monday 9 september 2026
St Mary's Music School Experience Days
This October, St Mary’s Music School is opening its doors to musicians, young singers and bassists from across Scotland with three Experience Days.
The Great Scottish Double Bass Day - Sunday 4 October | 9.30am–4pm
In partnership with the Scottish Bass Trust, the Great Scottish Double Bass Day brings together double bass players of all ages and experience levels for a full day of workshops, ensemble playing, jazz and more.
The best part? You don't need to be a bass player already! Anyone who has ever wondered what it is like to play the double bass is welcome to come along and try the instrument for themselves, with a full programme designed especially for newcomers.
With an expert team including Nikita Naumov, Jamie Kenny, May Halyburton, Adrian Bornet, Andrew Robb and Stewart Wilson, it promises to be a unique opportunity to discover the extraordinary world of the double bass.
The Great Scottish Double Bass Day is free and open to players of all ages. Register here.
Be a Chorister Afternoon Friday 23 October | 2.20–4pm
What is life really like as a chorister at St Mary’s Music School?
Our Be a Chorister Afternoon gives primary pupils in P3–P4 who enjoy singing the opportunity to find out.
Participants will join the choristers of St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral for an afternoon of singing, starting with fun vocal warm-ups before learning new music together. They will also have the chance to visit St Mary’s Music School, enjoy afternoon tea and experience the Cathedral service at the end of the afternoon, which parents are warmly invited to attend.
It is a chance to experience first-hand the combination of musical training, academic education and centuries-old choral tradition that makes being a chorister at St Mary’s Music School so special. Register here.
Instrumental Taster Morning - Sunday 25 October | 9.30am–1pm
For young instrumentalists in P4–S2, our Instrumental Taster Morning offers a hands-on introduction to the musical life of St Mary’s Music School. Open to orchestral instrumentalists who have been learning and receiving formal lessons for at least a year, the morning will include creative improvisation, performance activities and opportunities to work alongside St Mary’s pupils and staff.
Participants will also hear performances from current pupils and get a taste of the musical opportunities and specialist education on offer at the School.
For parents, there will be an opportunity to find out more about our School, meet members of the School community and discover what a specialist musical education can offer their child. Register here.
More than an open day
While each of these events is different, they share the same idea: come and experience it for yourself.
At our School, music isn't something that happens on the sidelines, it is at the heart of school life. These Participation Days give young musicians and singers the chance to step into that world.
Whether it's your first time holding a double bass, your first afternoon singing with cathedral choristers, or an opportunity to spend a morning making music alongside specialist pupils, there's no better way to get a feel for St Mary's Music School than by taking part.
Places are available for each event, with registration required.
