Million-pound legacy for Scotland’s national Music School

St Mary’s Music School, Scotland’s national music school, is celebrating the most significant legacy to be received in its 50-year-long history, thanks to the generosity of School supporter and music enthusiast, the late David Hutcheson.

A great music lover, David was a major supporter of the Edinburgh School in his later years and a regular attender at its concerts and performances. He believed passionately in supporting young people and music.

His legacy to the School, which will total more than one million pounds, comes at an exciting time in the history of St Mary’s Music School, as it looks to develop and modernise its facilities and provide the best possible experience for generations of talented young musicians to come.

St Mary’s Music School Headteacher, Dr Kenneth Taylor, remembers David fondly: “David was a great music aficionado and a generous supporter of the School. His support of our young musicians during his lifetime was wonderful but his legacy is nothing short of remarkable.

” We are deeply grateful to David for supporting the School with such a significant gift. His generosity will live on with the School and help our aspiring young musicians to go on to careers as professional instrumentalists, composers, singers, conductors and music teachers around the world.”

A music aficionado

Born in the Borders and raised in a musical family, it was David’s mother – an excellent violinist – who inspired in him a lifelong love of music and encouraged him to become an accomplished pianist himself.

A keen collector throughout his life, David amassed a significant collection of antique furniture, British & European paintings and silver. 

Highlights of his collection will be auctioned by Lyon & Turnbull in their forthcoming Five Centuries sale on 4 – 5 September and across a range of specialist auctions this autumn.

All will benefit St Mary’s Music School, as was his wish.

Free music sessions from Scotland’s national music school

Scotland’s national music school is launching a series of free online music sessions which will be open to all young musicians practising at home while their schools tackle COVID-restrictions.

Starting with two workshops for the flute, St Mary’s Music School, is providing the additional resources to support music education across Scotland and encourage those learning to play a musical instrument to stay positive and motivated.

Led by St Mary’s Music School teacher Lis Dooner, who played with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra for 25 years, the flute workshops will cover breathing techniques and musical phrasing. Both will be a mix of live introductions and commentary and pre-recorded material.

Divided into sessions suitable for Grade 3 and below and Grade 3 and above, participants will be able to follow instructions on screen and ask questions during the sessions. Teachers are also welcome to attend. Taking place on the 28 and 30 January, the flute sessions have already attracted over 100 young musicians and teachers.

Other sessions with expert tips and friendly advice, technical nitty-gritty, help with practice and music theory are in the pipeline. Details can be found on the St Mary’s Music School website: Events (stmarysmusicschool.co.uk)

Dr Kenneth Taylor, headteacher of St Mary’s Music School, said: “It is important that we continue to encourage our young musicians. Music complements all learning and contributes to the wellbeing of pupils, so we are delighted to offer our resources to those who can’t get face to face with their teachers.

“We have worked hard to create engaging and effective music lessons online and we’re happy to share that experience with other teachers and pupils.”

Talking about the flute workshops, Lis Dooner commented: “The sessions focus on simple techniques and exercises to improve playing skills. We use a demonstration lesson between pupil and teacher as an example, and those at home can play along or simply watch. The aim is to have some fun and provide some useful practice and instruction.

“As human beings we derive a powerful and fundamental benefit from seeing and interacting with people ‘for real’. As musicians, that need is even more palpable and is core to how we develop and grow our craft. As a teacher it is a hugely important part of what we do and how we teach. I am really delighted to be hosting these sessions and hope that they support our young players.”