Music

'A creative, innovative and sector-leading department’

From Nursery to S6, we believe that music has no barriers. Everyone can enjoy and take part in all of our groups, ensembles and classroom projects. We are fully committed to the Curriculum for Excellence and have worked hard to develop our classroom practice to ensure that every girl leaves us as a confident and effective learner with the ability to contribute to their community and the wider world.

What we study in Music
To get a flavour of what we do in the Music Department we hold an annual Open Week, where parents, family and friends can join us in a classroom or instrumental lesson. Our pupils experience the very latest in music technology, with live performances either in class or via video link and You Tube. We listen to and experience music from a wide variety of cultures and, of course, performing is a huge part of our day to day musical activities.

In S3, we offer early presentation for SQA exams and in S4, S5 and S6, our composer in residence works on advanced composing techniques, with the final compositions played by visiting professionals.

Beyond the classroom
Trips and outings play a large role in the musical development of our girls. Theatre trips, concerts and outside engagements are common place and we work closely with outside agencies and a number of charities. Our international education programme has given us the opportunity to work with The Australian Girls’ Choir, The African Children’s Choir, St. Andrew’s School in Buenos Aires, and the Blankenburg Choir from Germany. We have also appeared live on New Zealand TV and travelled to China and the USA to perform.

Our girls are given numerous opportunities to shine and display their talents at the many performances we offer in and out of school. Our high flying performers get the opportunity to compete in our annual Musician of the Year competition, where a professional engagement forms part of the prize

As a centre for the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music Exams and Trinity/Guildhall Exams, we continually encourage our girls to pursue excellence and achieve all they can. This is done in a caring and supportive environment where the talents of every child are realised, encouraged, developed and celebrated.

Meet the staff 

Mr Donnelly, Head of Music

Mr Donnelly joined Craigholme from the High School of Glasgow. Prior to this he enjoyed considerable success as an opera and concert singer, travelling all over the world to perform. As an Education Consultant, Mr Donnelly has worked at national level for SQA, LTS and HMIe. He was commissioned by South Lanarkshire Council to write the music programme for primary schools. This is now in use in over 200 schools. Mr Donnelly is married to Morven and they have a daughter, Olivia. He enjoys travelling, golf and going to the cinema. Mr Donnelly is also the Musical Director of the Bothwell Philharmonic Choir

 
Mrs M Craig, Teacher of Music

Mrs Craig trained at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music where she studied piano and voice. Mrs Craig joined Craigholme in 1997 and thoroughly enjoys the challenges of developing choral music throughout the school and being part of a thriving and bustling department. In the course of her career, Mrs Craig has directed choirs, conducted concert bands and orchestras, as well as toured throughout Europe and the USA. However, the highlight of her time at Craigholme would have to be conducting the choir on the Great Wall of China!

Mrs A MacFadden, Teacher of Music

Mrs MacFadden has been a member of the Music Department since 2002. Prior to this she was a nurse at the Western Infirmary. Highlights of Mrs MacFadden’s time at Craigholme were accompanying the Senior Choir to Florida and China. She also enjoys accompanying the girls at performances, exams and concerts, and supporting the Department’s many charitable causes. In her spare time she enjoys Scottish and Irish dancing, hill walking and travelling extensively in France. She is married with four grown up children.

Useful links
Music Tuition Information                        Music Tuition Application Form   
Extra Curricular Timetable                       LTS Listening Website 
Music Tutors 2013