Workshops 2024

Announcing the Traditional Music Forum Workshops Programme for 2024!

We are thrilled to unveil a series of industry-focussed workshops designed to equip you with the essential knowledge and skills for your career as a self-employed traditional musician. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or just starting out, our workshops offer invaluable insights and practical tips to help you succeed in the traditional music landscape today.

From crafting a successful funding application to orchestrating a small tour, these workshops are essential for traditional musicians looking to progress and excel in their profession.

All our industry-focussed workshops are free to attend so be sure to seize this opportunity and join us for as many as you can.

In addition to our career-centric sessions, we also have our annual Scots and Gaelic song workshops which always prove extremely popular. Book early to avoid disappointment.

 

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Storytelling for Musicians
Fri 10 May | 11am (2hrs)
Scottish Music Centre | Glasgow

For musicians who want to be better storytellers on stage. Learn how to improve your patter and set introductions with some basic rules of storytelling. An interactive and fun session led by experienced storyteller Daniel Serridge, where you will learn how to stay grounded, be aware of your audience and try different introductions to songs and music, with honest and useful feedback.

This event is free but ticketed.
More info and booking

 

Self-Releasing Your Music
Fri 10 May | 2pm (2hrs)
Scottish Music Centre | Glasgow

Join composer Matthew Whiteside for the ultimate guide on recording and releasing your music, including information on budgeting, rights registrations and digital distribution.

This event is free but ticketed.
More info and booking

 

Storytelling for Musicians
Sat 11 May | 11am (2hrs)
Scottish Storytelling Centre | Edinburgh

For musicians who want to be better storytellers on stage. Learn how to improve your patter and set introductions with some basic rules of storytelling. An interactive and fun session led by experienced storyteller Svend-Erik Engh, where you will learn how to stay grounded, be aware of your audience and try different introductions to songs and music, with honest and useful feedback.

This event is free but ticketed.
More info and booking

 

Scots Songs from Galloway
Sat 15 June | 11am (1.5hrs)
Scottish Storytelling Centre | Edinburgh

Come and learn the songs of Galloway, with Robyn Stapleton. The songs will be taught in unison and harmony, spanning the themes of nature, farming, travel, and love! This workshop is suitable for all levels of singing experience. 

More info and booking

 

Gaelic Songs from the Hebrides
Sat 15 June | 1.30pm (1.5hrs)
Scottish Storytelling Centre | Edinburgh

Suitable for both Gaelic and non-Gaelic speakers, this workshop led by Mischa Macpherson will focus on Scottish Gaelic songs from the Hebrides and include a diverse selection of material including waulking songs, lullabies and puirt-a-beul (mouth music). This workshop is suitable for all levels of singing experience. 

More info and booking

 

Funding Applications – They’re Not So Scary!
Fri 21 June | 11am (2hrs)
Scottish Music Centre | Glasgow

Are you thinking of applying for funding for a project but feeling intimidated by the form? Have you applied in the past but not been successful and lost confidence? Perhaps you don’t know what’s fundable in the first place?
This workshop led by Ailie Robertson will take you through the process of writing a successful funding application.

This event is free but ticketed.
More info and booking

 

Fine-Tune Your Finances
Fri 21 June | 2pm (2hrs)
Scottish Music Centre | Glasgow

Does the thought of completing your self-assessment tax return fill you full of dread every January? Do you struggle to figure out how much you can borrow if you want to buy a house, and how you can possibly afford to save for a distant retirement at the same time as paying all of the bills that need to be paid today?
This workshop with Fergus Muirhead will take you through the best way to manage your money as a self-employed musician.

This event is free but ticketed.
More info and booking

 

Funding Applications – They’re Not So Scary!
Sat 22 June | 11am (2hrs)
Scottish Storytelling Centre | Edinburgh

Are you thinking of applying for funding for a project but feeling intimidated by the form? Have you applied in the past but not been successful and lost confidence? Perhaps you don’t know what’s fundable in the first place?
This workshop led by Ailie Robertson will take you through the process of writing a successful funding application.

This event is free but ticketed.
More info and booking

 

How to Set Up a Small Tour
Fri 20 Sept | 11am (2hrs)
Scottish Music Centre | Glasgow

In this workshop Katch Holmes will look at how to best go about arranging a live tour to perform and promote your music. She will look at ways that a musician / band who is just starting out or who doesn’t have an agent / manager can build festival and venue contacts, approach promoters, negotiate fees and costs, advance their shows and promote their tour.

This event is free but ticketed
More info and booking

 

Making an Album
Fri 20 Sept | 2pm (2hrs)
Scottish Music Centre | Glasgow

Join Euan Burton, an accomplished Scottish musician and award-winning producer, for an exclusive workshop on ‘Making an Album’.
Delve into the comprehensive journey of album creation, from meticulous planning and pre-production to strategically booking musicians and studios. Learn the art of effective time management, the nuances of collaborating with an engineer and producer, and gain insights into the intricacies of editing, post-production, mixing, and mastering. Uncover the secrets of bringing your musical vision to life and navigating the path to a successful album release.

This event is free but ticketed.
More info and booking

 

How to Set Up a Small Tour
Sat 21 Sept | 11am (2hrs)
Scottish Storytelling Centre | Edinburgh

In this workshop Katch Holmes will look at how to best go about arranging a live tour to perform and promote your music. She will look at ways that a musician / band who is just starting out or who doesn’t have an agent / manager can build festival and venue contacts, approach promoters, negotiate fees and costs, advance their shows and promote their tour.

This event is free but ticketed
More info and booking