Joan Busby

Songs of the Hebrides (NEW CLASS FOR 2012)
The Hebridean islands lie in a chain off the west coast of Scotland. They have an ancient culture of legends and songs, transmitted in the oral tradition. Three volumes of 'Songs of the Hebrides' were collected and published by Marjory Kennedy Fraser in the early 20th century. Given piano or harp accompaniments and partial translations from the Gaelic into English, the songs have become accessible and offer a charming addition to concert programmes.

Joan Busby was a founder and, for many years, Artistic Director of Oxenfoord International Summer School. After gaining science degrees at Edinburgh University, she studied singing with Ena Mitchell and Laura Sarti, with coaching from Paul Hamburger. She sang with Scottish Opera and the John Currie Singers, with the Hill Square Consort and Trio Felice, for BBC Radio and STV, in oratorio and in many concerts. One of her programmes was ‘Songs of the Hebrides’, telling the adventurous story of Marjory Kennedy Fraser, and illustrated with the lovely songs collected in the Hebridean islands.

Joan a Lecturer in singing at the Ian Tomlin Academy of Music at Edinburgh Napier University. She also teaches privately and as a tutor for the Voice Care Network UK. In her teaching she aims to encourage beauty of tone and expression, and for the singer ease, freedom and enjoyment.