Young musicians can travel free to Scotland’s National Music School Taster Day
Talented young musicians from rural Scotland are being offered grants towards travel and accommodation to attend a full and exciting ‘Taster Day’ at Scotland’s National Music School.
Thanks to the generosity of the Agar Trust, which supports young musicians living in rural Scotland to develop their skills further, grants are available to make the trip to Edinburgh for the event on Sunday 31 October 2021.
Designed to provide an insight into what it's like to be a young musician at a specialist music school, the day is dedicated to string instrumentalists, accordion and piano players, aged 11-16.
Sessions will be provided in interpretation and performance, coaching and improvisation, led by the school’s teaching staff, joined by existing pupils. The day concludes with a concert performed by St Mary’s Music School pupils.
Applications have to be made by 30th September, with details available at www.agar-trust.org.uk .
Janet Macdonald, Founder of the Agar Trust, commented:
“We’re absolutely delighted to be working in collaboration with St Mary’s Music School in promoting this Taster Day, and in giving youngsters from rural Scotland the opportunity to try playing piano, accordion or strings at a specialist music school. St Mary’s have done such a fantastic job in sustaining music education throughout the pandemic. During these past 16 months, live musical performances have all but disappeared from public life and we hope these live sessions which include young musicians will remind everyone of the joy of making music together with others.”
She added:
“Singing, or playing a musical instrument brings a lot of fun and engagement, and a sense of shared experience. We hope to help more youngsters to share in the joy that live music can bring.”
Paul Stubbings, Head of Music at St Mary’s Music School, said:
“Our Taster Day is designed to demonstrate some of the ways in which pupils learn in an atmosphere that is focussed and supportive, and we’re delighted that The Agar Trust has created more of an opportunity for young musicians living beyond the Central Belt to attend. It is hoped that the young people will gain an insight into how music is part of everyday life here at the school and is split 50/50 with academic subjects on the timetable. For those who are really passionate about music, the educational environment we offer is second to none.”
The support of the Agar Trust follows the announcement that the Leverhulme Trust has awarded St Mary’s Music School nearly £230,000 to help young musicians access boarding places, providing further means for young instrumentalists are not held back on financial grounds.