Yorkshire based Teacher of Celtic and Traditional Folk Music, specialising in Uilleann (Irish) and Northumbrian Small Pipes, Fiddle and Tin Whistle. Piper & multi-instrumentalist for hire. Specialist Leather worker – handmade bespoke boots, shoes and leather goods, bagpipe bags, musical instrument case and antique leather repairs and restorations, postal repair service available.
Very happy to announce a new musical project: – an acoustic duo with multi-talented, multi-instrumentalist Sam Lawrence.
Becky is a highly talented player of the Uilleann and Northumbrian pipes and many other instruments, and Sam Lawrence is a wizard on stringed instruments and brings a varied selection of songs to the table. But, there’s a twist – they can swap at will and bring in whistles, accordion, hurdy-gurdy, mandolin, bouzouki and more!
Expect jigs, reels, songs and plenty of good natured chat.
“You won’t be bored with this lot”
“A most amazing set of music and song – anyone not here tonight has missed one of the best sessions available. They are superb.”
We made a short video to show the sort of noise we make.
“The Folkies Folk!“
Between us we have lots of tunes and songs on two sets of Uilleann pipes, duelling whistles, bouzouki, guitar, concertina, hurdy-gurdy, accordion, mandolin and probably something else that I have forgotten…
Here’s a pic from Sams Instagram at our first gig with 3 sets of Uilleann pipes, 4 chanters, hurdy-gurdy, accordion, guitar, bouzouki, mandolin, 4 whistles and a PA!
Here’s a video of us playing a couple of sets of Uilleann pipes in the key of ‘B’ – ‘the Diamond Jig’ a lovely tune.
Becky and Sam playing ‘the Diamond Jig’
We have been known to get the Hurdy Gurdy and accordion out on occasion! Here’s a wee snippet from a recent practise session…
A bit of ‘pure folk silliness’! Becky and Sam play Hogs Eye Man on Accordion and Hurdy-gurdy…
A tricky little new tune with ups and downs that reminded me of the road up to Sam’s (Sam Lawrence, musician and pipemaker extraordinaire) which is pretty scary in places! I play it on whistle, sometimes an Eb one.
Becky has been teaching traditional music for over 25 years and is experienced in one-to-one tuition, group workshops at festivals and events, and tutoring youth groups. She has great enthusiasm and ability in helping people improve their playing and achieving their goals whether that be learning a new instrument from scratch, brushing up on technique and ornamentation, or increasing repertoire. Her relaxed, easy style will improve your confidence and help you make progress quickly. Complete beginners always welcome!
“Rating: 5/5 Comments:Brilliant tutor, lovely to have a tutor who is passionate about the instrument and music. In addition enthusiastic to help me make good progress. Thoroughly recommend her.” (FirstTutors Comments: 31/01/2020)
Becky currently teaches the following instruments and levels:
Uilleann Pipes – Beginners, Intermediate/Improvers and Advanced
On Saturday 6th November North West Uilleann pipers will be celebrating International Uilleann Piping Day at The Yard Manchester M8 8NF https://www.theyardmcr.com/ Here is the itinerary for the day: 10am Welcome and coffee 10.30am Reed making – Sean Jones 10.30am Pipe maintenance – David Lim 11.30am The Scrape: talk/demonstration/discussion – David Lim 12.30pm Lunch 1.30pm Try the Pipes – Jim Horan 1.30pm Reed making – Sean Jones 1.30pm Piping workshops – Becky Taylor 3pm Piping recital/Piper’s Chair – Becky Taylor and anyone else who would like to play 4pm Finish There will also be space and opportunities for some sociable tunes. To help cover costs they are charging £10 for the day or part of the day.
BGR Events are back with music at the brilliant Wadsworth Community centre venue. Tickets are extremely limited as they are operating in a covid safe reduced capacity to enable social distancing inside the venue. Early booking is advised!
On the 18th March 2021 the world lost my dear old friend and musical supporter of many years, Nial Judge. Amongst many other things, he left a small collection of musical instruments and as part of a group of his close friends and family I am delighted to announce the launch of the NIAL JUDGE LEGACY LOAN SCHEME in his memory.
