Singing Burns!

Pre-requisites for enrolment

No previous experience of singing is required and there is no need to read music. 

Special Information

Students should bring a bottle of water.

Content of Course

We shall build a repertoire of songs written / collected by Robert Burns covering various themes.

Teaching method(s)

The approach to music will be experiential as well as theoretical. Learning will be interactive and discussion encouraged. There will be initial coaching in voice care and warming up physically and vocally. Melodies will be taught by ear and will not require an ability to read sheet music.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

• Understand the lyrics and the story/characters within the songs;

• Display an awareness of the historical, social, economic, political, emotional and moral dimensions of the songs;

• Demonstrate a greater understanding of Scottish oral tradition and Scottish culture;

• Enjoy singing a very varied selection of Robert Burns’ songs.

Sources

Core Readings

Recommended:

• Burns R 2006. The Complete Poems and Songs of Robert Burns. London: Geddes and Grosset Ltd.

Reference books:

• Purser, John. 1992. Scotland’s Music. London Mainstream Publishing.

Class Handouts

Handouts will be provided.

Queries

If you have questions regarding the course or enrolment, please contact COL Reception at Paterson's Land by email COL@ed.ac.uk or by phone 0131 650 4400.

Student support

If you have a disability, learning difficulty or health condition which may affect your studies, please let us know by ticking the 'specific support needs' box on your course application form. This will allow us to make appropriate adjustments in advance and in accordance with your rights under the Equality Act 2010. For more information please visit the Student Support section of our website.