SCO String Academy

‘Blindingly Virtuosic’ Pianist, Philip Sharp joins Keybaord Faculty

We're delighted to announce that Philip Sharp will be joining the Keyboard Faculty.

Our Junior Ensemble takes centre stage

Rob Hall describes his latest project with the Junior Ensemble, recording a performance of four works for the 2022 CoMA (Contemporary Music for All) Festival, as ‘doing something a little bit different’…

Viktor wins federal prize in Bundeswettbewerb Jugend Komponiert

The Bundespreis is the most prestigious award for young composers in Germany and comes with a full scholarship for a week-long composition course.

The path to Enlightenment

With rehearsals underway for Enlightenment – the third work in our Seven Hills Project – we caught up with composer and alumnus Neil Tòmas Smith.

Steven Osborne OBE

Congratulations to Steven Osborne on being awarded an OBE in the New Years Honours. Wonderful news and deserved recognition of an extraordinary musician and a remarkable body of work. Bravo Steven!

'Imagined Conversation on Blackford Hill' online premiere

Online premiere of 'Imagined Conversation on Blackford Hill' by Tom David Wilson, today, Wednesday 22nd December at 5pm.

Pianodrome Sessions released today

In a continuation of their remarkable music series filmed at one of Edinburgh’s most iconic venues, we are delighted to feature in Pianodrome's latest Sessions series, released today. 

Ryan Corbett Wins 69th ROSL

Alumnus Ryan Corbett, Accordion has won the Royal Overseas League Annual Competition Gold Medal. He is the first accordionist to win the top award in 28 years!

Jake in finals of BBC Young Chorister of the Year

Jake Thomson (S1), reached the final of the highly prestigious BBC Young Chorister of the Year 2021 competition, broadcast on BBC 1's Songs of Praise. 

Connaught Brass announced as City Music Foundation Artists 2021

Connaught Brass  which includes alumni Aaron Akugbo and Robyn Blair are chosen as City Music Foundations Artists.

Cliodhna Scott Flute (S6 Extn)

Cliodhna Scott has been awarded the Coombs Scholarship, which supports one exceptional musician preparing to launch their career, or further education in music.

Brìghde Chaimbeul at COP 26 in Glasgow

Brìghde Chaimbeul Scottish smallpiper was invited to open the World Leaders’ Summit of COP 26 in Glasgow.

The Seven Hills Project expands across Scotland

We're delighted to be working with  Culloden Academy in Highland, Garnock Academy in North Ayrshire and Paisley Grammar School in Renfrewshire in a unique peer-to-peer, school-to-school musical project in partnership with Jay Capperauld. 

Plans approved for move to old Royal High School

Exciting news for the school today as the City of Edinburgh Council has approved plans that will see the school move to a new purpose-built facility within the old Royal High School. This is as part of plans for a new world-class centre for music education and public performance for the benefit of Scotland. 

Pekka Kuusisto launches Season 3 of Celebrity 6

Violinist, conductor and composer Pekka Kuusisto launches season 3 of the Celebrity 6 Series, welcoming renowned musicians from around the world. 

Agar Trust lends support to young musicians to travel free to our Taster Day

Talented young musicians from rural Scotland are being offered grants towards travel and accommodation to attend our forthcoming Taster Day for Piano, Strings and Accordion players. 

£230k award to St Mary’s Music School to support Scotland’s talented young musicians

We are delighted to have received a philanthropic grant of nearly £230,000 from the Leverhulme Trust. The grant will help create more opportunities for talented young musicians to access our specialist music education both as boarders and day pupils.  

St Mary's Music School at the heart of proposals put forward by RHSPT for New National Centre for Music at Old Royal High

St Mary's Music School is at the heart of a proposal put forward by The Royal High School Preservation Trust (RHSPT) for the creation of a world-class centre for music education and public performance for the benefit of the whole of Scotland.

Exam Results 2021 - Congratulations to all our pupils on their exam results

Over 85% of SQA grades awarded resulted as Grade A with a percentage pass rate of 100% across all levels.

Prizegiving 2021

Pupils and staff celebrated the end of term and the end of the school year with a prizegiving ceremony held in a marquee in the grounds.

St Mary's Music School's tribute to Edinburgh's seven hills launches 50th birthday cultural project

The countdown to our 50^th birthday begins this week with the official launch of the Seven Hills Project. 

Winner of Directors' Recital Prize 2021

Seventeen year old cellist Layla Ballard wins the Directors’ Recital Prize 2021.

Welcome to the Pianodrome

From our latest publication of Lines and Spaces – Summer 2021. 

It’s not every day that our pupils perform in an amphitheatre made entirely of upcycled pianos but in May, Neil, Eve, Cliodhna and Pavlina (all S6) headed to the Pianodrome in Granton to do exactly that.

A Place For New Music

From our latest publication of Lines and Spaces – Summer 2021. 

The Seven Hills Project is now spreading musical waves across Scotland. Dr Valerie Pearson explains more about this joyful celebration of musical creativity and collaboration.

Lord Clyde Memorial Prize 2021

Cliodhna wins Lord Clyde Memorial Prize 2021.

A New Recording of Brahms and Schumann soon to be released

On 25th June, Delphian Records will release a new recording by keyboard faculty member Elena Fischer-Dieskau.

"If your child has a prodigious musical talent, you couldn’t do much better than St Mary’s."

That's the opinion of the latest Good Schools Guide Review published this week. 

Primary pupils return to School

Primary pupils return to School with Seniors due to follow after Easter

Double win at Jugend komponiert

Congratulations to Viktor and Kevin who have both been awarded fellowships as winners of prestigious German composition competition. 

Virtual singing classes launched for children P3 & P4

Zoomtunes - our new online singing classes for children in P3 and P4 beings on Friday. 

SCO Academy returns with a new Percussion offering

This Spring we are delighted to be running not only the SCO String and Wind Academies but adding Percussion too. 

Free online music sessions begin with flute workshops

We're delighted to be launching a series of free online music sessions which will be open to all young musicians practising at home while their schools tackle COVID-restrictions.

Keyboard Department welcomes Anna Michels

We are delighted to welcome former pupil Anna Michels as the latest addition to the Keyboard Department.

Lessons and auditions to stay online until February half-term

Following the announcement by the Scottish Government that schools will remain closed to pupils until February, the School’s Senior Management Team have confirmed today that teaching will remain on-line until half-term.

Woodwind through the wall - out of adversity comes ingenuity

At a time when it has been difficult to continue normal teaching due to government restrictions, our teachers have had to think creatively. Unsurprisingly, they have come up trumps. 

Read the latest news from St Mary's Music School

Discover what has been happening at St Mary's Music School in our latest publication, Lines and Spaces.

Update on former Royal High School

The Scottish Government announced today that planning consent for a hotel on the site of the former Royal High School in Edinburgh has been refused. 

SCO String and Wind Academies Open to Applications

Following the success of the SCO String and Wind Academies we held in 2019 and earlier in 2020, we are delighted to be partnering with Scottish Chamber Orchestra once again to deliver two new academies this autumn. 

Angela Hewitt sets the Celebrity 6 Series off to a great start.

We were delighted to welcome pianist Angela Hewitt today for the first of six Celebrity 6 Sessions with eminent musicians. 

SQA Exam Results 2020 - Congratulations to all our pupils on their exam results

Over 75% of SQA grades awarded resulted as Grade A and this session we saw our highest percentage pass rate (100%) across all levels.

Welcome to our new Head of Strings

In an exciting move for St Mary’s Music School we are delighted to welcome Dr Valerie Pearson as our new Head of Strings.The new full-time role will allow William Conway, who has been fulfilling the joint role of Head of Strings and Artistic Director for more than ten years, to devote more time to his role as the School’s Artistic Director.

Headteacher takes on Seven Hills Challenge

Support Headteacher Dr Taylor as he takes on the challenge of running the course of the Seven Hills Race in 140 minutes - that's just over 14 miles...over 2200 feet of ascent....and just 20 minutes per hill!

New commission and collaboration celebrates 40 years of support for specialist music education in the UK

Eleven talented young musicians from St Mary’s Music School join a pioneering collaboration between the UK’s five specialist music schools to celebrate 40 years of government support.

Music classes for children go online

Our group music classes for children age 4 to 12 are moving online for the Autumn term. 

New Composition Plays Tribute to Steve Reich

A new composition by composer and saxophonist Rob Hall, featuring photographic art by Susheila Jamieson and performed by junior instrumentalists at St Mary’s Music School went live on Youtube today.

Directors' Recital Prize 2020 Winners Announced

Congratulations to Sofia Ros and Cliodhna Scott who were announced as the winners of the Directors' Recital Prize 2020 last night. 

Danny Driver and Steven Osborne to give masterclasses as part of Online Piano Summer School

We're delighted that Danny Driver and Steven Osborne will both feature in this year's Online Piano Summer School. 

Scotland's national orchestra provides fitting finale for St Mary's Music School pupils

St Mary's Music School has joined forces with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra to celebrate the twentieth anniversary of the Directors' Recital Prize. 

Obituary, Richard Chester

Obituary, Richard Chester, 1943 - 2020, Member and Former Chairman

IRP and JRP Winners Announced

Congratulations to all pupils who participated in the annual Junior Recital Prize, Intermediate Recital Prize and Directors' Recital Prize this year.

Danny Driver masterclass for senior pianists

To continue our term of online learning, we were delighted to welcome celebrated pianist Danny Driver to deliver a masterclass to senior pupils by Zoom. 

Directors' Recital Prize 2020 Finalists Announced

The four finalists of the Directors' Recital Prize 2020 were announced today. 

Antonio through to the final of Concurso Internacional de Piano “Ciudad de Sevilla”

We are delighted that pupil Antonio is successfully through to the final of the VII Concurso Internacional de Piano “Ciudad de Sevilla”. 

Exciting new music opportunity will hit the right note with young players in Scotland

The Scottish Chamber Orchestra and St Mary’s Music School are delighted to announce the launch of SCO Youth Academy.

St Mary’s Music School – The Journey to Online Learning

In this interview with Dr. Taylor, Headteacher, we take a look at all the work that has been taking place behind the scenes to ensure we can continue to provide a first-class level of music education to all our pupils.

Collaboration – An Essential Skill for Pianists

In this article, John Cameron, Assistant Director of Music at St Mary's Music School in Edinburgh, explains why every pianist should focus on collaboration. 

Online auditions open for applications

St Mary's Music School is now accepting applications for online auditions for instrumental and chorister places. Advisory auditions are also available. 

A video message by Dr Kenneth Taylor, Headteacher

A video message by Dr Kenneth Taylor, Headteacher of St Mary's Music School to our community of pupils, parents, staff and supporters. 

Win for Pavlina at Edinburgh Competition Festival

Congratulations to Pavlina Gusheva (S5) who won the Piano Solo 15 Minute Recital class at the recent Edinburgh Competition Festival. 

Michael Kanan, jazz pianist, swops New York for Edinburgh

We were delighted to welcome jazz pianist Michael Kanan, all the way from New York, to spend the day with pupils. 

SCO Youth Academy announced as part of Scottish Chamber Orchestra's season launch

SCO Youth Academy, a new youth orchestra in partnership with Scottish Chamber Orchestra, is announced as part of SCO's launch of their second season with Principal Conductor Maxim Emelyanychev 2020-21

Masterclasses and Music Academies feature in outreach programme for 2020

St Mary’s Music School launches ambitious outreach programme for 2020 featuring a flagship collaboration with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra

First prize for Sofia at Arrasate Accordion Competition

Congratulations to pupil Sofia who won first prize in Senior Category (18 to 25 years of age) at the Arrasate Accordion Competition 2019. 

Cello Masterclass with Nicolas Altstaedt, 21st February 2020

We are delighted to announce that renowned cellist Nicolas Altstaedt will be delivering the annual Nigel Murray Masterclass on 21st February. 

Lessons to be delivered online until February half-term

Following the announcement by the Scottish Government that schools will remain closed to pupils until February, the School’s Senior Management Team have confirmed today that teaching will remain on-line until half-term.

Partnership with Scottish Chamber Orchestra goes from strength to strength

Following two successful String Academies run in partnership with SCO,  we are delighted to announce the launch of SCO Wind Academy. 

Castalian String Quartet, featuring alumnus Daniel Roberts, win RPS Young Artists Award 2019

The RPS Awards celebrate "the outstanding, the pioneering and the inspiational in classical music. For classical it's the Oscars, Grammys and BAFTAS all in one." BBC Radio 3

Leighton's 'Sacred Choral Works' recorded with the Choir and Choristers of St Mary's Cathedral

A new recording of Kenneth Leighton's sacred choral works, recorded with the Choir of St Mary's Cathedral, directed by Duncan Ferguson, is to be released on 29th November. 

Success for pupils in first round of BBC Young Musician of the Year

Sofia (accordion) and Shakira(cello) are succesfully through to the next round of  BBC Young Musician of the Year 2020. 

St Mary’s Music School showcase specialist music education in Kuala Lumpur

Headteacher Dr. Kenneth Taylor and Assistant Director of Music, John Cameron,  were invited to present and give masterclasses at the inaugural conference 'Music for the 21st Century', held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Pupils selected for National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain 2020

Four pupils have been awarded places in the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain this year.

Partnership with Scottish Chamber Orchestra expands

Following the success of the first String Academy held in partnership with Scottish Chamber Orchestra earlier in the year, we launched the second series at the end of October.

First prize for Octavoce at City of Derry International Choir Festival

Edinburgh-based Octavoce, the a capella vocal octet, whose members include many former choristers of St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral and pupils of St Mary's Music School, win first prize at City of Derry International Choir Festival

Paul Stubbings delights audiences in St Petersburg

Renowned organist Paul Stubbings, who is also Director of Music at St Mary's Music School, played to full audiences in Russia towards the end of October as part of the annual St Petersburg festival of Russian music and poetry. 

Open Masterclass with the Maxwell Quartet

We're delighted to be welcoming the Maxwell Quartet back to Edinburgh for an open masterclass on Tuesday 10th December. The Quartet includes Duncan Strachan and Colin Scobie, two former St Mary's Music School pupils.

Head of Jazz adds new role at Leeds College of Music

We're delighted that Andrew Robb, Head of Jazz at St Mary's Music School, will also be teaching at Leeds College of Music. 

Over 200 people attend our Open Masterclass with Adam Walker

Earlier this month we welcomed Adam Walker, Principal Flute with the London Symphony Orchestra (LSO), to give a masterclass to young musicians. 

Sofia wins first prize in International Accordion Competition

S6 pupil Sofia Ros Gonzales wins 1st Prize in the 16th International  Accordion Competition of San Vincenzo la Costa. 

Pupil Ben makes debut in West Side Story

In August this year, St Mary’s Music School pupil Ben Giblin performed in West Side Story, conducted by Sir John Eliot Gardner, with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra as part of the Edinburgh International Festival 2019. 

Pupils celebrate with outstanding exam results

Pupils and staff at St Mary’s Music School are celebrating as the results for the SQA Examinations were published today.  The pass rates, National 5 – 100%, Higher – 98% and Advanced Higher – 97% are exceptional with 73% of all presentations resulting in a Grade A award.

Alumni spotlight - Adam Crighton, trombonist (Class of 2014).

Former pupil Adam Crighton has recently graduated from Guildhall winning The Armourers and Brasiers Prize for Brass. He is currently playing in the orchestra for Trevor Nunn's five star revival of Fiddler on the Roof at the Playhouse Theatre in the West End.

Deadline approaches for Piano Summer School

As the deadline for applications to the residential Piano Summer School approaches on May 20th 2019, pianists aged 13 to 19 are encouraged to apply. 

A packed house for the Spring Concert

The whole school came together in the beautiful surroundings of St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral for a concert of two halves, split between 'A Portrait of Purcell' and Saint-Saëns Violin Concerto No 3 in B minor, Op 61

A superlative evening to celebrate the arrival of the new Steinway

The evening of 28^th February was a special moment in the history of St Mary’s Music School when staff, pupils, donors, alumni and friends gathered to celebrate the addition of the new Steinway Model B piano to the School’s fleet of instruments.

A weekend snapshot of life at St Mary's Music School

From performing at the Royal National College of Music Chamber Music Festival to our Choristers recording a CD with Delphian Records - it has been a busy weekend for St Mary's Music School pupils. 

LSO celebrate Haitink at 90 with two former pupils Carol Ella and Malcolm Johnston

St Mary's Music School alumni celebrate 'Haitink at 90' as part of the London Symphony Orchestra at the Barbican, London. 

'On Being a Musician' - latest film released

In the fourth in a series of popular short films, Scotland’s national music school pupils share what music means to them.

Winner of Lord Clyde Concerto Competition Announced

After superb performances by 18 students, the prestigious Lord Clyde Memorial Prize Concerto Competition drew to a close on Friday.

Francois Leleux Masterclass

World renowned oboist and conductor, François Leleux captivated pupils and guests with a two hour masterclass. 

A superb start to the Spring term

The Spring term began with two high profile performances - one at Scottish Parliament and the other at St Andrew's and St George's in Edinbugh. 

Flagship gift for Scotland’s national music school

A very special gift arrives from Germany as a  new Steinway Model B joins the St Mary's Music School fleet. 

SCO String Academy

The SCO String Academy, in partnership with St Mary’s Music School, is a new free opportunity for musicians, taking place over a series of three Sunday afternoons.

Whatever the Season

New animated film set to Vivaldi's Largo from The Four Seasons

Guitar day with world renowned guitarist Craig Ogden

We are delighted to be holding the first St Mary's Music School Guitar Day with guitarist Craig Ogden.

Be a Chorister Day

We welcome Primary pupils who enjoy singing for a special opportunity to participate alongside the award-winning Choristers of St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral.

Debussy Festival at St Cecilia's

Staff member James Willshire will curate a mini-festival celebrating Debussy on 1st & 2nd December.

Head of Jazz wins Double Bass prize

Andrew Robb, Head of Jazz, wins at the European Society of Bassists 2018

The Note campaign is launched

The Note campaign calls for everyone to support the plan for the school's move to the old Royal High School.

Anonymous artist leaves gift to the School

The school has received the gift of a paper sculpture from Edinburgh’s Anonymous Sculptor.

Helen Macleod 1980 - 2018

Obituary: Helen Macleod, harp player, former pupil and former instrumental teacher

‘Moving movie’ supports the Perfect Harmony campaign

Watch our short film about bringing together two of Scotland’s national treasures in Perfect Harmony.

Salvador Sanchez wins Directors' Recital Prize

Eighteen year old pianist from Spain wins following a closely contested competition.

Nicola Benedetti and Steven Isserlis feature in new film.

The film showcases two musically gifted youngsters who have studied at St Mary’s Music School.

The Minute Waltz: Take a Minute       

Take a Minute to show support for St Mary’s Music School

Juniors in June - the Castles Series

Junior Instrumentalists play at the Palace of Holyrood House

Edinburgh Masterclass Series 2018: Violin Masterclass

Renowned violinist Renaud Capuçon delivered an exceptional masterclass for pupils and guests

James Willshire plays at the Edinburgh Society of Musicans

Keyboard staff member, James Willshire, gave a recital of Litolff, Debussy and Liszt

Scottish Awards for New Music

Will Conway receives a Scottish Award for New Music for The Last Island, recorded by the Hebrides Ensemble

Steven Osborne Piano Recital in the Chapel

Vice-President Steven Osborne plays Berg op.1 and Prokofiev 7th Sonata

Rachmaninov Etudes-tableaux, played by Steven Osborne

Hyperion release of Rachmaninov Etudes-tableaux played by Steven Osborne due shortly

Simon Smith Lunchtime Concert      

Simon Smith played Stuart Macrae's Piano Sonata for pupils and staff.

The Minute Waltz: Animated film by Domenica More Gordon

New short animated film in support of the proposed move by the school to the former Royal High School building.

Young musicians participate in annual Nigel Murray Masterclass

One hundred and fifty young musicians attended the Masterclass given by the Fitzwilliam String Quartet.

MacMillan's Stabat Mater to be streamed live from Rome

MacMillan's Stabat Mater to be streamed live from Rome

Rachmaninov at the Edinburgh Society of Musicians

On Wednesday 21st March, the Keyboard Department put on a programme of Rachmaninov

Winterplay: Young Musicians' Showcase

Outstanding students from St Mary’s Music School performed an hour’s programme of chamber music.

Sir James MacMillan shares composing expertise.

Leading Scottish composer Sir James MacMillan shares his composing expertise in a new film.

Pupils Bring Advice of Famous Composer to Life

Pupils have brought the advice of a famous composer to life in a series of four short films.

Royal High School Preservation Trust unveils plans for iconic Thomas Hamilton building

The Trust hopes to move St Mary’s Music School into the historic Thomas Hamilton building on Calton Hill

Royal High School Proposed Move

Statement from William Gray Muir and Dr Kenneth Taylor in light of the City of Edinburgh’s decision to reject plans for a hotel on the Calton Hill site.