BMus (Hons) Traditional Music

This is the only Bachelor of Music degree dedicated to traditional and folk music in the UK. Aspiring performers on this course explore Scotland’s unique and dynamic musical traditions as a conceptual, critical and creative framework within which to achieve a distinctively personal voice as an artist.

Our curriculum recognises that the innovative nature of Scottish traditional music today must be embraced, and that the creative development of the individual is the most important way to ensure traditional music flourishes from one generation to another.

Learn in a busy department where your musical roots and creative artistry will be nurtured and developed through one-to-one tuition, academic context, performance opportunities, masterclasses and lots of ensemble work, all aimed at helping you fulfil your potential.

The programme offers the following Principal Studies:
Accordion
Cello
Fiddle
Flute/Whistle
Gaelic song
Guitar
Percussion (pipe band snare drum, bodhran)
Piano
Scots song
Scottish Harp (normally gut-strung)

You will work closely with some of the world’s top solo and collaborative teachers and performers to consolidate your performance technique, repertoire and personal style as a traditional musician, interwoven with development as a critical, creative, entrepreneurial and/or teaching artist. This includes exploring both the distinctive parameters of folk and traditional music and the shared technical vocabulary that links folk to other genres. External learning opportunities include an Isle of Skye residency, teaching placements and work placements in Scotland and abroad, as well as appearances at high-profile events, including Glasgow’s renowned Celtic Connections and Piping Live! Festivals.

The BMus with Honours (Traditional Music) places emphasis on the creative development of the individual and allows the curriculum to be relevant to aspiring musicians from anywhere in the world.