one teachers’ book and five pupils’ books) £30.

Email manxmusicspecialist@mhf.org.im or ring +44 1624 695787. Send cheques – payable to the Manx Heritage Foundation;

Laura learned Manx music on the violin when she was just six and played with Paitchyn Vannin, Ramsey Grammar School’s folk group.

She studied Celtic music at university in Bath and was then a strings teacher and later musician in residence at King William’s College, teaching Manx music to KWC and Buchan School pupils. She now has her own business, teaching violin, piano and voice, and is completing a PhD at Liverpool University, looking at Manx fiddlers and their music.

Picture: Laura Rowles present copies of Fiddyl to Tom Field, violin teacher with the Department of Education and Children's Music Service.