Study Music at St Mary's Music School

“Not a hothouse but rather a cold-frame for nurturing musical talent”
Nigel Murray (Director of Music 1980-1996)

My predecessor’s charming metaphor seems as appropriate now as it was then. For me, I would be inclined to add that the oxygen for growth comes not only from the dedication and skill of an experienced body of staff, but from young people living and working alongside like-minded individuals whose common language is that of music. The discipline of daily practice and formal classical training focussing on technique, listening and performance are core to our education, but we also embrace all kinds of music making, including jazz and traditional Scottish music.

Edinburgh is itself an artistic treasure trove (“One of the loveliest cities in the world” wrote Yehudi Menuhin, former patron of the school) and so there is a visit into town, for an orchestral or chamber music concert, to the opera or ballet, every week of the school year. St Mary’s Music School really is a stunning environment for any aspiring young musician!

Paul Stubbings (Director of Music 2012-2022)