Welcome from the Headteacher

St Mary’s Music School, Edinburgh is one of five Government-supported specialist music schools in the UK and the only one in Scotland. We are also Scotland's only choir school. We enable young musicians to excel in a safe and supportive culture that is creative, inclusive and committed. We select pupils for their musical promise, regardless of financial means and can offer up to 100% financial support. 

Our school is a small, dedicated and energetic centre of learning where we are continually inspired by our surroundings, by the accomplishment amongst us and by the superb teachers who deliver unrivalled tuition both musical and academic to the pupils, from the ages of 9 to 19 (with entry for young instrumentalists possible at any stage). The school was first established in 1880 to educate the choristers of the newly built St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral, and that link remains very firmly in place. From 1972, in addition to the choristers, young instrumentalists, composers and singers began to attend the school, and today, as a centre of musical excellence, we welcome pupils from across Scotland and beyond. At the end of their time with us, most of our leavers embark on further music education at conservatoires in the UK and abroad; our alumni number some very distinguished names in the world of music.

We pride ourselves on the musical training we deliver, but also on the high calibre of our academic teaching, and the way in which we nurture and support the development of each and every one of our pupils to be the very best they can be, in every aspect of their lives. Above all, St Mary’s Music School resounds not just with the sound of music practice and choral rehearsal, but with conversation, laughter and applause for achievement of every kind.

Dr Kenneth Taylor BSc Hons, PhD, PGCE, PG Dip
Headteacher