RSCDS SUMMER SCHOOL MUSIC COURSE FOR CLASS MUSICIANS

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Have you ever thought about playing for class or know a musician who is thinking about this but is not quite sure how to start?  If this is the case then the Class Musicians’ Course, which is part of the St Andrews Summer School, might just be the place to start.

This course is aimed solely at those musicians who want to develop or enhance their playing as a class musician. Participants do not need to have played for class before but need to be relatively proficient in their own playing.

The course aims to encourage musicians to:

• Understand how to deliver music for class which has the necessary sustainability and  lift to inspire dancers;
• Use an ever-increasing repertoire of tunes which complement and support the teaching of dancing;
• Appreciate and deliver the nuances in the music which enhances the teaching;
• Understand the role and impact of the class musician;
• Work sympathetically and as a team with the class teacher.

With only 8 places available it is very much about the developmental needs of the individual delivered in a friendly and supportive environment by experienced tutors. The course will include group workshops on:

• Style;
• Tune types;
• Researching and selecting appropriate tunes to make sets for dancing;
• Adapting technically difficult tunes;
• Composing tunes in the Scottish idiom;
• Repertoire sessions from Summer School (or visiting class musicians);
• Observation/mentoring sessions and attendance at Summer School classes ;
• Masterclass – working with a teacher;
• Individual coaching/mentoring;
• Keeping a learning journal.

All taking place as part of the RSCDS Summer School at St. Andrews University, this is a great place to learn, meet like-minded people, make music and have fun.

If you would like further details then please do not hesitate to contact Ian Muir at: Craigellachie@btinternet.com