Prospectus
"To play great music you must keep your eyes on a distant star."
Yehudi Menuhin
"Nothing can be achieved without enthusiasm."
Robert Schumann
Welcome
St Mary’s Music School, Edinburgh, enables young musicians to excel in a safe and supportive culture that is creative, inclusive and committed. We are Scotland’s only specialist independent music school and also its only choir school, selecting pupils for their musical promise, regardless of means, with financial support available to almost all of our pupils’ families.
Dr Kenneth Taylor Headteacher
Mr John Cameron Director of Music
Our school is a small, dedicated and energetic centre of learning where we are continually inspired by our surroundings, by the accomplishment amongst us and by the superb teachers who deliver unrivalled tuition, both musical and academic, to the pupils, from the ages of 9 to 19 (with entry for young instrumentalists possible at any stage). The school was first established in 1880 to educate the choristers of the newly built St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral, and that link remains very firmly in place. From 1972, in addition to the choristers, young instrumentalists, composers and older singers began to attend the school, and today, as a centre of musical excellence, we welcome pupils from across Scotland and beyond. At the end of their time with us, most of our leavers embark on further music education at conservatoires in the UK and abroad; our alumni number some very distinguished names in the world of music.
We hope this prospectus will give you some insight into our school, which prides itself not just on its musical training, but on the high calibre of its academic teaching and the way in which we nurture and support the development of each and every one of our pupils to be the very best they can be, in every aspect of their lives. Above all, St Mary’s Music School resounds not just with the sound of music practice and choral rehearsal, but with conversation, laughter and applause for achievement of every kind.
Fostering new and expressive work through inspiration, imagination and reflection
Our Values
Helpful and cooperative within our community, welcoming and respectful to all
Dedicated to our work, responsible and reliable
Our Aims
To provide specialist music education to gifted young instrumentalists and the choristers of St Mary’s Cathedral
To contribute to the cultural life of Scotland and internationally
To encourage applications from all pupils with the potential to benefit from a supportive specialist musical education
To develop every element of a pupil’s education: musical, academic and personal, to the highest of standards
To encourage confidence, self-esteem, self-discipline and selfawareness
To prepare and support pupils socially and professionally for the future
To promote engagement with the wider community through our outreach programme
Music Education
Instrumental Learning
Our focus is on one-to-one instrumental lessons with specialist professional musicians, many of whom combine teaching with their performing careers. The Director of Music will consider each individual pupil then match them with a suitable teacher. These intensive sessions, designed to improve technique and musicianship, introduce repertoire, develop expression and encourage personal interpretation. Pupils receive up to two hours per week on their principal study.
The full range of orchestral instruments is offered, along with voice, organ, clarsach, accordion, recorder, bagpipes and composition, but any instrument would be considered. In addition, all pupils study a second instrument for up to one hour per week. One of the studies should be piano, organ or another harmonic instrument such as the guitar or the harp.
Practice is scheduled each day to run alongside the regular timetable. A particular feature at St Mary’s Music School is the allocation of a coach-accompanist with whom pupils in S1 and above will work each week throughout the course of their time at school. A weekly performance class provides an ideal opportunity for peer evaluation and discussion, while the final hour of the week covers a range of Performance Practice related topics, from instrument maintenance to audition preparation tips and exploring the importance of breathing, relaxation techniques and posture, which is also addressed by lessons in Alexander Technique - an option for all pupils.
Vocal Programmes
The Vocal Department at St Mary’s Music School is the only one of its kind in Scotland and the North of England. Singing is an intrinsic part of Scotland’s rich cultural heritage and therefore Pupils have access to masterclasses with industry leaders and are supported to attend external opportunities from groups such as the National Youth Choir of Scotland and Scottish opera.
All singers are encouraged to perform regularly and can do so at lunchtime concerts in School as well as in performance opportunities at the many concerts held by St Mary’s Music School throughout the year. makes Edinburgh the perfect location for young singers from the UK and abroad to grow and flourish.
There are two vocal programmes at the School which focus on age-appropriate vocal development: The Changing Voices Programme and the Senior Vocal Programme.
Changing Voices Programme
Aimed at aspiring young singers, the Changing Voices Programme has vocal health and confidence-building at its heart With a focus on classical vocal technique, singers are nurtured and supported to maintain confidence in their vocal ability through specialist classes and teaching on how to use their new voices. As first study singers, they are encouraged to work as soloists by exploring text, emotional expression and all areas of vocal performance Each pupil will receive one-to-one lessons each week with a teacher who specialises in this period of vocal development as well as performance classes, coaching, language classes and ensemble music-making activities such as School Choir, Changing Voices Choir and Chamber Music. Pupils on the Changing Voices Programme are given an increased amount of contact time on their second studies to allow them flexibility within their education as their voice develops This will allow them more choice as they progress through the School
Senior Vocal Programme
The Senior Vocal Programme provides young singers with all the skills they need to succeed at conservatoire and beyond During the course of their study, they 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. First-study singers can expect weekly singing lessons where they focus on a wide range of repertoire and on honing their classical vocal technique; weekly coaching with a vocal specialist; performances classes; language classes (Italian, German and French); acting, movement and stagecraft, as well as involvement in ensemble music-making activities such as School Choir, Chamber Choir and Vocal Scenes.
"The function of music is to release us from the tyranny of conscious thought."
Thomas Beecham
Academic Music
Pupils study Music Theory, Harmony & Counterpoint, Form & Analysis and History of Music throughout. Aural sessions and Listening are part of the rhythm of each day; Composition and Improvisation also play significant roles. Senior pupils undertake rigorous public exams and are encouraged to study towards and beyond Grade 8 Theory and Practical Musicianship. As singing is an excellent way of developing the ear, every pupil participates in Choir on a weekly basis.
Composition
Under the guidance of resident composers Neil Tòmas Smith, the writing of new music is an exciting and thriving element of life at St Mary’s Music School. Our Vice-President Sir James MacMillan is a regular visitor to the school, giving talks and workshops on various aspects of composition. Students of composition are expected to rehearse and conduct their work as well as record and present online. We promote the Isobel Dunlop Composition Award which draws distinguished supporters and judges including, most recently, Stuart MacRae, alongside author Alexander McCall Smith, Sebastian Forbes and Master of the King's Music, Judith Weir.
The school has commissioned and performed works from composers based in Scotland and beyond, and the Cathedral Choir has long been at the forefront of commissioning and recording works from leading composers.
Established composers John De Simone, Helen Grime, David Horne, Lliam Paterson and Alasdair Spratt are alumni of the school.
"I’ve never known a musician who regretted being one. Whatever deceptions life may have in store for you, music itself is not going to let you down."
Virgil Thomson
Ensembles
Our ensembles include a large Chamber Orchestra and a String Ensemble which helps to develop advanced senior string players in the school. Other active groups include Early Music groups, Junior Orchestra, Brass Ensemble, Wind Ensembles, a Traditional Music Group, Jazz Combo and others.
Every pupil is encouraged to experience small-scale ensemble playing as an important part of their musical education. This is reflected in our curriculum where Chamber Music is specifically timetabled, with three hours scheduled for senior pupils, half of which is tutored.
Pupils also play regularly in youth orchestras such as Edinburgh Youth Orchestra, National Children’s Orchestra, National Youth Orchestras of Scotland, National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain, National Youth Jazz Orchestra of Scotland and the Tommy Smith Youth Jazz Orchestra. Singers regularly participate in programmes with Scottish Opera, the National Youth Choirs of Scotland and the RSNO Youth Chorus.
St Mary’s Music School encourages traditional Scottish music and improvisation and the timetable makes provision for monthly Jazz Days.
Pupils are formally assessed on technical matters, performance recitals and presentation throughout their time at St Mary’s Music School, except in their final year when the focus shifts to conservatoire/ university auditions and public performance.
Pupils participate in competitions; local, national and international, and take ABRSM exams to gain experience and as a measure of progress often working towards the Diploma of the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music
Our pupils have gained considerable success in high profile contests such as the BBC Young Musician of the Year and the BBC Jazz and Folk Awards along with the Moray Piano Competition, British Flute Society Competition and the Royal National Mòd.
Performance Opportunities
At St Mary’s Music School, pupils gain experience and confidence by performing in public; indeed we believe it is an important element of their development as instrumentalists and singers. Weekly concerts are given as part of the Chancel Concert Series at St Mary's Cathedral during term-time.
There are lunchtime concerts in school as well as formal school concerts in prestigious Edinburgh venues such as The Queen’s Hall, Usher Hall and selected city centre churches
Our pupils play for many civic occasions, in front of Royalty and in the Scottish Parliament, and give frequent concerts for outside organisations and many charities.
We are lucky at St Mary’s Music School to have made a number of recordings and broadcasts, with chamber music and orchestral concerts recorded and broadcast on BBC Radio Scotland and BBC Radio 2 and Radio 3. BBC Television has filmed at the school in connection with BBC Young Musician of the Year The choristers are heard regularly on radio and television and through the many CD recordings of the Cathedral Choir, several of which are to be found as Gramophone Magazine recommendations.
Piano Masterclass with Pascal Rogé
Masterclasses
Our programme of masterclasses with distinguished visitors is a central part of our teaching.
Recent masterclasses have included: Aaron Akugbo (Trumpet), Arlene Macfarlane (Trombone), Gabrielle Lester (Violin), Jacqueline Thomas (Cello), Stephen Coombs (Piano), Patricia MacMahon (Voice), MilosMilivojevic (Accordion), Eira Lynn Jones (Harp), Andrew Somerville (Saxophone), Katherine Bryer (Oboe) and Joseph Beech (Organ), with workshops and assessments led by Heads of Departments from British Conservatoires including Aaron Shorr (Royal Conservatoire of Scotland) and Louise Lansdowne (Royal Birmingham Conservatoire)
Each session the school promotes the prestigious Nigel Murray Masterclass a day of events
Cello Masterclass with Nicolas Altstaedt
Violin Masterclass with Nicola Benedetti
Saxophone Masterclass with Joe Pacewicz
Lower Brass Day
"So long as the human spirit thrives on this planet, music in some living form will accompany and sustain it."
Aaron Copland
Steven Osborne
Careers
Almost every pupil goes on to Higher Education, with the majority studying music and entering the music profession. Our Careers Teacher liaises with music colleges and universities and with academic and instrumental staff to identify the best prospects for each leaver.
Many former pupils have enjoyed success in important national and international competitions and are now pursuing music careers all over the world, including guitarist Paul Galbraith, pianists Steven Osborne and Simon Smith, composers Helen Grime and David Horne, jazz pianist Alan Benzie, soprano Susan Hamilton, mezzo-soprano Monica BrettCrowther, cellist Philip Higham, conductor Garry Walker, broadcaster and writer Kate Molleson, harpist Emily Hoile and violinist Daniel Roberts.
The comedian, actor and television presenter Alexander Armstrong was a chorister at the school.
Brìghde Chaimbeul
Philip Higham
Colin Scobie
Aaron Akugbo
Choristers
Described by Gramophone magazine as “one of Scotland’s (indeed the UK’s) musical jewels”, the Choir of St Mary’s Cathedral enjoys an international reputation. Both girl and boy choristers all attend St Mary’s Music School and at the heart of their work is singing for Cathedral services. St Mary’s Cathedral is unique in Scotland in maintaining a weekday choral tradition and in 1978 it became the first cathedral in the UK to offer girls bursaries to sing with the boys as trebles.
Cathedral Life
The daily routine of a chorister is certainly demanding and the standard required exacting, but performing at this high level every day brings tremendous rewards and satisfaction, developing a superb sense of team spirit. The choristers’ timetable is carefully monitored and a robust and enthusiastic individual usually relishes the chorister experience The school website gives an informative glimpse into a typical day in the life of a chorister
Singing at an occasion such as the Christmas Carol Service, a live radio broadcast, and working and meeting with world-renowned composers are unforgettable experiences for a chorister and provide an unrivalled foundation for a lifetime’s enjoyment of music The discipline fostered by chorister life, together with the ability to concentrate and focus for long periods of time at a young age, are a fantastic training for any future profession.
Chorister Instrumental Tuition
Choristers starting at St Mary’s Music School learn one instrument in school time. As they progress up the school, a second instrument may be taken up in the first year of the Senior School. Regular singing lessons are provided and all choristers are taught Music Theory and Composition and are given performing opportunities both in and out of school.
"Music is the social act of communication among people, a gesture of friendship, the strongest there is."
Malcolm Arnold
St Mary's Cathedral Choir Touring and Recording
The choir is well known for working closely with numerous leading contemporary composers, commissioning, performing and recording new choral works, and is also acclaimed for its many appearances on BBC Radio 3, Radio 4 and Radio Scotland, including live broadcasts of Choral Evensong. International tours are regularly undertaken and the choir has visited France, Hungary, Norway, Germany, the USA and Canada, Taiwan and Japan. The opportunity to perform around the world is one of the many highlights of singing in St Mary’s Cathedral Choir
Over the last decade the choir has worked with many orchestras including the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Dunedin Consort, Opera North, Scottish Opera, and BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra Recent recordings have included single-composer discs from Tudor England (Taverner, Sheppard and Mundy respectively), Bruckner (a Gramophone Recommended Recording), contemporary composer Gabriel Jackson, Stravinsky (with instrumentalists from the Scottish Chamber Orchestra), and Kenneth Leighton, celebrating the ninetieth anniversary of the birth of the former Edinburgh Professor of Music (5* from BBC Music Magazine).
Three of the discs were Editor’s Choice in Gramophone Magazine.
Moving On
Choristers normally start in P5 (age 9-10) and commit to remain in the choir until the end of S2 (age 13- 14). Choristers either leave St Mary’s Music School to complete their secondary education elsewhere (choristers regularly win music scholarships to independent schools) or audition for an instrumentalist place at the school.
"I live my daydreams in music."
Albert Einstein
Academic Education
We are a specialist music school but our academic reputation is equally strong. We provide an excellent all-round education whatever the age of the pupil.
Younger children receive a broad-based curriculum in the early years, and as pupils progress through the school (entry for instrumentalists can be at any stage), a more flexible and individually tailored approach develops – a real advantage of our smaller size.
Our classes follow Scottish Government guidelines in line with the Curriculum for Excellence; primary pupils are taught mainly by primary class teachers while senior pupils in S1 (age 12 or 13) and above are taught by subject specialists In S4 and above, pupils study towards SQA National Qualifications In fourth year, pupils select three qualifications in addition to mathematics, English and music which are compulsory.
In S5 and S6, Scottish Highers followed by Advanced Highers (both one year courses) and A-Level music are taken, and our policy of flexible timetabling and a structured points system mean there can be some leeway in subject choice and timing.
For detailed information about national examinations and subject choices from S3 and above, please refer to the school website.
Examinationresultsareconsistentlyexcellent.AlthoughmostofourpupilsproceedtoHigher Educationtostudymusic,wearecarefultoensurethatpupilswishingtopursueotheroptions havethenecessaryqualifications.EachyearweusuallyhavepupilsapplyingtoOxfordor Cambridgewithahighdegreeofsuccesswhileothersregularlygainscholarshipsto conservatoiresbothathomeandabroad
StMary'sMusicSchoolwasratedbestperformingIndependentSchoolinScotlandforHigher andAdvancedHighersbythe SundayTimesin2022&2023
“Live life to the full and become more curious every day. The more you find out about life, the richer your music making will be.”
Daniel Barenboim
Boarding at St Mary’s Music School
Around 30 instrumental pupils board at St Mary’s Music School Our boarding house is a warm and friendly environment with comfortable, en-suite rooms over two floors, a common room, small kitchen and a boarders’ sitting room. There is a real sense of home from home with a high pastoral staff to pupil ratio There are four permanent members of staff: the boarding house manager and three full-time house parents, and five part-time house parents, so our boarders are very well looked after and enjoy all the fun of learning and living in the heart of Edinburgh.
Healthy menus, after-school activities and plenty of pastoral support ensure a happy boarding community. After the normal school day, boarders have access to all the practice rooms and can also visit a local leisure centre with gym and pool Other boarding activities can include baking, movie evenings, arts and crafts, games and themed evenings At 6pm the boarders receive their evening meal and then participate in supervised study These sessions provide support to pupils with their homework. At 8pm a supper snack is served and then there is free time until bed.
On the weekends, the pupils enjoy longer lie-ins and more free time to practise, socialise with friends or return home.
Auditions and Fees
Entrance Auditions Instrumentalists and Singers
Entry to the school is by audition and assessment, based on musical ability and potential Auditions are held throughout the year. Applications may be submitted at any point during the session.
Our aim is that all candidates have a positive experience, whatever the outcome. Although most information can be found on our website, our Admissions Team is here to guide you through the process Please do be in touch with our admissions team (admissions@smms uk) who will be able to steer and advise on each step
Auditions
There are several stages to the audition process starting with an application enquiry. Auditions can be held either in-person or digitally depending on the candidate's global location
The Audition Panel are looking for potential, passion, dedication, talent and musicality and, above all, are looking to see if your child has the required abilities to access the specialist music education on offer at St Mary’s Music School. They must be of a standard that they can join in with choirs, ensembles, academic music and orchestras.
Choristers
Auditions for St Mary’s Cathedral Choir are held throughout the year, ideally at P3 or P4 stage (roughly aged 7-9 years), although older pupils are considered. The Panel look for a quick mind, a good sense of pitch and rhythm, a clear voice and usually some experience of learning a musical instrument
If successful at audition, they then undertake a year ’ s probationary training, three times a week, before entering the school at P5, after which they are admitted as full choristers and as day pupils at St Mary’s Music School. Under this system our choristers are introduced gradually to Cathedral life, so that the transition to St Mary’s Music School is effected smoothly
The Cathedral’s Organist and Master of the Music, Duncan Ferguson, is delighted to answer questions or to hear a prospective candidate at any stage Parents and children are encouraged to come and hear the Cathedral Choir before applying Enquiries may be made through the Cathedral Office (9 30am – 12 30pm) by telephoning 0131 225 6293 or through the School Office. You can also email the Master of the Music on music@cathedral.net
Funding & Fees
Funding
It is a fundamental principle of St Mary’s Music School that our world-class music training should be offered to gifted children regardless of their financial circumstances To this end, most of our young musicians and choristers receive financial assistance towards school fees, either through the Scottish Government's Aided Places Scheme, St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral or through School bursaries.
As a charity, St Mary’s Music School actively raises funds each year from individual donors, businesses, trusts and foundations to support bursaries, masterclasses, and the purchase of musical instruments, wider musical education and specialised teaching These additional resources enhance our educational facilities and greatly enrich the learning opportunities provided by our School.
For further information on how we raise funds to support our young musicians please contact our Development Office by calling 0131 538 7766 or emailing development@smms uk
Fees
Instrumentalist Fees
The majority of instrumental pupils at St Mary’s Music School are eligible to be supported by the generous provisions of the Aided Places Scheme, funded by the Scottish Government, or by the school itself.
Chorister Fees
Chorister places at St Mary’s Music School carry either a Cathedral Bursary, covering a percentage of the fees, or one of a limited number of Scottish Government Aided Places. The Cathedral can provide additional support to ensure no potential chorister is excluded due to financial circumstances
For full information on current fees and the Aided Places Scheme, please see the school website
SaturdayMusic Classes
In addition to our full-time programme, we offer music classes on Saturdays for younger musicians.
Our long-established and very popular Saturday Music Classes for children aged 4 - 12 take place during term time. In a safe and caring social environment, some 150 local children discover the wonders of music, helped by experienced staff, all highly qualified in working with children through the arts. The emphasis is on having fun, while engaging young children in the magic of music-making.
Edinburgh
St Mary's Music School is situated in the heart of Edinburgh, a two minute walk from Haymarket Station.
Our beautiful city of Edinburgh, one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites, is a captivating mix of elegant Georgian architecture in the New Town, medieval lanes and cobbled streets in the Old Town, and an inimitable sense of atmosphere and vibrancy throughout the city. During the month of August the city hosts the Edinburgh International Festival and Edinburgh Festival Fringe which sees hundreds, if not thousands of performers and artists flock to the city from around the world.
Artistic and cultural life thrives all year round in Edinburgh
Musically the city offers some splendid venues including the grand Usher Hall which is on our doorstep and The Queen’s Hall close by, enabling our pupils to hear outstanding soloists and orchestras (including Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Hebrides Ensemble, Scottish Ensemble and Dunedin Consort, all of whom support our work) as well as specialised baroque and contemporary ensembles and live opera The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland is just 50 minutes away in Glasgow.
Photo by Jim Divine on Unsplash
