Instrumental Music Service

We offer tuition in small groups, subject to Government guidelines, in the early stages and some individual lessons with advanced pupils who are sitting examinations. These lessons are normally chargeable, however Scottish Government has confirmed that charges will be waived for one year, from August 2021 - June 2022. This decision will be reviewed for 2022-23. 

In addition to term time tuition we also run residential music courses. Please note that there is a charge for registration and course fees etc for Bands and Orchestras.  

The following is an outline of our ensembles and residential courses, the resumption of which is dependent on Government regulations relating to COVID.

Primary School Instrumental Opportunities

Primary School pupils can join the Primary Training Orchestra. This Training Orchestra has a weekend residential course, culminating in a performance of the music they have been studying.

The Primary Schools Orchestra is of a higher standard and runs a residential course from Monday - Friday with a concert at the end of the week. 

Secondary School Instrumental Opportunities

For Secondary School pupils there is a Jazz Orchestra which rehearses every Wednesday evening in Bearsden Academy from October until Easter.

There are also two String Orchestras and two Wind Bands which have 10 Sunday afternoon rehearsals over the same period. In each orchestra/band there is a training group and a more advanced one enabling pupils to study a wide variety of music in many styles. These groups all have weekend courses and a concert at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall.

At the highest level is the Secondary Schools Orchestra which meets for a week long course at the end of June, ending with a full symphony concert. At Christmas time, this orchestra joins with the members of the Primary Schools Choir, a small group of pupils from the Gaelic Unit of Meadowburn Primary School, pupils from Merkland School and the EDC Pipe Band for a concert at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall.

East Dunbartonshire Council Children's Chorus and Youth Choir

The Choirs meet weekly on Tuesday evenings for rehearsals at St Matthew’s Primary School in Bishopbriggs. 

There are over 1,000 pupils receiving instruction and about 500 of these take part in Council wide activities. Many schools have their own orchestras or wind bands. Many perform regularly in the community taking part in festivals, galas or church services and in fundraising activities.  Pupils can also join smaller groups or perform solo. 

For more information on the Instrumental Music Service, visit the EDC Instrumental Music Service website.