New York Caledonian Club Scottish Studies Program
As part of our educational mission, the Club provides classes on subjects including classes on Gaelic, various styles of dance and more. Classes are open to all and are designed to accommodate students of varying levels. The Club also sponsors and hosts concerts and keynote speakers at various events, workshops and panels pertaining to Scottish history and culture.
Scottish Gaelic Courses
The Fall 2024 session is the first semester of Scottish Beginning Gaelic 101 for absolute beginners with no previous Gaelic. Intermediate Scottish Gaelic 201 is the continuation of Intermediate Scottish Gaelic 102 from spring 2024 or for those with the equivalent of one year’s study of Gaelic. Check below to sign up. All courses will be held virtually via ZOOM. You will receive a link after registration.
Your Gaelic instructor
Thomas Leigh
Gaelic Instructor
Thomas Leigh received his MA with honors in Gaelic Studies from the University of Aberdeen in Scotland in 1998.
He has taught Gaelic language classes since 1999 for many institutions including the Callanish School of Celtic Arts, the New Hampshire School of Scottish Arts, the Vermont Institute of Celtic Arts and various night school classes in Massachusetts and Connecticut.
Thomas is also a musician and composer, playing several instruments—Scottish Highland bagpipes and small pipes, keyboards, and various drums and other percussion instruments. He has competed as a solo piper and is a member of the Catamount Pipe Band of Vermont. Together with his wife Maggie Carchrie, Thomas presents traditional music and dance performances at Senior Centers, Nursing Homes, and Libraries across Connecticut. Thomas has resided in Connecticut for the past 19 years where he lives with his Maggie, their two daughters, Rory and Mairi and cats Ted, Caitrìona, Archie and Clara.
Upcoming Scottish Studies Workshops
Scottish Traditional Dance Music Workshop (for musicians)
Ripley-Grier Studios, 520 Eighth Avenue, Studio 10A, NYC.
Part 1 – Saturday, October 12, 2024 from 2-4pm
Part 2 – Saturday, October 19, 2024 from 2-4pm
Participants may take either one or both workshops.
Stay tuned for upcoming registration.