Scottish music students should prepare for fresh challenges this winter after teachers from Stornoway to Gretna, Skye to Peterhead take the opportunity to join with over 1,000 colleagues in the first national conference hosted by the Heads of Instrumental Teaching Scotland (HITS) in over ten years.

Conference

HITS National Instrumental Conference on Tuesday 30 September is structured to offer inspiration, new ideas and technology, specialist masterclasses and several outstanding recitals to instrumental music teachers from both the formal state and independent education sectors as well as freelance tutors.

This HITS National Conference is designed to provide a platform for the next stage in the future of instrumental music teaching in ScotlandMichael McGreary, HITS, Chairman

Partnership

It is staged in partnership with the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama (RSAMD) and sessions will be presented at the Academy as well as the main venue — the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall.

Healthy condition

Michael McGeary, Chair of HITS told 4BR: "Instrumental music teaching in Scotland in 2008 is in a very healthy condition with more children and young people than ever before taking tuition in schools and in the informal sector.

"Scotland is also producing young musicians of exceptional quality including classical players such as guitarist Ian Watt and bassoonist Karen Geoghegan, both finalists in the BBC’s Classical Star programme."

Increased activity

Michael added: "Further funding through the Scottish Government’s Youth Music Initiative has helped many schools and Local Authorities to expand and deliver their music provision in a variety of imaginative and innovative ways.

"With this increased activity and interest in playing an instrument, teachers deserve time to learn about new developments, share good practice, network ideas with colleagues and build upon existing skills. This HITS National Conference is designed to provide a platform for the next stage in the future of instrumental music teaching in Scotland."

Masterclasses

Masterclasses and workshop sessions will be delivered by a broad cross-section of the best specialists in most disciplines including Grammy nominated jazz guitarist Martin Taylor, world renowned euphonium player Stephen Mead, Malcolm Edmonstone demystifying the building blocks of jazz harmony, Craig Blundell exploring electronic drums, Brian Cope, Artistic Director of Drake Music Scotland on accessing music education for people with physical and/or learning disabilities.

Keynote speech

The day will also include a keynote speech by John Wallace, internationally renowned trumpet soloist and Principal of the RSAMD, and a “Question Time” styled panel discussion.

Recitals

Finally, to remind everyone – teachers, speakers, tutors and guests – what the national conference and HITS is all about, they will all be treated to recitals by Nicola Benedetti as well as the BBC’s Classical Stars finalists, Karen Geoghegan and Ian Watt.

Applications

Applications for the HITS National Conference on Tuesday 30 September at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall can be made online at www.hitscotland.org.uk.

Subsidies are available from the Scottish Arts Council ( www.scottisharts.org.uk) to help individual freelance tutors to meet the £60 cost of attending the Conference.