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Many of pages below use a special notation to explain musical structures, this is explained here
Follow the links below to find out about the different types of Gaelic Music
Ancient musicClick here to find out about the oldest types of our music.
The best known and loved music of the Gael are the songs composed by the common people. These include some of the most beautiful melodies ever composed in any culture. This sort of music is the "backbone" of the tradition and the well from which the other types listed below spring. This section also contains an in-depth description of the musical scales and devices used in song composition.
This music includes "Orain Luaidh" (communal work songs, often sung for waulking tweed) and "Puirt a Beul" (songs for dancing to, known in English as "Mouth Music").
Ceol Mor, known in English as "Piobaireachd" is the classical music of the Highland Pipe. It is the most advanced and complex type of Gaelic Music.
Called "Ceol Beag" in Gaelic, this is the lively instrumental dance music played by bands and immediately recognisable as Highland Music.
Read about modern pop groups like Runrig and their success and also choral vocal music.
An expanded version of the material on this web site is available in the form of a CD ROM "Book" in PDF format. To get a copy contact the address below (other comments also welcome).
