Ability level guide

Participants in music classes and workshops - guidance on ability levels

Participants do not need to be expert to join the music classes.
Music classes are conducted mainly by ear. Written music is generally provided as an aide.

Level 1
A basic entry level, suitable for the less experienced. Participants need not be very competent at their instrument, but should not be complete beginners unless otherwise indicated.
Complete beginners are acceptable only in the September enrolment in the following classes:
• Ceilidh and step dance
• tin whistle
• traditional song
For fiddle 1 classes participants are expected to be able to play simple tunes and know the scales of G, D and A.
For guitar 1 classes participants should be capable of playing first position major and minor chords in G, D and A.
For traditional song 1 the pace of learning is slow with emphasis on technique.

Level 2
An intermediate level course for those who have some skill already and want to improve.
For all instrument classes participants should already be able to play or accompany, at a moderate pace, a selection of tunes. Singers should have some repertoire and be prepared to sing solo and in harmony. Tuition will be at a faster pace than level 1.

Level 3
For instrumental classes, participants are expected to be competent at their instrument and confident of playing at least some pieces at performance speed. Tuition will be at a faster pace and with emphasis on building repertoire as well as technique.

If participants are in doubt about a class, or want to know more, they should be encouraged to call and ask.

Classes are encouraged to mix - so the fiddlers, singers and whistlers get some guitar accompaniment and the ceilidh dancers get some real live music to dance to.

Assessment of ability level

Participants assess themselves in the first instance and enrol on the course that they think best suits their ability.

The tutor is ultimately responsible for assessment of participants in their particular class.

Participants who find themselves in a class of an inappropriate level may ask to transfer to a more suitable level.
This should be arranged and agreed with:
• the relevant tutors
• the development worker, who should transfer the name and registration

The tutor may also suggest to a participant that they should consider moving to a class level more appropriate to their ability if the tutor considers the class inappropriate to the participant’s ability.

The tutor’s decision is final.