Violin classes in Millport for adults have cultural impact

A group of local adults have been receiving free violin or viola lessons every Saturday as part of a programme established by Arianna Ranieri, a PhD student at Napier University who's conducting research into community music in rural Scotland.

The sessions are completely free of charge, and North Ayrshire Council has kindly given learners instruments on loan.

Arianna is a professional violist living in Glasgow, and an upper strings violin and viola lecturer and instructor, who has been teaching for 15 years.

She received her Bachelor of music performance from Northern Kentucky University in 2017, a Master of Music from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in 2021, and a Licentiate of Instrumental Teaching from the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) in 2023, and began her PhD in 2023.

Arianna, who will be presenting the findings from the Millport project at the Edinburgh Napier University Doctoral Conference later this month, says the response from the students has been 'overwhelmingly positive'.

Arianna Ranieri, pictured, has described the response from adult students in Millport eager to learn has been 'overwhelmingly positive' (Image: Arianna Ranieri)

She said: "There were many reasons I chose Millport. It is a fascinating, warm, and unique community, that welcomes music and all kinds of cultural activities. I felt it would be very interesting to investigate how this project worked on an island.

"I also think it is important to use local buildings. Cathedral of the Isles is a wonderfully historic building, and deserves attention as it is also a charity, and Alistair Chisholm, has devoted an incredible amount of time and effort in creating a musical tradition in the cathedral that holds a strong legacy on the island.

"I have learned so much from the experience and discovered more than I ever could have imagined.

Credit majorly goes to the participants, who have have shown unwavering dedication, drive, and enthusiasm (Image: Arianna Ranieri)

"Not only was the Millport session even possible thanks to North Ayrshire's music service manager Ronan Watson and IMS (Instrumental Music Services), for loaning instruments to participants free of charge, but credit majorly goes to the participants, who have have shown unwavering dedication, drive, and enthusiasm - and have even begun jam and practice sessions outside of the Saturday classes.

"This shows how important it is to have these opportunities for adults in rural areas.

"Many have commented that they have felt more connected to others in the community, made new friends, found purpose, and even confidence from learning a new skill.

"Some mentioned they have never been offered an opportunity like this before, and how it has been even life changing, and therapeutic.

"Most of these participants are beginners, and they are playing music with multiple parts, harmonies, and have learned all the notes in first position across the strings, it is unbelievably impressive. I am stunned, truly, every week, with how well they are all doing."

A concert will be taking place in collaboration with Largs Academy at the Cathedral of the Isles on Saturday, December 14 from 12.30pm-1.30pm. Entry is free.

Arianna's hopes for this project are for it to remain sustainable, and she has been applying for funding options to take it forward into 2025 and 2026.

Student Karin Douglas told the News: "The group members and Arianna herself have been really supportive and have made it really good fun.

"I'm really enjoying being part of this and have met lots of new folk. It has been a fantastic experience."