Music school hits the right note with Scotland’s first ever vocal programmes for young singers
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Scotland is admired the world over for its rich singing heritage and now its future is just as bright with two new dedicated vocal programmes for youngsters at St. Mary’s Music School, Edinburgh.
Beginning in September, the specialist music school will introduce two full-time vocal programmes tailored for individuals aged 13-19. This ensures that young aspiring classical singers can receive the very best preparation for conservatoire or university admissions, paving the way for successful careers in the field.
Home to the choristers of St. Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral in Edinburgh, singing has always been an integral part of the school which celebrated its 50th anniversary of instrumental teaching last year. With the newly established Vocal department, St. Mary’s Music School will now offer singers a rich and comprehensive vocal education.
Head of voice, Kate Aitken, said: “As a school, we look to create unique learning experiences, making sure every child is completely catered for in whatever they want to learn. Our approach is highly personalised, tailored to the specific needs and interests of every individual pupil.
“Singing has always been an important part of Scottish musical culture. It’s important we foster that. This course doesn’t exist anywhere else in Scotland. It offers age-appropriate vocal development and gives singers the tools they will require to hone their craft.
"We can now offer singers the same level of support and resources as we do for our instrumentalists.
"I feel so privileged to be part of it. It's an exciting time for young singers in Scotland."
The programmes are a Scotland first
Two programmes are offered: Changing Voices for S3 to S4 pupils (13-15) and the Senior Vocal programme for S5 to S6 and S6 Extension (15-19).
In both programmes singers receive one-on-one lessons with their singing teacher, specialist coaching, classes in Italian, German and French, and performance classes.
All singers will be part of the school choir, a chamber choir and an ensemble to develop their talents as part of a group as well as a soloist.
The Changing Voices programme has been specifically created to teach and support pupils as their voices develop.
In the senior programme, pupils will learn how to use both their body and instrument as a means of communicating text and music, strengthen confidence in their vocal ability and learn team-working skills which will prove invaluable throughout their lives.
Come along to the Taster Day on May 5!
If you are aged 13 to 18 years and have been receiving singing lessons for at least 12 months, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.
The immersive Vocal Taster Day will enable young vocalists to commence the next stage of their singing journey.
It will open with a group warm-up before splitting off into the Changing Voices and Senior Vocal programmes where you can meet staff and enjoy a performance class and coaching.
You will come back together for a scratch choir to learn a piece of music before performing a concert.
It is a wonderful opportunity to discover what life at St. Mary’s is like, whether as a boarder or day pupil.
There will also be an advisory clinic where you can perform a song for teachers and receive feedback and advice on where you are in your development.
“The Vocal Taster Day will allow young singers to learn more about our school and what it’s like to be a pupil here. We are really looking forward to it!”
https://www.stmarysmusicschool.co.uk/admissions/vocal-taster-day/
Funding and admission
It is a fundamental principle of St. Mary’s Music School that their music training should be offered to gifted children regardless of their financial status or background. The school is supported by the Scottish Government, St. Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral, trusts and donors.
The vast majority of UK-resident instrumental pupils at St. Mary’s Music School are eligible to be supported by the generous provisions of the Aided Places Scheme, (up to 100 per cent of the cost of tuition and boarding fees) funded by the Scottish Government, or by the school itself.
The Aided Places Scheme provides means-tested financial assistance with the cost of tuition, boarding fees and other expenses for pupils attending St. Mary’s Music School.
“As auditions can be arranged throughout the year, the advice is do not wait. At St. Mary’s Music School, we offer a unique learning experience providing a specialist music education which ensures a bespoke journey for each individual pupil."
For more visit www.stmarysmusicschool.co.uk
