Music schools in Scotland

Formal music education begins at 4½ years and can progress as high as postgraduate studies.

Scotland has six centres of excellence – schools which allow gifted children to maximise their potential (four for music and one each for dance and sport).

[1] These schools select a small number of pupils who show a special ability in music.

[5][6] In addition to their main studies, students receive intensive instruction on a solo instrument and a program of music according to their age.

Successful applicants receive financial support through the Scottish Government's Aided Places Scheme.

In addition qualified teachers provide musical training outside of an establishment or the mainstream education system for pupils aged 4 to 20+ years.

Scottish colleges offering these courses include: The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (RCS), formerly known as the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, is Scotland's conservatoire of music, theatre and dance.

Although there is some overlap with the music departments of Universities, the Conservatoire seeks to be practical and focuses on career development.

Approximately 250 students attend these classes and they are intended for those children with above average performing arts ability and potential.

Instructions in the military music of Scottish piper bagpipes and pipe bands is available.