Anne Hamilton grew up in a family where music was always present, and she considers herself lucky for that. Her parents made sacrifices to afford piano lessons for Anne and her two sisters. Singing together as a family created a strong foundation for Anne’s ability to harmonise in songs. With her father’s self-taught piano and mandolin skills and the constant playing of records, the Gordon household was always filled with music, particularly during joyous singalongs on New Year’s.
At the age of 13, Anne acquired a guitar, which marked the beginning of her love for folk music. She found enjoyment in joining folk music sessions and learning from others. Although Anne’s school in Montrose didn’t offer formal music lessons, there were opportunities to explore folk singing. One such occasion was a bus trip from Montrose to a Burn’s Supper at Harris Academy in Dundee, where Anne had her early performance experience.
These early musical experiences instilled in Anne a desire to share the joy of music and traditional songs. After completing her teacher training in Aberdeen, Anne became a primary teacher in England, where she took charge of the music program. She organised instrumental groups, including guitar and percussion, and enjoyed singing folk music with the children.
Anne and her family eventually moved back to Scotland, where she not only raised her own two children but also worked at Dundee College, teaching Child Education. Anne used every opportunity to involve her students in music, recognising the importance of fostering a love for music in children’s early years. She taught her students to play guitar chords, helped them gain confidence in singing songs and rhymes, and guided them in compiling their own books of traditional songs and nursery rhymes.
Continuing her musical development, Anne pursued music studies with the Open University, worked through guitar grades, and obtained qualifications for instrumental teaching. She also attended Kodaly music courses, which emphasised the use of traditional songs and rhymes in teaching.
Anne’s love for teaching guitar expanded to include students of all ages, ranging from 6 to 80 years old. Every year, a concert for parents is organised, with any proceeds going to the Nordoff Robbins Music Therapy Charity. Anne’s passion for folk music led her to create an adult guitar group called Sakura. They play traditional and classical music, perform their compositions, and hold concerts, including at The Wighton Centre.
Upon retiring from full-time work ten years ago, Anne sought to volunteer and further immerse herself in traditional folk music. She approached the Dundee University of the Third Age (U3A) and proposed running a Folksinging Group. Starting with five members, the group grew to approximately 60 retired individuals, ranging in age up to 90. Leading this group brings immense joy to Anne, as they share their love for folk songs and stories, reminiscing about their memories of places like the Jute Mills, The Fyffie, and The Overgate. Additionally, the group has facilitated new collaborations among singers and players within the U3A.
After the success of the Folksinging group Anne suggested to a fellow fiddler, Morag Sutherland, that they start a String Group again with the (U3A) which they co-lead. They have organised two concerts for Ukraine and both concerts raised over £3000. Three in the group hosted Ukrainian families for six months and also managed to organise a Ukrainain choir to sing traditional songs at their concert this year.
Throughout the years, Anne has expanded her musical repertoire by learning to play the fiddle, banjo, and mandolin. She has also taken up penny whistle lessons at The Wighton Centre with Helen Forbes where she also learned fiddle at classes run by Karen Hannah. Attending Pete Clark’s Fiddle Courses in Dunkeld has provided her with a wealth of traditional fiddle tunes. Anne is an active playing member of the Dundee Strathspey and Reel Society. Furthermore, she contributes her skills on the bass ukulele in the U3A Dee Ukes Ukulele band during their charity concerts.
Also through her involvement with the folksinging group, Anne met Liz Crawford and Maggie Douglas, and together they formed the trio Just 3 Folk. They perform at local folk sessions and have recorded two CDs of folk music, raising funds for Art Angel and Maggie’s Centre in Dundee. Their performances at The Edinburgh Fringe have been well received.
Anne’s passion for promoting folk music led her to establish the Sunday Sessions Folk Club a few years ago. Held monthly at Monifieth Bowling Club, the club is open to anyone who wishes to perform or simply enjoy the music. Each month, charitable donations are made, and the club serves as a supportive environment for performers of all levels. It has hosted renowned guest artists such as Sheena Wellington, Pete Clark, Gregor Lowry, and Jim and Susie Malcolm.
In recent times, Anne has been collaborating with her husband, Dave, on songwriting. While Dave writes the lyrics, Anne composes the music. Their songs focus on Scottish people and places, and they hope to release a CD of their work this year.
Anne reflects on how her retirement years have been filled with music and how she has had the pleasure of meeting many wonderful individuals. She cherishes singing to her grandchildren, ensuring they learn numerous songs and rhymes, and she hopes to encourage them to pursue musical instruments. Although they reside in London, they are already enjoying “The Three Craws,” a popular Scottish song.