St Mary’s Music School: Where Music is a Way of Life

If you’re a talented musician between the ages of 9 and 19 looking to develop your skills, then look no further. This isn’t an advertisement, but an invitation to discover the story of a unique Edinburgh institution: St Mary’s Music School. It is an independent school in Edinburgh that provides a world-class musical and academic education to gifted young musicians. The school is dedicated to helping pupils fully unlock their musical talent and potential. Music requires hard work, but studying at St Mary’s is an engaging and exciting experience. ‘Passion for music lies at the heart of everything we do’ – that’s the school’s motto. Every pupil feels this passion and becomes immersed in it during their time here. It’s why graduates of St Mary’s maintain a lifelong connection with their beloved school. Read on to find out more at edinburgh-trend. 

A Brief History

St Mary’s Music School was founded in 1880 to educate the choristers of St Mary’s Cathedral. The cathedral itself was consecrated in 1879, after which the Bishop of Edinburgh decided that a choir school was needed. Modelled on English cathedral choir schools, St Mary’s was established to teach, board, and provide performance opportunities for its choristers, a role that remained its primary function for over a century. Notably, it is the only institution of its kind in Scotland, as the English choral tradition was never formally adopted by the Church of Scotland. In 1972, the school expanded its focus, drawing inspiration from the Yehudi Menuhin School in England. Lord Menuhin became the school’s first patron, even referring to it as ‘my younger sister school in Scotland’. While it continued as the cathedral’s choir school, it began training instrumentalists and singers as well. St Mary’s became a prestigious, specialist independent school, welcoming pupils from across Scotland, the UK, and abroad to provide the finest musical education.

In 1976, the school’s choir made a pioneering move by admitting girls for the first time alongside boys.

Since 1986, St Mary’s Music School has received funding through the Scottish Government’s Aided Places Scheme. This has ensured that outstanding young talents can receive a specialist music education, regardless of their background or financial circumstances.

In 1995, the school relocated to Coates Hall, a move that brought its academic and musical tuition, along with its practice facilities, all under one roof. This also provided excellent boarding and dining facilities on-site, saving pupils time and energy on travel. The beautiful gardens between the school buildings offer pupils a space to relax outdoors or enjoy recreational games. 

The School’s Departments and Its Ambassadors

The school’s two main pillars remain unchanged: vocal and instrumental music. All pupils sing in the school choir and receive a comprehensive musical education. The daily curriculum includes essential subjects such as:

• music history;
• music theory;
• aural skills;
• composition and improvisation.

The school has five instrumental departments:

• keyboard;
• strings;
• woodwind;
• brass;
• percussion.

Pupils can choose their primary and secondary instruments. The intensive training on their chosen instrument is tailored to each young musician’s individual abilities. Interestingly, students can customise their schedules by adding extra lessons on their chosen instrument. 

St Mary’s Music School has established an engaging Ambassador Programme. It was introduced to recognise and involve former pupils who have made significant contributions to the world of music and beyond. As ambassadors, these distinguished graduates help to promote the values and achievements of St Mary’s. They share their experience and expertise with current pupils and represent the school across the UK and internationally. The first four graduate ambassadors, who have committed to supporting the music school and its community, are:

• Aaron Akugbo (attended 2007 to 2016);
• Eva Boulos (attended 2015 to 2021);
• Angela Hicks (attended 2007 to 2010);
• Sophia Ros (attended 2016 to 2020).

Aims and Objectives

The primary aim of St Mary’s Music School is to empower talented young musicians to reach their full potential. To achieve this, the school has spent decades fostering a supportive and inspiring environment for all its pupils. The school’s leadership works tirelessly towards this goal. Another key objective is the continuous professional development of its teaching staff. They all undergo regular specialist training, allowing them to stay current with new trends and keep the learning process engaging and exciting.

St Mary’s Music School is an institution with a rich and storied history. It has given the world countless outstanding musicians, of whom it is immensely proud. Whatever path its graduates choose in life, they are all united by one thing: a love for music!