Music
Orchestra and choir practice are popular in many schools. Children can receive individual music tuition either inside or outside school and join a local youth orchestra or band. Learning to play and appreciate music is deeply rewarding and group music making promotes a sense of belonging. Practice helps develop perseverance and sense of accomplishment.
Performances help children gain confidence and self-esteem. What’s more, research has suggested that children who play musical instruments do better in academic subjects at school.
Edinburgh Council provides free instrumental and vocal lessons to pupils from P4 to S6. But places may be limited, or offered to children who show keen interest or promise. What’s more, not all instruments will be on offer at every school and individual tuition may not be an option. So many parents organise lessons themselves. Particularly if they wish their child to learn an instrument before P4.
Pipe bands are a popular after-school activity in Edinburgh. Children who take up the pipes will, initially, be taught to play the chanter. Drummers learn on pads and are introduced to various styles of drums as they get older. Schools and local bands usually provide lots of opportunities to perform and enter piping and drumming competitions. Pipers and drummers are also part of a school’s CCF (Combined Cadet Force) if they have one. The most able teenage pipers will also be able to earn money by playing at weddings and other events.
The list below is not exhaustive. We have limited ourselves to just a few establishments known for the quality of their coaching.
4 Music Classes
Edinburgh Young Musicians (EYM) provides group tuition ranging from pre-school musical play to orchestras and choirs, incorporating beginners' instrumental classes, chamber music and musicianship.
Aimed at ages 3-18, EYM takes place between 9.30am and 1.30pm on Saturdays during term time. Ranging from 30 minutes to 1 hour, classes take place at George Watson’s College. Bursaries are available.
Portobello Music School offers group and individual tuition on Saturdays. Sessions are available from birth to S6 at CRE:8 Edinburgh College EH15 2PP. Funding should become available in the future, so do enquire if applying from 2025.
St Mary’s Music School runs Saturday music classes for children aged 4-12. Children in their final preschool year can attend Kodály classes. From P1 instrumental tuition is offered in groups. For children aged 7+ Choir and Theory classes are offered alongside individual instrumental and vocal tuition. The school is located at 25 Grosvenor Crescent EH12 5EL. Financial assistance is available.
Forth School of Music delivers group and individual music lessons to children aged 3+. Classes in Music Theory are also available. All classes take place at 210 Newhaven Road.
Everybody deserves extracurricular enrichment, regardless of their family’s financial status. So please look carefully at the individual listings for info. regarding concessions and bursaries. We would also recommend contacting the class organisers for updates regarding fees and financial assistance.
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