about the Scots Music Group
The Scots Music Group (SMG) plays a significant role in Scotland’s lively, diverse, traditional music scene and was voted ‘Community Project of the Year’ at the Scots Trad Music Awards in December 2007. We run a large programme of classes, workshops and a huge range of social events.
Scots Music Group is a registered charity number SCO32702. SMG is a membership organisation with a Board of Directors who are volunteers. We have three part-time staff members: Clare Anderson (Project Leader), Ros Gasson (Development Worker) and Sheila Capewell (Administrator).
Scots Music Group supports sessions, performances, ceilidhs and many other exciting events. We encourage people to become active participants in traditional music, song and dance in their communities. To make this happen we rely on a huge team of volunteers, who get involved in many aspects of our activities; everything from selling raffle tickets at events to being on the Board of Directors.
An important aspect to Scots Music Group’s valuable work is raising funds so that we can continue to provide generous discounts to concession-holders, accessible events, affordable products and actively support our important community development.
our aims
- To create a critical relationship of respect and status to Scots music, song and dance that it may live in the heart of the community and beyond.
- To build a repertoire in the Scots idiom with reference to the past and present and into the future.
- To encourage and maintain the oral and aural transmission of the Scots tradition.
- To create opportunities to foster connections with, and explore the traditions of, the music, song and dance of other cultures.
- To bring the best practitioners of Scots music, song and dance into the life of the organisation as performers and as tutors to inspire and encourage students.
- To give students the skills and opportunities to perform together in the community.
- To maintain a democratic and participative style of voluntary organisation.
the Adult Learning Project
The Scots Music group is affiliated to the Adult Learning Project, an adult education organisation funded by the City of Edinburgh Council. ALP supports a variety of community learning and development groups including The Welcoming. The Welcoming encourages people of different minority backgrounds to meet with others and celebrate cultural diversity.
For further details contact
Adult Learning Project
Tollcross Community Centre, 117 Fountainbridge, Edinburgh EH3 9QG
0131 221 5800
affiliated organisations
The Scots Music Group has a number of affiliated organisations:
- Edinburgh Youth Gaitherin
EYG is organised by a voluntary committee of parents, friends and young people keen to encourage traditional music. They organise four exciting days of workshops for 9 – 18 year olds at Easter which include song, fiddle, mixed instrument and flute. At Fiddle 2006 there are workshops in fiddle, song, and flute. If you would like more information on any EYG events please contact the SMG office.
- Scots Fiddle Festival
Assembly Rooms, George Street, Edinburgh
21 – 23 November 2008
A weekend of non-stop fiddle music – two great concerts, ceilidhs, sessions, workshops, talks, masterclasses, recitals, exciting programme of Youth Gaitherin events.
- Sangstream
Sangstream aims to be a friendly and fun place open to everyone who has an interest in group singing. The group will provide the opportunity to develop your skills, to learn about and share Scots songs and traditions (although we stray to contemporary and from around the world too!) and to take these songs out into the wider community.
- Auld Spice
Auld Spice Ceilidh Band is available for a modest fee any time of the day or evening. They play a variety of Scots-based and other tunes and easy listening sets at dances, parties, ceilidhs, weddings, sing-alongs, festivals, community, corporate and fundraising events.