Learn in perfect HARMONY
WHEN the world-renowned traditional singer and musician Mary Ann Kennedy launched her new album at the recent Mod in Dunoon, it was yet another success story that began at the Music School of Douglas Academy in Milngavie.
The school has been offering worldclass training in music alongside excellent academic study since 1979, and has produced many musicians who are at the top of their fields.
The training is fully funded, something that might surprise many, but as Course Director Mark Evans explains, the Music School is fully funded by the Scottish Government and supported by East Dunbartonshire Council.
“I’m sure many people have hesitated to apply, not knowing that the tuition is free,” says Mark Evans. “Also, if pupils are accepted but live outside of travelling distance to the school, residential accommodation is provided in a recently built facility in Knightswood, shared with the Dance School of Scotland,” he adds.
On November 7, at an Open Evening there is the opportunity to find out more about the Music School at Douglas Academy.
The Open Evening will provide an opportunity to learn about what happens on a day to day basis in the Music School, to hear some current students perform. There will also be a chance to meet the Course Director and Headteacher, as well as hear first-hand accounts f rom many of those currently studying at the Music School. Apart from the wellknown musical pedi- gree, Douglas Academy is in the top 10 of Scotland’s schools for academic achievement. Research would suggest that playing an instrument can help with academic achievement and it is perhaps no coincidence that the top 10% in the Academy are also in Music School.
“There is so much research now about music and its effects on education and learning,” adds Mark Evans. “For me what is important are the transferable skills. Even in first year pupils are responsible for their own time, they are responsible for keeping their own diaries and from an early stage develop the skills that we need whatever walk of life we are in.
“When it comes to music schooling Pupils are given lessons in a first and second instrument and also study theory and harmony,” says Mr Evans. “They study music history as well as composition and aural training. They will also have opportunities to play chamber music and have orchestral experience. One of our great strengths is performance. Every Friday we stage lunchtime recitals in the school and pupils also get the opportunity to perform in many engagements outside the school.”
This strength of performance has helped the musical careers of artists as varied as the Ayoub Sisters, with their blend of classical and contemporary sounds.
Other notable alumni i nclude composer Tom Harrold and Christian Curnyn, who is a now a conductor and harpsichordist, well-known in the early music world. Mary Ann Kennedy was among the first intake along with Jamie MacDougall, one of the Three Tenors.
Students develop under the guidance of some of Scotland’s best professional musicians as teachers. The instrumental staff are drawn from such institutions as the RCS, RSNO, the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Scottish Opera, and further afield.
The facilities are also top class: there are t wo f loors of soundproofed rehearsal rooms, as well as a concert hall with a concert-grand piano. All this in an atmosphere that is nurturing and supportive – the way to achievement. And of course, pupils are accepted from P7 until S5 although, very occasionally, a pupil will be accepted into S6.
“Normally about 50% of our students go on to study music but this year a far larger percentage perhaps, around 80%, are auditioning for the conservatoire.
“What the students a benefit from here is a very good grounding in music, which can take them into all kinds of areas not necessarily just classical or traditional. Many bands playing rock, pop or jazz can make use of the skills of a classically trained musician.”