Shetland-Music.com

Shetland Arts have been running the popular traditional music Youth Sessions at The Lounge Bar in Lerwick for the past five years. Due to the number of parents and adults who come along and join in with the young players, these events have now developed into the "Family Sessions".

The first "Family Session" will be held in the Lounge on Tuesday 15th April between 7pm - 9.30 pm with subsequent events on the 13th May and 3rd June.

The monthly alcohol free Youth Sessions regularly attracted up to 40 young players, some as young as seven, who gathered to socialise and share their favourite tunes. Many adults realised that the more relaxed pace of playing and informal atmosphere meant it was easy for them to brush up on old skills or learn a new instrument.

With this in mind Shetland Arts would like to extend an open initiation to any parent or adult who would like to join in with the young players at The Lounge.It's a great way for folk who might be put off with the fast pace of normal Lounge sessions to join in and enjoy a tune with the bairns and young folk.

Shetland Arts would also like to extend an invitation to more experienced players who'd like to pass on their skills to the next generation. Parents have reported being woken in the early hours with children practicing after being inspired by the likes of Violet Tulloch and Mark Laurenson at the Youth Sessions.

The success of these events led to the creation of Scottish Arts Council/ Shetland Arts funded Youth Music Initiative project in five areas throughout Shetland where tunes are taught to young players by tutors with a connection to the area.

For more information contact Shetland Arts on 01595 743 843 or email