Scots Music Group

Its been a busy time in my voluntary role as non executive Director with the Scots Music Group.  Spent all day Saturday 4th December at an away day planning for the future.  Its a challenging time for small arts organisations with cuts in funding due to the recession.  We depend on volunteers to make a lot of our activity happen.  We are dreaming BIG but the various constraints (staff time and funding) mean we need to prioritise and take small steps. 

Also, our AGM was on 7th December.  I was elected as a Director again for the next year.  We heard an interesting talk form Scot Murray about the Inspire project that Scots Music Group delivered last year.  This a fantastic project bringing traditional music and song to disadvantaged groups.  A group of men singers from the Bethany Christian Trust came to the meeting and sang their songs.  It was very emotional. Then I played with another of the Directors and a long time member. 

I am struck at how the Scots Music Group changes peoples lives - students, tutors and staff!  It has certainly changed mine.  

It got me into music at a time when I was completely submerged in my career and bringing up young children.  And music in turn has brought me such a lot - learning, friends and joy.  Its also got me through some very difficult times in life -as it has for many of my friends.    Music therapy is an interesting field.

We are applying for funding this year from Creative Scotland and we also hope to do a project with young people in Edinburgh's schools.Our core activity of a range of classes for adults and ceilidhs will continue and we are also hoping to try some masterclasses in the spring term.  Here is the link if you are interested in finding more.