“I love songs and I love singing, but until I spent some time with Scott I really didn’t trust my voice or have the self–confidence to just go for it. He is such a wonderful teacher – kind, understanding and full of fun. He recognises every individual and offers as much or as little advice as is just right to help you gain confidence and he creates a supportive, relaxed environment where everyone supports and encourages each other. I can’t thank Scott enough for helping me find my voice – I would recommend this workshop to anyone who is needing that wee nudge to sing solo!” Mairi McFadyen

“Whatever is holding you back, Scott’s gentle and encouraging approach, backed by years of singing experience and a great sense of humour, enables even the most terrified of students (me included!) to get up and sing. He’s a real confidence-giver.” ME, Sing Solo class

What can participants expect to gain from the workshop?

You’ll find a song that best suits your voice, and you’ll find the best voice of yours to sing it with! We will work in a relaxed, supportive and enjoyable environment. You will be helped to choose appropriate material and you will learn how to present your songs with conviction and confidence. Bring along a song or two that you’d like to sing – you will be invited to sing the songs you’ve brought with you. We’ll also introduce to you to different types of songs in context and tell you where to find them.

Do participants need to have prior experience?

No. Anyone who wants to sing can join! This workshop is for you whether you just want to sing for yourself or whether you want to join in a singaround session in a pub or folk club.

Scott Murray is a singer, songwriter and tutor. He was nominated for Tutor of the Year and Scots Singer of the year at the 2012 Scottish Trad Music Awards. He works with community singing groups and individuals, preparing for performance (in 2016 thirteen singers from the SMG’s Sing Solo class did just that at a sold out Fringe concert). He released a well-received CD of his own songs Evenin’s Fa’ in 2012 – ‘heartfelt, beautiful & honest,’ Karine Polwart. www.scottmurraysongs.co.uk 

Mairi McFadyen is an ethnomusicologist and ethnologist with a love of traditional ballads. She has taught at the Department of Celtic and Scottish Studies and at Newbattle Abbey College on traditional music and song, looking at key collectors, collections, singers and songs. This year Mairi gave the Alan Bruford Memorial Lecture reflecting on the magic and power of stories in song, sharing her research with ballad singers in the Scottish Travelling community.

Fri 11 Nov: Lift Your Voice: Explore the Scots Song Tradition 1, 2pm (2hrs 30) 

Fri 18 Nov: Lift Your Voice: Explore the Scots Song Tradition 2, 2pm (2hrs 30)