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Read all our latest news Events 13 January 2021 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. Read More > School News Staff News Alumni News 11 January 2021 Keyboard Department welcomes Anna Michels We are delighted to welcome former pupil Anna Michels as the latest addition to the Keyboard Department. Read More > 4 January 2021 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. Read More > School News 18 December 2020 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 More > 28 October 2020 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. Read More > 27 October 2020 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. Read More > Events 13 October 2020 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. Read More > Events 4 September 2020 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. Read More > School News 3 September 2020 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. Read More > School News Staff News 31 August 2020 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. Read More > School News 20 August 2020 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! Read More > School News 19 August 2020 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. Read More > 30 July 2020 Music classes for children go online Our group music classes for children age 4 to 12 are moving online for the Autumn term. Read More > 23 July 2020 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. Read More > School News 7 July 2020 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. Read More > 7 July 2020 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. Read More > 2 July 2020 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. Read More > 30 June 2020 Obituary, Richard Chester Obituary, Richard Chester, 1943 - 2020, Member and Former Chairman Read More > 24 June 2020 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. Read More > School News 23 June 2020 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. Read More > 15 June 2020 Directors' Recital Prize 2020 Finalists Announced The four finalists of the Directors' Recital Prize 2020 were announced today. Read More > School News 28 May 2020 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”. Read More > School News 27 May 2020 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. Read More > Blog 18 May 2020 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. Read More > Blog 18 May 2020 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. Read More > School News 8 May 2020 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. Read More > 23 March 2020 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. Read More > 12 March 2020 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. Read More > School News 5 March 2020 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. Read More > School News 4 March 2020 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 Read More > School News 20 February 2020 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 Read More > 31 January 2020 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. Read More > School News 31 January 2020 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. Read More > 4 January 2020 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. Read More > 4 December 2019 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. Read More > Alumni News 2 December 2019 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 Read More > School News 7 November 2019 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. Read More > School News 4 November 2019 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. Read More > School News 3 November 2019 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. Read More > School News 31 October 2019 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. Read More > Events School News 28 October 2019 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. Read More > 24 October 2019 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 Read More > School News 21 October 2019 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. Read More > 13 October 2019 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. Read More > School News Staff News 11 October 2019 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. Read More > 23 September 2019 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. Read More > School News 16 September 2019 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. Read More > School News 6 September 2019 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. Read More > 6 August 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. Read More > 23 April 2019 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. Read More > 18 April 2019 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. Read More > 17 April 2019 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 Read More > 22 March 2019 A superlative evening to celebrate the arrival of the new Steinway The evening of 28th 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. Read More > 19 March 2019 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. Read More > 14 March 2019 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. Read More > 14 February 2019 '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. Read More > School News 11 February 2019 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. Read More > School News 30 January 2019 Francois Leleux Masterclass World renowned oboist and conductor, François Leleux captivated pupils and guests with a two hour masterclass. Read More > School News 24 January 2019 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. Read More > School News 22 January 2019 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. Read More > Events 5 December 2018 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. Read More > School News Royal High School proposed move 26 November 2018 Whatever the Season New animated film set to Vivaldi's Largo from The Four Seasons Read More > Events School News 22 November 2018 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. Read More > Events School News 21 November 2018 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. Read More > School News Staff News Alumni News 24 October 2018 Debussy Festival at St Cecilia's Staff member James Willshire will curate a mini-festival celebrating Debussy on 1st & 2nd December. Read More > School News Staff News Alumni News 1 October 2018 Head of Jazz wins Double Bass prize Andrew Robb, Head of Jazz, wins at the European Society of Bassists 2018 Read More > School News Royal High School proposed move 17 September 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. Read More > School News Royal High School proposed move 5 September 2018 Anonymous artist leaves gift to the School The school has received the gift of a paper sculpture from Edinburgh’s Anonymous Sculptor. Read More > School News Staff News Alumni News 21 August 2018 Helen Macleod 1980 - 2018 Obituary: Helen Macleod, harp player, former pupil and former instrumental teacher Read More > Royal High School proposed move 14 August 2018 ‘Moving movie’ supports the Perfect Harmony campaign Watch our short film about bringing together two of Scotland’s national treasures in Perfect Harmony. Read More > School News 28 June 2018 Salvador Sanchez wins Directors' Recital Prize Eighteen year old pianist from Spain wins following a closely contested competition. Read More > School News 20 June 2018 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. Read More > School News 13 June 2018 The Minute Waltz: Take a Minute Take a Minute to show support for St Mary’s Music School Read More > School News 7 June 2018 Juniors in June - the Castles Series Junior Instrumentalists play at the Palace of Holyrood House Read More > Events School News 21 May 2018 Edinburgh Masterclass Series 2018: Violin Masterclass Renowned violinist Renaud Capuçon delivered an exceptional masterclass for pupils and guests Read More > School News Staff News 18 May 2018 James Willshire plays at the Edinburgh Society of Musicans Keyboard staff member, James Willshire, gave a recital of Litolff, Debussy and Liszt Read More > School News Staff News 15 May 2018 Scottish Awards for New Music Will Conway receives a Scottish Award for New Music for The Last Island, recorded by the Hebrides Ensemble Read More > School News Alumni News 14 May 2018 Steven Osborne Piano Recital in the Chapel Vice-President Steven Osborne plays Berg op.1 and Prokofiev 7th Sonata Read More > School News Alumni News 12 May 2018 Rachmaninov Etudes-tableaux, played by Steven Osborne Hyperion release of Rachmaninov Etudes-tableaux played by Steven Osborne due shortly Read More > School News Alumni News 5 May 2018 Simon Smith Lunchtime Concert Simon Smith played Stuart Macrae's Piano Sonata for pupils and staff. Read More > School News Royal High School proposed move 1 May 2018 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. Read More > Events School News 30 April 2018 Young musicians participate in annual Nigel Murray Masterclass One hundred and fifty young musicians attended the Masterclass given by the Fitzwilliam String Quartet. Read More > School News 24 March 2018 MacMillan's Stabat Mater to be streamed live from Rome MacMillan's Stabat Mater to be streamed live from Rome Read More > School News Alumni News 22 March 2018 Rachmaninov at the Edinburgh Society of Musicians On Wednesday 21st March, the Keyboard Department put on a programme of Rachmaninov Read More > School News Alumni News 11 February 2018 Winterplay: Young Musicians' Showcase Outstanding students from St Mary’s Music School performed an hour’s programme of chamber music. Read More > School News 9 January 2018 Sir James MacMillan shares composing expertise. Leading Scottish composer Sir James MacMillan shares his composing expertise in a new film. Read More > School News 1 December 2017 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. Read More > Royal High School proposed move 15 December 2015 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 Read More > Royal High School proposed move 26 November 2015 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. Read More > Royal High School proposed move 2 November 2015 Royal High School Preservation Trust statement Royal High School Preservation Trust makes statement of intent to Edinburgh Council Read More >
