Boghill Centre F.A.Q. Music
Boghill, Kilfenora, County Clare,
Ireland
boghill@eircom.net
+353 (0)65 70 74644
Frequently asked questions
Q. I have been playing only for a little while and I think I am not good enough to take part in the workshops… I think I will be holding everybody back.
A. As long as you can find the notes on your instrument you are fine… About 90% of the people taking part have the same feeling about this and this is the most frequently asked question. It is very scary to come to a workshop but there is absolutely NOTHING to be afraid of. The workshops are very relaxed and friendly nobody is holding anybody back. People very often teach each other tunes in the afternoons and generally help each other. The main advice here is ….RELAX!!!!
Q. I like to have the music you are going to teach in advance, is that possible?
A. During a music week there will be lots of different tutors, depending on what instruments there are in the group. Each of them will have different tunes to teach. Also the tunes that are taught depend on the level of playing of the participants, what they want to learn and what instruments they play, so each workshop is different and it is very hard to say in advance what is going to happen.
Q. I can’t read music, is this a problem?
A. A lot of the people that come to the workshops don’t read music and the same for the tutors. Most of the tuition is done by ear as this is the best way to learn Irish tunes. Sometimes the tunes are given in ABC form to aid teaching.
Q. I can’t learn by ear, is this a problem?
A. Absolutely not. Although most of the tuition is done by ear notes are provided if people ask for them. However we always like to encourage people to start of learning by ear and most of them find that by the end of the week they are getting better and better at it. It is just a matter of training yourself.
Q. What is the average age of the people in the groups?
A. Most people are between 30 and 50. We get very few children and when they are it is generally accompanied by their parents. Sometimes we get people over 70.
Q. Should I bring a tape recorder?
A. It is very handy to bring something to record the lessons on. Tutors are very accommodating and will slow down the tunes so you can listen to them at home and learn them at ease. It is also handy to record tunes in sessions, but generally it is considered polite to ask the session musicians if they mind being recorded. They will always say it is no problem.
Q. Can I participate in the pub sessions?
A. We always encourage people to play in the sessions in the evenings. Generally the session musicians will welcome anybody that wants to join in. It’s considered nice to ask first and not be too overbearing but don’t hold back on playing a tune you know well even if it is not exactly Irish. Just see what the session is like and if you can fit in.
Q. Do I have to bring an instrument?
A. Yes, everybody that is attending a music workshop is expected to bring their own instruments. Apart from a few stray whistles that are lying about and the house guitar there are no instruments in the Centre. Also, hiring of instruments is almost impossible.
Q. How many people are there in a workshop?
A. This is very hard to say. Workshop sizes vary from 6 to 20 people. If the workshop is very full the group will be split between beginners and more advanced players
Q. I don’t have a car is this a problem?
A. Boghill Centre is about 2 miles from the nearest village. It is not absolutely necessary to have a car but if you want to go out and about a lot it is helpful to have your own transport. People with cars that are staying do sometimes take others for trips. For transport to the sessions each night we arrange taxis or a bus if there are not enough people driving or if people want a break from driving. The fees for these trips range from 2 – 5 euro return depending on where the session is.
|