Open Days and Open Evenings
Talented young musicians and their parents are warmly invited to come along to a St Mary’s Music School Open Day or Open Evening. These are a fantastic way to find out more about us and see, and hear, first hand, what we have to offer those with an outstanding talent.
Open Evening - Tuesday 1st October, 2019
6pm to 7.30pm
For instrumentalists, singers and composers
This is an opportunity to meet some of the pupils and staff at St Mary's Music School and find out what it is like to be an instrumental pupil at Scotland's specialist music school. Hear about the shape of the week, life as a day pupil or boarder, the admissions process and the opportunities available. There will be the chance to ask questions in open forum as well as individually over tea and coffee with staff and pupils.
Please note, this event will not include a tour of the School. There is an opportunity to do so at our Open Day on Saturday 26th October or by individual arrangement.
Open Day - Saturday 26th October, 2019
2.30pm to 5pm
For choristers, instrumentalists, singers and composers
Open to young people, their parents, families and teachers interested in finding out more about becoming a chorister or an instrumental pupil at St Mary's Music School, the Open Day is a fantastic way to find out more about us and see, and hear, first hand, what we have to offer those with an outstanding talent.
Visiting at Open Day will give you, your parents and teachers the best opportunity to see the school in action and meet and talk with our current pupils and staff. There will be guided tours of the school, including boarding facilities, and music from instrumentalists and choristers.
Visitors will discover the outstanding quality of the teaching and the breadth of opportunities available both inside and outside the classroom and, for choristers from Primary 4 to Senior 2, the exceptional benefits of combining first-class academic and all-round education at St Mary’s Music School with singing in the renowned Choir of St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral.
Open Day Programme
The afternoon will run to a set programme and will include:
- Welcome by the Head Teacher, Dr Kenneth Taylor
- Pupil concert
- Presentations by the Director of Music, Paul Stubbings and Depute Head Academic, Frances Findlay
- Q&A with pupils
- Tour of the school
- Option to meet Head of Primary, Yvonne Jarron
- Meet and greet with staff and pupils
- Final concert
Visitors are encouraged to arrive promptly at 2.30pm. The afternoon is scheduled to end at 5pm.
Open Day / Evening Registration
If you would like to register your place please complete your application online here.
Be a Chorister Afternoon - Friday 15th November 2019
2pm to 6.30pm
For those interested in becoming a chorister
Being a chorister provides an excellent music and academic education and is open to boys and girls of all religious denominations or none, from age 7.
In this very special afternoon we welcome Primary Pupils P3-P5 who enjoy singing for a special opportunity to participate alongside the award-winning Choristers of St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral and find out what life is like as a chorister.
We start with some fun warm-ups in the Cathedral with the Master of Music, Duncan Fergusson, and learn some new music together ready for a performance at the end of the day. Then we head to St Mary's Music School where children take part in an interactive lesson with current pupils, before afternoon tea and heading back to the Cathedral to change into formal dress and sing with the full Cathedral Choir for Evensong. Parents are invited to attend Evensong and will also have the opportunity to ask their own questions in a separate afternoon session.
The only requirement for children to attend is a passion for singing.
There are limited places, so enrol early to avoid disappointment! Choristers are age 9 to 12 and are full time pupils at St Mary's Music School. You can find out more about being a chorister here. Financial support is available.
Please note: We are not currently able to offer boarding places to choristers, therefore the expectation is that choristers will be able to travel to the Cathedral six days a week.
If you would like to attend or have any queries please email Mary Walls.
Prefer to Visit Independently?
If you are considering applying to St Mary's and would like to find out more about the School then you are welcome to visit independently by arrangement. Visits usually take place on a Monday afternoon and are a chance for an informal chat with our Admissions Secretary and to have a tour of the school. Simply contact Mary Walls to arrange a suitable date.