Who we are
Young Musicians Hebrides (SC026059) is a voluntary sector organisation whose main aim is to provide music tuition and group music making activities for young people. Established in 1995 as a children’s orchestra, since 2002 we have been running projects to build a team of local tutors to teach a range of instruments and activities. Based in Stornoway, we are developing new opportunities to extend music making for children and adults throughout the Western Isles.
Promoting Access, Developing Excellence - is the key theme that informs all our initiatives.
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We widen access to music making by offering affordable tuition and instrument hire, in rural communities where viable;
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We strive for excellence by creating the best possible performance, exam and ensemble opportunities for students, underpinned by top quality training and continuing professional development for YMH staff.
Our mission is simple: to provide more and varied learning opportunities for all age-groups in all musical styles. Inclusion is a vital aspect of developing our services but rurality, lack of transport and availability of skilled tutors present us with significant challenges to achieving our aims.
What we do
Ensembles
We focus on group music making to develop social as well as musical skills and we aim for everyone to have fun learning to work together so that they get the most out of making music with others.
Individual tuition
Individual tuition gives students the opportunity to pursue their music further and achieve their full potential. Music theory and aural training, are included, and examinations are offered when appropriate.
Working in partnership
Young Musicians Hebrides tutors and students can provide a wide range of services for other organisations;
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Music activities for special needs, youth clubs or
pre-school groups -
Tutor training and evening classes
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Live music for corporate events
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Studio facilities and CD duplication
Projects
Grant-aided projects are used to pilot new ideas and acquire training. Examples of these projects include our Rock Roadshows, Summer Schools, and ‘Ciste Chiùil’ which provided a programme of music activities and training in Gaelic pre-school groups across Lewis and Harris.