FRANKIE ARCHER INSPIRES SCHOOL PUPILS

Frankie Archer with the pupils at City of Edinburgh Music School

“Mess around and see what happens” was the message from musician Frankie Archer to City of Edinburgh Music School pupils last Wednesday (27 March 24). Frankie was the fourth Edinburgh Tradfest star to be chosen for the coveted visiting tutor slot by the school’s director Tudor Morris. Previous guest tutors from ETF include Amy Laurenson (2023), Karine Polwart (2022) and Savorna Stevenson (2019).

Frankie has built a unique career in folk music over the past few years after learning classical violin at school, many years taking part in traditional music sessions, and a burgeoning interest in electronic music.

Frankie explains how to use pedals to alter the fiddle sound

The session at the school covered both her formal musical education and the freewheeling approach she has taken in recent years. She talked about the songs she performs. They are all traditional folk songs which may be from several hundred years ago, but have themes that are still highly relevant to today. The themes include women’s rights, social equality, and gender-based violence, which were all handled sensitively for the young audience. Her arrangements all come from the expediency of playing solo and the very modern tools she uses to make that possible.

Frankie proved she has a very playful and experimental style and encouraged the pupils to come and try out her tech – sampler, pedals, synthesiser etc – with some surprising results.

The school’s most famous alumnus Martin Bennett looks on. We think he would have approved!

“The workshop managed to cover traditional folk ballads from North East England, Northumbrian fiddle, voice, sampling, recording and sound manipulation,” says Tudor. “The students had a fantastic time and are still ‘buzzing’ about meeting and participating with Frankie.”

“I really love to share my process with people how I’m creating music and what gear I’m using. There was a good bit of sharing going on,” remembers Frankie who loved her visit to Edinburgh. Despite the rain!

Frankie Archer is appearing at Edinburgh Tradfest on Tuesday 7 May at the Traverse Theatre.