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.
Photos clockwise: Craig Ogden, François Leleux, Nicola Benedetti
Nigel Murray Masterclass
This annual masterclass is held in memory of former Director of Music, Nigel Murray and operates on a three–year cycle of piano, violin and cello. We extend the invitation to teachers, to pupils and to other schools and in the past four years we have been honoured to receive world-famous musicians Steven Isserlis, Felix Andrievsky, Joanna MacGregor and Nicola Benedetti.
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 gift to St Mary’s Music School to fund a series of masterclasses for the benefit of pupils at St Mary's Music School and we have extended these to welcome pupils from other schools too.
For more information about all Masterclasses and Workshops, visit out Events page.
Edinburgh Masterclass Series
Edinburgh is one of the world's cultural capitals and is visited by many internationally-renowned players on concert tours. Through our Edinburgh Masterclass Series we welcome many of them to give masterclasses and workshops which are also open to schoolchildren and music teachers across Scotland.
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
Celebrity 6 Series
This online series sees internationally.-renowned musicians joining the whole school online for an hour of insight, music and conversation. Find out more.