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The Scottish Chamber Orchestra and St Mary’s Music School are delighted to announce a new partnership programme for young string players in and around Edinburgh.

SCO String Academy in partnership with St Mary’s Music School is a FREE initiative for young musicians who play violin, viola, cello or double bass and have reached Grade 6+.

Young musicians from all walks of life will work alongside SCO musicians to develop their technique, musicianship and orchestral playing. In addition to the enhanced psychological wellbeing that group music-making confers, participants will benefit by developing key life skills such as social confidence, teamwork, communication skills, and a sense of accomplishment.

Kenneth Taylor, Director of St Mary’s Music School is delighted by the partnership: “This is a wonderful opportunity for young people who have already worked really hard to learn the fundamentals of playing a string instrument, and who look for opportunities to progress to the next level. There are so many young people excited about music and eager to play more, and they will really benefit from the coaching SCO musicians provide”.

In the past year, SCO musicians have worked with over 10,000 young people across Scotland, and are passionate about engaging with young people through music. SCO Violinist and Conductor of SCO String Academy, Gordon Bragg comments “This is such an exciting new initiative. As well as developing musicianship, SCO String Academy is about being active and bringing young people together to enjoy making music with like-minded musicians”.

SCO Chief Executive Gavin Reid explains how this will be a benefit for Scotland’s future: “Scottish Government figures show that creative industries contribute more than £4 billion to the Scottish economy every year. The range of skills that young people develop through orchestral playing are crucial transferable skills for their future. SCO String Academy will be a fantastic way to support successful learning, develop confidence, and give participants the opportunity to contribute to high-quality ensemble performance.”

The first project takes place in Edinburgh in March 2019. It is a FREE initiative, with no auditions and young musicians are encouraged to sign up at sco.org.uk/stringacademy