Orchestra and music school to join forces

The Scottish Chamber Orchestra (SCO) and a specialist music school have launched a new partnership programme to help young string players develop their skills.

The free initiative is open to young musicians who play violin, viola, cello or double bass and have reached Grade 6+.

The SCO String Academy, in partnership with St Mary’s Music School, will give young players the opportunity to work with SCO musicians to develop their technique, musicianship and orchestral playing.

The first project will be in Edinburgh in March, with sessions taking place over three Sundays.

Kenneth Taylor, director of St Mary’s Music School, is delighted by the partnership.

He said: “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.” It is hoped the sessions will also help participants develop life skills such as social confidence, teamwork and communication skills.