Classes and Distance Learning

How to Use This Information

There are many paths to proficiency in Scottish Gaelic. The path that works best for you may be entirely different from what works for others. Most Gaelic learners in North America started by buying a book (or better, a book with tapes; see our Learning Materials page) and trying to figure things out on their own. A few rare souls have even achieved a fair degree of proficiency this way, but most of us eventually conclude that we need help in the form of classes, courses, or private lessons. This page provides you with information about a variety of such resources that you might consider.

Most learners would be well advised to exhaust their local resources first. There's nothing quite as good as face-to-face instruction and practice, and if you're lucky enough to live where such opportunities exist, you should consider them. See our local listings for the United States and for Canada.

If you don't find local classes, or you're ready to venture beyond them, there are several additional sorts of educational opportunities available to you. These include private long-distance instruction, long-distance courses (on-line or correspondence), on-line study groups, and short and summer courses. Depending on your learning style, geographic location, budget, and interests, one or more of these might be a good choice for you. And, of course, if you become really serious, you might consider a full-time college program in Gaelic or in Celtic Studies.

[Please email any updates, corrections or additions to Rudy Ramsey.]

Local Classes, Study Groups, etc. (United States)

State	Class or Event
Arizona	Flagstaff: Study Group. Richard Ferguson leads a study group that meets Monday evenings, 6:30-8:00PM, at the Thorpe Park Community and Senior center on Thorpe Park Road. They use the "Teach Yourself Gaelic" book and CDs. Except for purchasing these, the study group is free, thanks to sponsorship by the Northern Arizona Celtic Heritage Society.
	*Phoenix: Classes.* Richard Smith has taught classes from time to time for about five years, usually in his home. He uses Teach Yourself Gaelic (book & CD). As of this writing (3/08), he is forming a new class.
	Tucson: Classes. Muriel Fisher, a native speaker from Skye, teaches Gaelic classes at her own Tucson Gaelic Institute, the University of Arizona, and Pima Community College, all in Tucson. She also gives classes on Skype and on the telephone. Muriel's webpage at http://www.murielofskye.com has more details.
California	Sacramento area: Classes. Donnie Macdonald of Men of Worth, a native speaker from Lewis, conducts a class once each month in Citrus Heights from his home (8034 Avalos Way, Citrus Heights, CA 95610). Contact him by email for details, or phone him at 916-723-6320 (home) or 916-214-4776 (mobile).
	North Hollywood: Study Group. Eva Gordon hosts a study group from 2:00-4:00PM Sundays. The main textbook used is Robertson and Taylor's Teach Yourself Gaelic, supplemented by MacKinnon's Teach Yourself Gaelic. For further information, see Celtic Arts Center website, send email, or phone the center at (818) 760-8322.
	San Francisco Classes and Other Events: In the San Francisco Bay Area, try the Scottish Gaelic Learners Association of the Bay Area.
Colorado	Boulder: Study Group. Sue Hendrix conducts the Boulder Study Group in her home every Monday evening at 7:00PM. This group is very beginner-friendly, and usually alternates between beginner material and material for more advanced students, though all are welcome at all sessions.
	Denver: Lessons. Glenn Wrightson is not currently teaching Gaelic classes but may be available to give private lessons to students who are at an intermediate level. He also lends a hand to the Stella's reading/conversation group (below).
	Denver: Study Group. Advanced learners meet once a month at Stella's Coffeehouse in South Denver to practice their Gaelic conversation skills and read Gaelic literature. Dates and times vary, though the most common time is 9:30-11:30 AM on the third Saturday of each month. Contact Reese McKay for more information.
	San Luis Valley: Lessons. Caroline Root is not currently teaching in person, however she is available to teach lessons in the San Luis Valley, Colorado, and workshops more widely in southern Colorado and Northern New Mexico. She also teaches lessons on the phone and on line. These lessons can be either with the student's choice of learning material or with lessons developed by Caroline. She is also happy to support study groups through phone or on line. Web site: saoghalgaidhligc.weebly.com
Florida	Treasure Coast Scots-Gaelic Study Group Held 1st and 3rd Saturday @ 6:00 pm. R.S.V.P. Contact Mike Moffitt772-242-1035
Illinois	Springfield: Study Group. Bill McClain conducts a study group which meets the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month from 1–4PM in the Bicentennial Room (3rd floor) of the Lincoln Library in Springfield. Contact Bill by email or at 217-854-7918.
Maryland	The Song Group: MacTalla. For time and place please call: Joan McWilliams Weiss, 4710 Essex Ave. Chevy Chase, MD 20815 301–656–3454, e-mail sweiss@american.edu
Massachusetts	Classes taught by: Thomas Leigh and Maggie Carchrie Thomas teaches beginning Gaelic language classes through the Sandwich Community School (http://www.scslearn.org/) in Sandwich, MA when there is enough interest to run them (the school has a minimum class size), and offers private tutoring at any time under the auspices of our school, the Callanish School of Celtic Arts (http://www.mermaid-productions.com/callanish.html). Maggie Carchrie, runs regular Gaelic singing classes and workshops through the Callanish School. Contact Thomas Leigh and Maggie Carchrie P. O. Box 281 Thomaston, CT 06787 (860) 283-8041
	There is also the Callanish School of Celtic Arts in eastern Massachusetts.
New York	The New York Caledonian Club holds semester-driven Gaelic classes. Follow this link for more information.
North Carolina	Asheville Study Group: Meeting: 2nd Saturday of each month from 10 am to noon at Atlanta Bread Company on Merrimon Avenue, Asheville NC. Contact: Leigh McBride
	Guilford Gaelic Learners The Guilford Gaelic Learners is an advanced beginner group which meets quarterly at various venue. For further information contact An Phillips, Class Coordinator In the Triangle / Raleigh area, the Scottish Gaelic Beginners Group meets monthly. This is a true beginners group, founded by Timothy Rogers. For further information contact An Phillips.
	SGBG-Raleigh Coffee and Gaelic Meetup Borders Books @ Crossroads, 1751 Walnut St., Cary, NC 27511 919-469-1930 This Meetup repeats on the 2nd Sunday of every month until January 8, 2011. For further information see Scottish Gaelic Meetup
Ohio	This Study Group Meets one Thursday a month (determined two months in advance by those present) from 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm in Cincinnati at the Northwest corner of Madison Road and Vista Avenue, Cincinnati, OH. Materials used include Hugo, Scottish Gaelic in Three Months and Speaking Our Language. Contact: Andrew MacAoidh Jergens 2374 Madison Road, 4F Cincinnati, OH 45208-1073 513-321-6781 513-321-6748 (fax)
	Classes taught by: Frances Acar Frances is a native Gaelic speaker, originally from Barra. Classes are taught through Skype, and times are by arrangement with Frances Acar
Oklahoma	This Study Group Meets every Monday from 7:00 pm – 8:55 pm in Midwest City (a suburb of Oklahoma City) at the Midwest City Public Library, 8143 East Reno Avenue, Midwest City, OK. The first 30 – 40 minutes are devoted to beginners with the advanced students meeting from that time until 8:55. Additional study time on Saturdays from 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm happens at the instructor's house. Materials used include Hugo, Scottish Gaelic in Three Months and the Speaking Our Language audio and video tapes. There is no charge for the sessions, but students are expected to furnish supplies. Contact: Barry Acker 828 SE 38th Street Moore, OK 73160-7716 405–793–0974
	*Tulsa: Study Group.* Adrian Martin leads this study group that meets approximately every 2 weeks.
Pennsylvania	About This Study Group: We meet in two locations, Tuesday mornings in Cranberry Township at 10 am until noon, and Wednesday evenings in Bellevue, PA at 6:30 pm until 9pm. Both are suburbs of Pittsburgh. We continue to use 'Speaking Our Language' and 'Can Seo' with extras supplied by MacKinnon, MacLaren and Hugo's texts. Contact Harry Webb for more information by e-mail, or call 724–776–4382.
Tennessee	Classes taught by: Gregg Richie. Beginner and Intermediate Gàidhlig learner's classes are taught at the Mountain Arts Community Center in Signal Mountain, TN, whenever two or more students enroll. Class schedule varies, but runs for 8 weeks and costs $75.00, class book and materials are extra. Text book is "Teach Yourself Gaelic" w/CDs by Robertson and Taylor. Additional material will be provided. Class structure will be reading, conversation, and role playing. Contact: Gregg Richie 20322 River Canyon Rd. Chattanooga,TN., 37405 (423) 580-7030 (leave a message) iasgair46@yahoo.com
Texas	Classes Taught via Skype by: David Gressett Two study groups, one at 10: 00 am Central time, Saturday mornings and another at 6: 30 pm Central on Wednesday nights. These are free for ACGA members. Contact David at jdgressett@hotmail.com for more information
	In This Study Group We use material drawn from Speaking Our Language, Bun Chursa Gaidhlig, Everyday Gaelic and Teach Yourself Gaelic as well as lots of children's books. We play games, role play, sing songs and take side trips down whatever interesting paths beckon of an evening. Location: 7117 Misty Meadow Dr. S, Fort Worth, TX 76133 Contact: Jonquele Jones 817–294–5901 (H) 817–935–4972 (W)
Utah	Classes Taught By: Rachell Blessing Scottish Gaelic Classes taught as well as Conversation Workshops. Primary learning material: Teach Yourself Gaelic by Roderick Mackinnon, Speaking Our Language, Can Seo, Gàidhlig troimh Chòmhradh, and Gràmar na Gàidhlig. Lessons are offered via Skype software allowing students to participate from any location. The workshops are offered every other month when possible and are held at The Celtic Center located in Salt Lake City. Contact: Rachell Blessing.
Virginia	Classes Taught By: Nicholas Freer on Saturdays, 10 am - 12 pm for intermediate level and 1 pm - 3 pm for beginners. Location is 4901 Seminary Road,Apt. 1409 Alexandria VA 22311. "Speaking our Language" is used in the beginner group and Speaking Our Language", "Gàidhlig Troimh Chòmhradh", and Hugo for the intermediate level. Contact: Nick Freer, or call 703-836-5654
	Fairfax County: Study Group. This group meets each Tuesday evening 7:30-9:00 PM in the home of a student. The group is at the advanced beginner/intermediate level. A wide variety of materials are used including: Gaidhlig Bheo, Teach Yourself Gaelic, Everyday Gaelic, Gàidhlig Troimh Chòmhradh, Speaking our Language and several children's books. This group is very beginner-friendly and anyone interested in learning Gaelic is encouraged to join. We are fortunate to have Nick Freer (see above) as an instructor every other week. Contact Rhett Lowery by email or at 540-786-4895 (H) or 703-324-5058 (W).
Washington	Seattle: Classes and Other Events: For events and resources in the Seattle, Washington area, you should check with Slighe nan Gaidheal.

Classes, Study Groups (Canada)

Province	Class or Event
New Brunswick	Fredericton: Classes. The Atlantic Gaelic Academy conducts Gaelic classes in Fredericton from 9:30AM to 12:30PM Saturday mornings. See AGA website at www.gaelicacademy.ca for more information.
Nova Scotia	Halifax: Classes. The Atlantic Gaelic Academy conducts Gaelic classes at various times in Halifax at the Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) campus. See AGA website at www.gaelicacademy.ca for more information.
	New Glasgow: Classes. The Atlantic Gaelic Academy conducts classes in New Glasgow from 6:30PM to 9:30PM Thursday evenings at A.G. Baillie Memorial School. See the AGA website at www.gaelicacademy.ca for more information.
	Port Hawkesbury: Classes. The Atlantic Gaelic Academy conducts classes in Port Hawkesbury on Tuesday evenings from 6:30PM to 9:30PM at the Civic Center. See the AGA website at www.gaelicacademy.ca for more information.
	Classes taught at: The Cape Breton Gaelic Society, 296 George Street, Sydney Classes taught by: Kay MacDonald, Frank MacKenzie, Heather Sparling Classes run Mondays, 7:00-9:00 pm (1 hour class, 1 hour song workshop) For more information: http://www.capebretongaelicsociety.bravehost.com/
	Halifax: milling frolic group. An Cliath Clis, is a Halifax based milling frolic group, who would like to extend a welcome to join us in our practices. We are interested in preserving and promoting this Gaelic tradition, and hold practices once or twice a month. You do not need to speak Gaelic to be a part of the group, and there is no fee to join. Practices will held at SMU, Loyola building, on Robie St in Halifax on Thursday evenings, from 7pm to 10 pm on the following dates in 2010 - Oct 14, Oct 21, Nov 04, Nov 25, Dec 09 For more information email Mary MacLean.
	Loch Lomond: private instructionSgoil Gàidhlig Loch Laomainn is looking for dedicated students who want to achieve functional fluency in Scots Gaelic for the purpose of using it in the home and actively promoting it in the community. Beginners are especially encouraged to apply. We also encourage Intermediates and Advanced learners who seek to promote Gaelic as a living language rather than as an academic pursuit or a recreational pastime.For more information email Muiris gaeliccapebreton@yahoo.ca
Ontario	For information on Gaelic classes in Ottawa, please visit http://www.gaidhligottawa.ca or email comunngaidhligottawa.ca
	For Information on Gaelic classes in Toronto, please visit http://www.torontogaelic.ca or email fios@torontogaelic.ca.
Québec	No active study group at the moment, but please contact Linda Morrison for information 5383 Esplanade Montreal, Quebec H2T 2Z8 514–279–0434

Private Long-Distance Instruction

Instructor	Offerring
Muriel Fisher	Muriel Fisher. of the Tucson Gaelic Institute teaches via the internet. She uses teaching materials that she has developed herself, and which are for sale (example). Lessons are done at the student's own pace, using email for written assignments and Skype and Ichat for lessons.
Donald Macdonald	Gaelic is taught at several levels. His "in-house" teaching is on a one on one basis by appointment. He also teaches Gaelic by phone. In this system the student (using prescribed textbooks and cassettes etc.,) studies at home, and arranges with him for conversation exercises. One of the main drawbacks in learning Gaelic outside of a Gaelic area is the difficulty of finding a competent Gaelic Speaker. This is the gap he fills by phone. Now with lower rates, pre-paid phone cards, phone sessions are actually less costly than classroom sessions. Advice by e-mail is always free, and attended to surprisingly quickly! 2220 Claremont, Suite 408 Montreal, Canada H3Z 2P8 Phone: 514-485-1636 Fax: 514-485-8848 Email: donaldmacdonald@sympatico.ca Web:http://www3.sympatico.ca/donaldmacdonald/
Dr. Jamie MacDonald	Phone lessons (song, grammar, conversation) by Dr. Jamie MacDonald, Ph.D. in Scottish Studies and Gaelic, University of Edinburgh. 8144 Highway 4 RR#1 Afton, Nova Scotia, B0H 1A0 Canada Phone: 902-386-2505 Email: gaelteach@gmail.com
Seumas Watson	Email and phone tutorials by Seumas Watson, the Gaelic editor of Am Bràighe. 175 MacIntyre Road Queensville, Nova Scotia, Canada B9A 1S6 Phone: 902-625-0060 Email: gaeltalk@ctp.auracom.com
Beathag Mhoireasdan	"When I think of the richness of the Gaidhlig language and its music and culture, I feel so lucky. That is why I have always endeavoured to share it with other people. I do that through various media i.e. language tuition, singing or my particular favourite - drama - which, of course, is a development of the storytelling genre of old." mail@beathag.com www.beathag.com 23 Thornwood Drive, Glasgow G11 7TS tel/fax 0141 576 0456
Caroline Root	Caroline teaches lessons on the phone and on line. These lessons can be either with the student's choice of learning material or with lessons developed by Caroline. She is also happy to support study groups through phone or on line. Caroline Root saoghalgaidhligc.weebly.com

On-Line Study Groups

Session	Description

On-Line Self-Study Sites

Site	Description
Beag air Bheag	For Absolute Beginners check out http://www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/alba/foghlam/beag_air_bheag/ which means 'little by little', and that is just how the five sections of the site aim to introduce you to the language.

Long-Distance Courses

School	Courses
Atlantic Gaelic Academy	Atlantic Gaelic Academy offers online group classes at beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels.
Gaelic College of Celtic Arts & Crafts	Beul an Tobair: Two distance courses for beginners and intermediate learners. http://www.gaeliccollege.edu
Sabhal Mor Ostaig	An Cursa Inntrigidh: Distance courses for complete beginners. http://www.smo.uhi.ac.uk/en/cursaichean/inntrigidh/index.php

Short Courses and Summer Courses

Venue	Courses
Atlantic Gaelic Academy	See Atlantic Gaelic Academy
Gaelic College of Celtic Arts & Crafts	See Gaelic College of Celtic Arts and Crafts in Cape Breton
Sabhal Mor Ostaig	See Sabhal Mór Ostaig on Skye, in Scotland

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