About
TEUD (meaning string in english) - The Hebridean Fiddle Project grew out of a conversation regarding the differing Hebridean fiddle styles and music throughout the Hebrides. A collaboration between fiddlers; Claire Frances MacNeil, Shona Masson and Jamie MacDonald each drawing on the musical and cultural heritage of their individual islands culminating in a performance of Gaelic music and songs showcasing the ‘Hebridean fiddle style’.
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Tha TEUD na cho-obrachadh eadar fìdhlearan; Claire Frances NicNèill, Shona Masson agus Jamie Dòmhnallach. Tha gach aon dhiubh sin a’ tarraing air dualchas ciùil is cultair an eileanan fa leth fhèin, a’ toirt co-mheasgachadh air leth de cheòl is òrain Ghàidhlig gu buil nan taisbeanadh de ‘stoidhle fìdhlearachd Innse Gall’.
Shona Masson
Shona Masson is from Kingsburgh in the Isle of Skye, where music was an integral part of her upbringing. Shona started playing the fiddle in primary school with tuition from Christine Martin and she soon attended local Fèisean such as Fèis an Earraich, Fèis Thròdairnis and Fèis Ratharsaigh and went on to take part in the Skye cèilidh trail as a teenager. She attended the National Centre of Excellence in Traditional Music and received tuition from Iain MacFarlane in fiddle and Andy Thorburn on piano. After school, Shona attended Sabhal Mòr Ostaig for a year to study Gaelic, and then hit the big city to further her Gaelic studies at the University of Glasgow where she received an MA in Gaelic. Shona now lives in Uist and works for Ceòlas where she is involved in running their Summer School, Gaelic courses, classes and events.
Claire Frances MacNeil
Claire Frances MacNeil grew up in Tangasdale on the Isle of Barra and in Fort William, surrounded by the Gaelic and musical culture of both areas. She started learning the fiddle at a young age under the tutelage of Duncan Johnson and through Fèis Bharraigh. After moving to Fort William she was also tutored by Deirdre Beck and Eilidh Steele as well as many other fabulous teachers in the local area learning from the oral music tradition. Claire Frances studied music at UHI in Fort William with Rachel Walker and Alasdair Murray before heading to Glasgow to take out a degree in Gaelic. Claire Frances is in demand as a Gaelic singer, tutor and fiddle player as well as acting in Gaelic drama and comedy for BBC Alba and Fèisean nan Gà idheal.
Jamie MacDonald
A native of the Isle of Tiree, Jamie MacDonald has grown up immersed in the music and culture of the island and plays with a distinct island style. Growing up he was taught by Katie England while at school, and went on to join the Còrnaig Cèilidh Band under the guidance of the late and much respected local musician Gordon Connell. Jamie continued with music after school, taking up residence in Uist to study music at UHI with Anna Wendy Stevenson and Simon Bradley. Jamie has in the past been a member of the Dun Mor Ceilidh Band and Eabhal, with whom he played for many years across the World. Jamie is now part of the team at Tiree Music Festival and has been studying for a law degree as well as still performing with various line ups regularly.
