Established | 1880 |
---|---|
Type |
Independent day and boarding Specialist music school |
Religion | Non-denominational |
Headteacher | Kenneth Taylor |
Director of Music | Paul Stubbings |
Location |
25 Grosvenor Crescent Edinburgh EH12 5EL Scotland |
Students | 80 (2017) |
Gender | Coeducational |
Ages | 9–19 |
Website | www |
St Mary's Music School is a music school in Scotland in Edinburgh, for boys and girls aged 9 to 19 and is also the Choir School of St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral. The school, which is non-denominational, provides education for children with a special talent in music, and is Scotland's only full-time independent specialist music school. In 2017 the school has 80 pupils from many different backgrounds and from all parts of Scotland, the rest of the UK and abroad - 49 day pupils and 31 boarders, plus one student on the school's Part-time Pathways to Specialism scheme.
Entry to the school is by audition and assessment, based on musical ability and potential and regardless of personal circumstances. Scottish Government funding, up to 100%, is available through the statutory Aided Places scheme to assist with the cost of tuition and boarding fees. The school and St. Mary's Cathedral also award bursaries. The school draws pupils from many different backgrounds, from all parts of Scotland and abroad. Boarding facilities are available at Coates Hall.
The school operates a large chamber orchestra, a Junior String Sinfonia and a Senior String Ensemble. Jazz and Traditional Scottish Music (including instruments like the clàrsach and bagpipes) feature in specialist ensembles and in Jazz and Scottish Music Days. Students perform regularly throughout Edinburgh and beyond. In addition to internal lunchtime concerts, students have also performed at the Queen's Hall, Edinburgh, Jam House, Kirks, Cathedral and the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow. Students have also been requested to play at many civic occasions including Royalty, the Scottish Parliament and other public events such as NATO visit to Edinburgh.
In addition, students play regularly in external youth orchestras such as the Edinburgh Youth Orchestra, National Children’s Orchestra of Scotland, National Youth Orchestra of Scotland, National Children’s Orchestra of Great Britain and the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain and sing in the National Youth Choir of Scotland.
Students also have the opportunity to form their own bands such as the contemporary folk-fusion band Kilairum.