St Mary’s Music School - Music Course For All
- Partner Content
- 4 hours ago
- 3 min read
By St. Mary's School
St Mary’s Music School Improvisation Lab
The Improvisation Lab is a weekend that offers a unique opportunity for young musicians to explore the art of improvisation in a supportive and creative environment.
The 2026 Improvisation Lab will take place on 12 and 13 September
The improvisation Lab is led by Hilary Michael, with assistance from Anna Michels .The weekend will allow aspiring improvisers to develop their skills and confidence regardless of their prior experience.
The weekend has been created specifically for children aged 12 to 16 with at least two years' experience on their chosen instrument.
During the weekend, you’ll have the chance to play with other musicians and explore a wide range of musical styles. Participants will gain valuable insights from two versatile musicians, unlocking their creative potential and developing their own musical style.
Course highlights
Exploring various musical styles, from Baroque to contemporary
Experimenting with melodic ideas using existing harmonic frameworks
Trying out different rhythmic patterns and grooves
Solo improvisation as well as group improvisation in different instrument combinations
Using non-musical stimuli, such as art and nature, as inspiration
Discussions on the many facets of improvisation
The 2026 Improvisation Lab weekend is a non-residential course and the fee is £180 incl. VAT.
Participants should bring a packed lunch on both days.
Thanks to funding from The Finzi Trust, The Murdoch Forrest Charitable Trust and the James T Howat Charitable Trust, support for fees is available. For more information about financial support, please contact:
Dr. JoAnna Collings
Bursar
The Great Scottish Double Bass Day
CALLING ALL BASS PLAYERS OF ALL AGES AND EVEN... BASSISTS TO BE!
St Mary's Music School and the Scottish Bass Trust are delighted to come together to present the Great Scottish Double Bass Day, bringing their shared passion for the double bass to a full day of workshops, ensemble playing, jazz and much, much more.
The day is an opportunity for double bass players of all ages and experience levels to come together, get involved in a range of activities.
The Scottish Bass Trust team will feature Nikita Naumov, Jamie Kenny, May Halyburton, Adrian Bornet, Andrew Robb and Stewart Wilson.
There will be a full programme of activities planned throughout the day. Whether you are already an experienced bass player or have always fancied finding out more about this wonderfully versatile instrument, there will be opportunities to get involved.
The day is also open to anyone of any age who wants to try the double bass for the first time. No previous experience is required, and there will be a full day of activities for anyone meeting the instrument for the first time. So, whether you already play, are thinking about taking up the double bass, or simply want to come along and discover what it is all about, you are very welcome.
Come along to St Mary's Music School on Sunday 4 October for a day of workshops, ensemble playing, jazz and more, with the Scottish Bass Trust and St Mary's Music School.
Date: Sunday, 4 October 2026, 9:30am to 4pm
Where: St Mary's Music School, 25 Grosvenor Crescent, Edinburgh, EH12 5EL
Price: Free
Instrumental Taster Days at St Mary’s Music School
Join us for an interactive day of music making.
Are you thinking about taking your musical journey to the next level? Come along to St Mary’s Music School for a fully interactive Instrumental Taster Morning!
Whether you are considering a Specialist Musical Education for your child, or just looking for more musical experience, this morning is open to young musicians from P4 to S2. This fully interactive morning is a fantastic opportunity to work with our staff and pupils, explore new musical ideas and experience life at St Mary’s Music School.
All orchestral instrumentalists are welcome to join us. Participants should have been playing their instrument and receiving formal lessons for a minimum of one year.
During the morning, participants will have the opportunity to:
Take part in a creative improvisation class
Join a performance class
Work alongside St Mary’s Music School staff and pupils
Hear performances from our current SMMS pupils
Experience a taste of the musical opportunities and education on offer at the school
Parents are warmly invited to stay for the first part of the morning, where they can find out more about St Mary’s Music School, meet members of the School community and hear about the wide range of opportunities and specialist education we offer.
Registration opens at 9.15 am for a 9.30 am start. The morning will finish at 1.00 pm.
Come and discover, create, perform and be inspired!
Date: Sunday, 25 October 2026
Location: St Mary's Music School
