Shetland Music

Shetlopedia - The Shetland Encyclopaedia

When most people think of Shetland Music, fiddle music is the first that comes to mind.
Yes, Shetland has a long history of traditional fiddle music, and despite, or perhaps thanks to, the influences of modern music, a whole new generation of Shetlanders are taking up fiddle playing.
The survival of this unique style of fiddle playing is in no small part thanks to the efforts, and foresight, of the late, Dr. Tom Anderson, who devoted most of his life to the preservation of Shetland fiddle music. Throughout his life he taught Shetland youngsters the traditional fiddle playing skills. What he started carries on in schools throughout Shetland today, with many children going on to become accomplished players, and taking Shetland fiddle playing to a wider national and international audience.

Rock Salt and Nails playing at the Millenium celebrations in the Vidlin Public Hall.

But Shetland Music is not all fiddle playing. The musical abilities of Shetlanders have evolved to embrace many musical genres, as can be witnessed by the local festivals, and the many bands playing at venues all over the Islands, and further afield.

The following links will take you through an amazing array of talent, from Folk, to Country, and Rock. With many other genres in between.
As if to emphasise the musical abilities of Shetlanders, many artists and bands belong in several categories. Illustrating that traditional and modern music can co-exist, and indeed benefit from the influence of each other.

See Also