Our Classes
Simply select a box from the choice below to view the class options, tutors, ability levels and enrolment options
Please click on the class boxes below to see our Term 3 programme.
Enrolment opens on Tuesday 28th March.
PIANO ACCORDION
3 classes
For beginners
to improvers
on Wednesday
evening
CLICK FOR DETAILS
CLAWHAMMER STYLE
1 class
For intermediate
ability on
Wednesday evening
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FIDDLE
4 classes
For a range
of abilities on
Thursday
evening
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2 classes
For intermediate
& advanced ability
on Thursday
evening
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MIXED INSTRUMENT
5 classes
For improvers and above on Tuesday & Wednesday, day and evening
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SCOTTISH SMALLPIPES
2 classes
For a range of abilities
on Wednesday
evening
CLICK FOR DETAILS
SONG
2 classes
For all who love traditional singing on Tuesday & Thursday mornings
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2 classes
For beginners and
improvers
on Wednesday
evening
CLICK FOR DETAILS
WHISTLE & FLUTE
2 classes
For beginners to intermediate on Thursday evening
CLICK FOR DETAILS
PIANO ACCORDION 1
This is a continous class for students who have attended Terms 1 & 2. If you are an absolute beginner please do not enrol but contact the office.
You will learn some easy tunes using the right-hand keyboard. You will look at accordion technique, posture and bellows control. You will also be given an easy introduction to the left-hand keyboard but are not expected to play both hands together.
See our Information for Beginners here.
Delivery: in person
Venue: Room 2.20 James Gillespie’s High School
Day/Time: Wednesday 7-9pm
Maximum class size: 12
Tutor: Sheena Dickson
PIANO ACCORDION 2
This class allows accordion improvers to work on a selection of popular tunes on the right-hand keyboard. An introduction to the bass keyboard will also be included – working towards playing a few simple tunes with both hands together.
Skill Level required : Easy – i.e. class members should already be able to play a couple of easy tunes on the right-hand
RCS Graded Exam levels approx Prelim – Grade 1-2
Delivery: in person
Venue: Room 2.33 James Gillespie’s High School
Day/Time: Wednesday 7-9pm
Maximum class size: 15
Tutor: Matthew Maclennan
PIANO ACCORDION 3
The intermediate accordion class provides instruction for students to develop their accordion skills – learning a variety of tunes of moderate difficulty on the right-hand keyboard as well as a few tunes with both hands together. Attention to fingering, phrasing and expression is included. This class has its own website – www.smgaccordion.weebly.com
Skill Level required : Moderate – i.e. class members should already be able to play a few simple tunes both hands together.
RCS Graded Exam levels approx Grade 3 and above.
Delivery: in person
Venue: Room 2.32 James Gillespie’s High School
Day/Time: Wednesday 7-9pm
Maximum class size: 15
Tutor: Keith Dickson
5-STRING BANJO
This class is aimed at those who have been playing clawhammer banjo for 2-3 years, picking up where last year’s group left off. New students are of course welcome but please do check with the tutor via the office if unsure about the difficulty level. We will build on our technical skills, adding new techniques and more complex combinations of those already learned. We will move regularly between common banjo tunings so you should be familiar with the following:
– Standard/Open G
– Double C
– Sawmill
– Sandy River Belle/Cumberland Gap (fDGCD)
The class will also explore playing further up the banjo neck and work on skills for joining in at jam sessions. As in previous years, student input will be encouraged to help shape the group’s learning objectives.
Delivery: Mostly ONLINE via Zoom.
There are 2 in-person meetups in Edinburgh (room 2.22 at James Gillespie’s High School) on 10th May & 7th June from 7-9pm. Accompanying written learning materials will be provided along with some pre-recorded video and audio files. Students will be encouraged to submit videos of their own playing if they wish to receive more detailed feedback from the tutor.
**No classes 31st May & 14th June, extra dates 21st & 28th June**
Day/Time: Wednesday 7-8pm
Maximum class size: 15
Tutor: Michael Starkey
FIDDLE 1
This class is for complete beginners. You’ll learn how to hold your instrument and start playing your first notes in a fun and relaxed group, working towards playing your first tunes. No previous music experience is necessary. You should bring a fiddle with you.
See our Information for Beginners here.
THIS CLASS IS A CONTINUATION FROM TERMS 1 & 2.
Please do not enrol in Term 3 if you are an absolute beginner. Get in contact with the SMG office at ask about absolute beginner fiddle classes.
Delivery: in person
Venue: Room 2.23 James Gillespie’s High School
Day/Time: Thursday 7-9pm
Maximum class size: 12
Tutor: Claire Campbell
FIDDLE 2
THIS CLASS HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO LOW ENROLMENT NUMBERS.
For people that have been playing for up to two years and have some experience of learning tunes by ear. We will focus on:
- Learning new tunes by ear
- Looking at some new key signatures, notes, time signatures, and rhythms
- Learning new scales and arpeggios
- Getting a nicer overall sound and tone
- Perfecting general technique
- Looking at some basic bowing and ornaments
FIDDLE 3
Suitable for people with around 2-3 years’ playing experience. We will cover:
- Improve tone and bow contro
- Explore new key and time signatures
- Expand our knowledge of the stylistic elements of Scottish fiddle music
- Introduce using grace notes and embellishment in our playing
- Think about grouping tunes into ‘sets’
- Build on confident, tension free playing
- Have fun while doing all of the above!
Delivery: in person
Venue: Room 2.20 James Gillespie’s High School
Day/Time: Thursday 7-9pm
Maximum class size: 15
Tutor: Kirstie Mclanaghan
FIDDLE 4
THIS CLASS HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO LOW ENROLMENT NUMBERS.
For intermediates who have played for around 3-4 years already.
This class will focus on developing your basic technique, introducing more bowing styles and ornaments. We’ll broaden the range of tunes, continue to work on good tone, intonation and other aspects of technique according to the needs of class members. The class will also continue to develop your knowledge of the tradition and support you in becoming a more confident player.
FIDDLE 5
For intermediates who have played for around 4-5 years already. Building on basic skills and knowledge, this class will cover:
- Learning new tunes by ear in a range of different styles, keys and rhythms
- Grouping tunes together into sets
- Becoming comfortable playing in different keys
- Using bowing patterns to develop style, rhythm and phrasing
- Using ornamentation to create style and interest
- Using dynamics to create emotion and interest
- Improving tone, technique and posture
- Consolidating scales and arpeggios
- Building confidence in our playing
- Having fun!
Delivery: in person
Venue: Room 2.19 James Gillespie’s High School
Day/Time: Thursday 7-9pm
Maximum class Size: 15
Tutor: Claudia Edwards
FIDDLE 6
This class will look at expanding your repertoire and learning how to make it your own!
We’ll be revisiting and building on techniques such as rolls, ringing strings and birls, and learning a mixture of well-known session tunes as a base for using these skills, as well as lesser-known tunes and the odd request.
The class will be taught by ear, with sheet music and recordings available after the class.
Delivery: in person
Venue: Room 2.18 James Gillespie’s High School
Day/Time: Thursday 7-9pm
Maximum class size: 15
Tutor: Gregor Borland
FIDDLE 7
THIS CLASS HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO LOW ENROLMENT NUMBERS.
In this class, we try and go “beyond” the written music. We work on aspects of articulation, interpretation, technique, and performance practice. We will learn tunes by ear and work on articulation both by ear and in reference to sheet music. Learners are expected to have a firm understand of their instrument, as well as a basic understanding of different bowing techniques.
INTERMEDIATE GUITAR
For players with some experience, including those who have played other genres of music. We will look at getting to know the guitar neck better, tunes and songs, rhythm work, chords and inversions, and flat-picking. You should know these open string chords: C A G E D; Am, Em, Dm; A7, E7, D7, B7.
The class will look at:
- Chords in closed positions throughout the fretboard
- Changing chords more smoothly
- Following a chord chart
- Learning to read TAB
- Repertoire of song accompaniments
- Keeping time more consistently
- Flat picking Scottish tunes (plectrum)
Please bring a notebook, picks and a capo to class.
Delivery: in person
Venue: Room 2.25 James Gillespie’s High School
Day/Time: Thursday 7-9pm
Maximum class size: 15
Tutor: David Francis
ADVANCED GUITAR
For guitar players who are comfortable playing a range of chords and have solid technique. We will build a palette of chords and techniques you can use to develop a narrative in your arrangements and accompaniment using dynamics, rhythm, melody and harmony. While catering for more confident players, the class aims to welcome a range of abilities.
Topics covered during the year include:
- Learn how to build chords required for commonly used keys and modes
- Understand Chord Voicing and inversions across the fretboard
- Understand how to identify and use alternative chords (e.g. secondary dominants, substitutions)
- Flat-picking the melody
- Improving your rhythm
- Explore the dynamics of your instrument
- Playing in primarily in Drop D Tuning (with some DADGAD and Standard)
- Developing your finger-picking
- Developing a tailored accompaniment
Material for each piece will be delivered through dropbox. This will include Guitar TAB, music and chord charts, chord boxes, fingerings and accompanying notes, plus mp3 files with the melody and chordal arrangement.
Frank will walk through each piece and then cover the accompaniment, chord options and rhythm patterns and may also touch on some chord theory to reinforce practical application applied in the pieces.
Delivery: in person
Venue: Room 2.24 James Gillespie’s High School
Day/Time: Thursday 7-9pm
Maximum class size: 12
Tutor: Frank McLaughlin
SLOW SESSION
Suitable for any instrument. Over the term the class will build up a repertoire of session tunes. Music for the class can be found on Nigel’s website here. The Zoom link for the class will be sent to you before the first session.
SMG is regrettably not able to support the in-person post-class session at the moment, but visit Gatherer’s Inn webpage to see what’s still on offer in Nigel’s virtual pub here.
Delivery: Online Zoom sessions
Day/Time: Wednesday 6.45-8.15pm
Maximum class size: 30
Tutor: Nigel Gatherer
MIXED INSTRUMENT 1
Learn to play music in arrangements with other people. We’ll create our own arrangements of a variety of traditional tunes together. All instruments welcome. For people who have been playing for a year or more. Music for this class will be available from Nigel’s website here.
Delivery: 2 hour in-person class which can also be joined on Zoom
Venue: Gorgie Dalry Stenhouse Church Main Hall
Day/Time: Wednesday 10am-12pm
Maximum class size: 30
Tutor: Nigel Gatherer
MIXED INSTRUMENT 2
This class will learn new tunes, forming sets and arrangements, with opportunities to learn by ear as well as from written music. We will also revisit some of the tunes the class learned while online – anyone new to the class will be given plenty of time and help to join in!
Suitable for players of intermediate level and above.
Note that this class will continue to play repertoire learned in the first two terms, but new members are very welcome.
Delivery: in person
Venue: Morningside United Church Main Hall
Day/Time: Tuesday 10am-12pm
Maximum class size: 35
Tutor: Sarah Northcott
MIXED INSTRUMENT 3D
This class is running its own sessions during Term 3, and will be back as a bookable class in September.
MIXED INSTRUMENT 3E
This class will learn new tunes by ear, develop sets and explore arrangements. There will be opportunities to try your own arrangements out with the class. We will also revisit some of the tunes the class learned while online – anyone new to the class will be given plenty of time and help to join in!
Note that this class will continue to play repertoire learned in the first two terms, but new members are very welcome.
Delivery: in person
Venue: Room 2.25 James Gillespie’s High School
Day/Time: Wednesday 7-9pm
Maximum class size: 20
Tutor: Sarah Northcott
SCOTTISH SMALLPIPES 1
**TERMS 2 & 3 UPDATE**
THIS CLASS HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO LOW ENROLMENT NUMBERS.
In this class you will begin your journey in learning about the instrument itself and the tunes played on it, working on both physical and musical techniques. You should have a set of Scottish smallpipes in the key of A for this class.
See our Information for Beginners here.
SCOTTISH SMALLPIPES 2
THIS CLASS HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO LOW ENROLMENT NUMBERS.
For smallpipers who are confident in basic fingering and playing tunes. Learning by ear is encouraged and the tools for this will be provided, but manuscript will also be available for all the tunes. We will look at technique throughout the weeks and also end with 2/3 sets, where the tunes all work well together. You should have a set of smallpipes in A to bring to the class.
SCOTTISH SMALLPIPES 3
For smallpipers with several years’ experience, confident in fingering and with a good basic repertoire of more complex tunes. We will develop your technique and phrasing, harmonising and playing with other instruments in various keys. The class will look at improving rhythm and getting tunes up to speed, working towards playing more confidently by ear.
You should have a set of Scottish smallpipes in the key of A for the class.
Delivery: in person
Venue: Room 2.23 James Gillespie’s High School
Day/Time: Wednesday 7-9pm
Maximum class size: 15
Tutor: Malin Lewis & John Anderson
SCOTTISH SMALLPIPES 4
SPECIAL PRICING APPLIES FOR THIS CLASS
This class will work with a tutor who will lead 2 workshops during the term. In between tutor-led classes, the group will work together on developing their playing of tunes from a repertoire which will be co-ordinated and guided by the lead tutor from suggestions made by the group. Fees for this class are lower than those of the standard classes.
Maximum class size: 15
DAYTIME SONG SESSION
Delivery: in person
Venue: Christ Church Centre
Day/Time: Tuesday 10.30am-12.30pm
Maximum class size: 20
Tutor: Mary McCann
SCOTTISH SONG & BEYOND
THIS CLASS HAS BEEN POSTPONED TO AUTUMN 2023
A friendly, relaxed singing group who enjoy learning folk songs from across Scotland and beyond. Sessions will include gentle vocal exercises and the chance to sing a wide range of traditional and contemporary folk music. This group is suitable for complete beginners as well as experienced singers, with the opportunity to sing in harmony and to work at a pace which suits you.
SING TOGETHER
We learn by ear, with easy and enjoyable voice warm-ups, simple rounds and games to build confidence, and a chance to try harmonies. The atmosphere is relaxed, warm, welcoming, sociable and musical.
Songs include Burns songs, seasonal songs, songs of celebration, Edinburgh songs, songs from the Scottish Traveller tradition, work songs, children’s songs, songs your granny loved, songs from contemporary songwriters, songs from other traditions…
This class focuses on the fun of singing, connecting to our voices and the amazing traditional material that we have at our disposal. The class is very dynamic and requests for specific songs/song types are listened to and taken on board.
Any necessary resources, videos lyrics and recordings are sent by the tutor via email.
Delivery: 2 hour in-person class which can also be joined on Zoom
Venue: Christ Church Centre
Time: Thursday 10.30am-12.30pm
Maximum class size: 30
Tutor: Kirsty Law
UKULELE 1
This class is for complete beginners or those who had a go during lockdown but who now need some expert help. The class will guide you through holding the instrument, tuning, strumming and basic chords, and you’ll begin to learn your first songs.
See our Information for Beginners here.
This is a continous class for students who have attended Terms 1 & 2. If you are an absolute beginner please do not enrol but contact the office.
Delivery: in person
Venue: Room 2.18 James Gillespie’s High School
Day/Time: Wednesday 7-9pm
Maximum class size: 12
Tutor: Chris Day
UKULELE 2
This class is aimed at improving to intermediate players. As a minimum, you should have completed a beginners ukulele course, or be self-taught to a level where you are comfortable playing and changing between the basic ukulele chords in the keys of C, D, G and A, and have a basic understanding of strumming different timing and rhythms.
You will learn and play with other people at a comfortable pace in a friendly and encouraging environment.
Whilst the class is predominantly geared towards standard tuning ukulele, it is also suitable for baritone ukulele players.
Delivery: in person
Venue: Room 2.19 James Gillespie’s High School
Day/Time: Wednesday 7-9pm
Maximum class size: 15
Tutor: Colin Graham
BEGINNERS' WHISTLE
This class will introduce the basics of whistle playing. You’ll learn some easy tunes and gradually start looking at all the extra ornaments and techniques which give the tunes their character. No prior knowledge of music or music notation is needed. Suitable for complete beginners or those who had a go during lockdown but who now need some expert help. You should bring a whistle in the key of D (high).
See our Information for Beginners here.
This is a continous class for students who have attended Terms 1 & 2. If you are an absolute beginner please do not enrol but contact the office.
Delivery: in person
Venue: Room 2.31 James Gillespie’s High School
Day/Time: Thursday 7-9pm
Maximum class size: 12
Tutor: Andrew Macintyre
INTERMEDIATE WHISTLE/FLUTE
A mixed-ability class for all post-beginner players, including those from last year’s Whistle 2/3, and also for wooden and metal flute players. This class will work on both technique and group arrangements. If there is sufficient demand we will add another class, so please put your name on the waiting list if the class is full.
Delivery: in person
Venue: Room 2.32 James Gillespie’s High School
Day/Time: Thursday 7-9pm
Maximum class size: 15
Tutor: Freya Rae