Masterclasses and Workshops
Our programme of masterclasses with distinguished visitors is a central part of our teaching. All pupils either participate in or attend these workshops. Recent roll calls include François Leleux, Martin Roscoe, Helen Krizos, John Wallace, Paul Harris, Sheila Gordon, Jenn Butterworth, with workshops and assessments led by Heads of Departments from British Conservatoires.
Each session, the school promotes the prestigious Nigel Murray Masterclass, on a three–year cycle of piano, violin and cello. We extend the invitation to teachers, to pupils and to other schools. In the past four years we have been honoured to receive world-famous musicians Steven Isserlis, Felix Andrievsky, Joanna MacGregor and Nicola Benedetti.
We have also greatly enjoyed welcoming established musicians such as Susan Tomes, David Watkin and former pupils Simon Smith and Steven Osborne who have on occasion come into school to try out new programmes on a receptive, critical audience.
Nigel Murray Masterclass
This annual masterclass is held in memory of former Director of Music, Nigel Murray.
Nigel was the Director of Music at St Mary's Music School for 16 years and was considered to be one of the most talented and admired musicians in Scotland.
After his career as a professional violinist was affected by an arm injury he came to St Mary's Music School in Edinburgh, where he taught violin, coached chamber music and conducted the school orchestra.
Nigel died aged 64 in November 2007. Upon his death he left a substantial sum of money to St Mary’s Music School to be invested to fund a series of masterclasses for the benefit of pupils at St Mary's Music School. Previous masterclasses have been held at the City of Edinburgh Music School, at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and at Stockbridge Parish Church.
Renowned teachers and performers have been involved, including Nicola Benedetti, violinist, Joanna MacGregor, pianist, Steven Osborne, pianist, Felix Andrievsky, Professor of Violin at the Royal College of Music and Steven Isserlis, cellist, author and broadcaster.
For more information about all Masterclasses and Workshops, visit out Events page, or contact the School Office.
Edinburgh Masterclass Series
A new series of Masterclasses given by internationally renowned players visiting Edinburgh on concert tours. These Masterclasses are open to all schoolchildren.
Internal Masterclasses
Recent masterclasses held in school have included:
- Mark O'Keefe, Trumpet
- Konrad Wisziewski, Saxophone
- Maximiliano Martin, Clarinet
- Henry Fairs, Organ
- Diana Salazar, Composition
- Melinda Maxwell, Oboe
- Allan Neave, Guitar