Tunes & compositions

About folk 'tunes'

Pieces of instrumental music played for ceilidh dancing are typically arranged as 'sets' of multiple 'tunes' - shorter, discrete pieces of music which can be by different composers in contrasting keys and styles - with a consistent rhythm to suit a particular dance. Scottish, Irish and other Celtic instrumental music recorded or played at concerts also typically consist of multiple tunes arranged into sets, although these can be more diverse when there is no specific dance. Sets played in pub 'sessions' are generally led by the person who started the first tune, with the spontaneity of their choices increasing with a musician's experience. As well as arranging existing tunes for performance and particular dances, I have composed many hundreds of original 'tunes', predominantly in the Scottish folk tradition and celebrating and remembering people and events in my life, as well as some written to commission for individuals and occasions.

Commercial releases featuring my tunes

A selection of Mike's original tunes which have featured in commercial releases and had radio play. Click the player to hear excerpts from tracks on Spotify. The written music (not the recordings) and many of my other original tunes are freely available for non-commercial use here and from websites such as TheSession.org. However, note that as a member of PRS for Music (IPI 828821515) all public performances must be logged for PRS. Please contact me using the enquiry form or e-mail address below to obtain permission and / or license for any recording, sync or other commercial use.

3rd tune of 'Chilled Maggie', Teannaich Energised CD. Mike on cittern.

3rd tune of 'Astoria Hangover' Teannaich Lucid CD. Mike on mandolin.

1st tune of 'Inverness Sonic Extensions' Teannaich Energised CD. Mike on cittern.

2nd tune of 'Inverness Sonic Extensions' Teannaich Energised CD. Mike on cittern.

1st tune of 'Astoria Hangover', Teannaich Lucid CD. Mike on mandolin & bassoon.

2nd tune of 'Wakada', Teannaich Lucid CD. Mike on mandolin.

2nd tune of 'Astoria Hangover' Teannaich Lucid CD. Mike on mandolin.

Tunes for all four parts of 'Finding the Fishbone', Teannaich Lucid CD. Mike on mandolin.

Commissions for tunes and arrangements

Alongside the steady stream of folk tunes and other original compositions which I have written almost like a diary over the past 30 years, I have also been commissioned by individuals and groups to write original tunes to commemorate specific events and people, and to create novel arrangements of my own and others' tunes to go with particular ceilidh dances or for other performances. I very much enjoy writing and arranging to commission, and helping others to do so. If you have an event, person, advertisement or other idea in mind that you want to have a named tune, or some other original composition or arrangement, please get in touch using the enquiry form below. Typically then we would arrange a call to discuss your requirements in detail and the options available - including but not limited to type of composition, title, arrangement, format, artistic printing and framing, audio recording, and live performance at your event.

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