Courses for musicians

In addition to Scottish Country Dance, the RSCDS offers extensive courses and programmes specifically for musicians as part of our official events. We recognise the importance of preserving and developing traditional music and encourage players of all ages to take part in a course designed to advance their understanding and hone their technique.

In addition to the courses offered by the RSCDS, many Branches and Groups worldwide offer local classes, so we encourage you to get in touch with your local Branch to find out more.

Summer School

Have you ever thought about playing Scottish Dance Music either for a class or as a member of a band but  not quite sure how to start? If this is the case then the Musicians' Courses, which are part of the St. Andrews Summer School, might just be the place to start.

We offer two courses at Summer School; one for those wishing to develop their skills as a class musician and one for those who enjoy playing in the context of a band. Participants do not need to have played for a class before but need to be relatively proficient in their own playing.

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.

The Class Musicians' Course

This week is for those interested in developing their skills as class musicians. The course will be led by the RSCDS Music Director and includes input from other Summer School musicians. All have considerable experience have played and taught worldwide.

For more details on the most recent Class Musicians' Course please click below.

Music Course
Music Course
Music Course
The Musicians' Course

Guided by experienced teachers, the course will be led by Ian Muir (accordion) and Gillian Stevenson (fiddle) and also includes input from other Summer School musicians. All have considerable experience and have played and taught worldwide. The focus will be on the accordion, fiddle, keyboard and piano, but other instruments are welcome at the discretion of the Music Director. The course culminates with playing for the dance in the Younger Hall – an experience not to be missed.

Book Your Spot at Summer School

The video below shows attendees during the Music Course playing for dancers at the Saturday night ball in Younger Hall. 

Sign up for the RSCDS eNewsletter

Sign up to:

  • Keep up to date with RSCDS events 
  • Join a worldwide community of Scottish country dance and music

Join an RSCDS Branch & receive member benefits

There are 159 RSCDS Branches and over 300 Affiliated Groups in more than 50 countries around the world, located on all continents (except Antarctica).

They organise and run classes, dances and other social events in their own areas and are committed to helping develop Scottish Dance and Music for future generations.

We encourage you to try Scottish Country Dancing for yourself to see just how much fun it can be, so please come along and learn how to 'Dance Scottish'. 

Wherever you are in the world there is most likely Scottish Country Dancing.

Find my nearest branch

  • © 2024 The Royal Scottish Country Dance Society
  • Registered Charity No. SC 016085
  • Company No. SC 480530
  • 12 Coates Crescent, Edinburgh, EH3 7AF