First Steps, An Introduction to Playing the Wire-Strung Clarsach
Recordings are available to purchase here. These are intended as a learning aid for students.
A short list of errata and a simpler version of Queen Mary, Queen Mary which was included in the new 2014 edition is available as a pdf download here for those who have an older edition of the book.
Buy the book (UK only) or PDF.
 First Steps, cover Click on image for larger version |
 First Steps, back cover Click on image for larger version |
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CONTENTS
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Foreword |
i |
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A brief guide to reading music |
1 |
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Tuning your clarsach |
2 |
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Obair Latha (Karen Marshalsay) a first tune |
3 |
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Fixed positions, damping and the C major scale |
4 |
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Fixed position exercise |
5 |
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Uamh 'n Oir (Trad Gaelic) |
6 |
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Modes |
7 |
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Dh'fhalbh an Triùir Mhaighdeanan (Trad Gaelic) |
8 |
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Olaf's Reel (Karen Marshalsay) |
9 |
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1s and 0s / Thinking about rhythm (Obair Latha) |
10 |
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Coupled Hands Technique |
11 |
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Queen Mary, Queen Mary (Trad Scots) |
12 |
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Thig am Bàta (Trad Gaelic) |
13 |
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Saky Saky Pirn Taes (Trad Scots) |
14 |
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Hishie Ba (Trad Scots) |
15 |
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The Three-Legged Clàrsach (Karen Marshalsay) |
16 |
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The Owls of using the thumb choke, half scratch, bee’s plait and break. |
17-20 |
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The Robert ap Huw manuscript |
21 |
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Edward Bunting |
21 |
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Sources of Scottish repertoire and further study |
22 |