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Free online tutorials for young Scots musicians launched by national music school


By Alan Beresford

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Scotland’s national music school has launched a series of free online music sessions for young musicians.

Flute tutorials kicked off the series of tuition sessions. Picture: Sally Jubb
Flute tutorials kicked off the series of tuition sessions. Picture: Sally Jubb

The project, which started with two workshops for the flute, is being run by St Mary’s Music School, which is providing the additional resources to support music education across Scotland and encourage those learning to play a musical instrument to stay positive and motivated.

The following sessions are set to come packed with expert tips and friendly advice, technical nitty-gritty, help with practice and music theory are in the pipeline.

All young musicians practising at home while their schools tackle Covid restrictions are invited to participate.

Dr Kenneth Taylor, headteacher of St Mary’s Music School, said: “It is important that we continue to encourage our young musicians.

"Music complements all learning and contributes to the wellbeing of pupils, so we are delighted to offer our resources to those who can’t get face to face with their teachers.

“We have worked hard to create engaging and effective music lessons online and we’re happy to share that experience with other teachers and pupils.”

St Mary’s Music School teacher Lis Dooner, who played with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra for 25 years, added: “The sessions focus on simple techniques and exercises to improve playing skills.

"We use a demonstration lesson between pupil and teacher as an example, and those at home can play along or simply watch. The aim is to have some fun and provide some useful practice and instruction.

“As human beings we derive a powerful and fundamental benefit from seeing and interacting with people ‘for real’. As musicians, that need is even more palpable and is core to how we develop and grow our craft.

"As a teacher it is a hugely important part of what we do and how we teach. I am really delighted to be hosting these sessions and hope that they support our young players.”

Session details can be found on the St Mary’s Music School website at stmarysmusicschool.co.uk

St Mary’s Music School is Scotland’s national music school – one of five government-supported specialist music schools in the UK and the only one of its kind in Scotland. It offers a world-class standard of music and academic education to musically gifted children aged 9-19 years.

Entry is based on ability, with means tested bursaries and funding available via the government’s Aided Places Scheme.



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