FAQ for Classes

What if the class is too slow or too fast for me?

As long as there are spaces available, it’s possible to transfer your enrolment to a class at a different level. If you do move to a different class, all we ask is that you inform the tutors, and also the office, so we can keep our enrolment records up to date

I’ve learnt classical music. What level class should I join?

Have a look at our deciding your level page for more information. If you are learning to play the fiddle, have a look at the webpages for classes at different levels. You’ll find links to videos of classes learning a bit of a tune, and also a video of a typical tune that might be taught at each level

Can my daughter/son/baby come along with me?

Scots Music Group classes are currently for adults aged 18 and over. The Edinburgh Youth Gaitherin runs workshops for children

Why are all your fiddle classes on the same night?

Most of our single instrument classes are held on the same night to make it easier for you to change to another level if you feel you have enrolled in a class that’s too slow or too fast for you

Where can I buy/hire an instrument?

Have a look at our links pages for buying

Can I play viola in the fiddle class?

It may be possible, depending on which class you are intending to join, and your playing experience. Please contact the office for more information

I want to learn the….... Why don’t you have a class?

The Scots Music Group is a small community-based charity. We aim to make traditional music tuition and events as accessible as possible, through providing a wide range of reasonably priced classes and events. I n the past we have relied on grant funding to run classes in less commonly played instruments. unfortunately we lost this funding in 2009. We are currently seeking further funding to allow us to expand our programme again in the future. If there is a class you would like us to consider running in the future, please contact the office

What’s the easiest instrument to learn?

If you are drawn towards playing a particular instrument, you are more likely to be motivated to play regularly and progress with your playing.

What instruments can I play in a mixed instrument class?

Any acoustic instruments that can play in a range of keys can be brought along to any of our mixed instrument classes. It is also possible to bring along other instruments such as smallpipes, whistles, moothies, bodhrans etc.

If you are unsure, please contact the office for more information

How can I learn to play faster?

This will vary depending on what instrument you are learning to play, but here are some general tips:

  • To start with, pick easy tunes that you are very familiar with playing.
  • If there are bits in the tune that you find tricky to play, practice these until you can play them confidently, before you try speeding the tune up.
  • Check whether there are particular areas of technique you need to work on.
  • Practise the tune really slowly first, until you are confident you are playing it well.
  • Practice playing the tune and staying relaxed.
  • Think about how you are phrasing the tune, and be sure you have the key notes.
  • Practice playing the tune with a metronome, to learn to keep your playing speed under control. Once you can play a tune well at a certain speed, set the metronome slightly faster and try again.
  • Learn more tunes, so you become familiar with different note patterns in tunes.
  • Listen to lots of music, to hear what more experienced players are doing with phrasing etc.

Where can I meet other musicians?

Coming along to any of our classes is a great way to start! Alternatively, join one of the many regular pub sessions. We have more information on sessions that have a connection to the Scots Music Group on our website here