Fostering Tradition: Glasgow CREATE and Celtic Connections enrich young lives with Scottish Music
This year Glasgow CREATE partnered with Celtic Connections to offer a unique musical experience to all Primary 7 children in Glasgow. This project, funded by Creative Scotland’s Youth Music Initiative, aimed to develop the musical skills of learners and foster an appreciation for Scottish traditional music.
Over 6000 children from 152 Glasgow Primary and ASN Primary schools participated in a series of six progressive workshops led by professional Celtic singers and musicians, spanning the themes of traditional Scottish Stepdance, Scots song, Gaelic song, bodhrán, tin whistle, pipe band drumming, chanter, and fiddle. Aligned with Curriculum for Excellence and the Glasgow CREATE Framework for Expressive Arts, these workshops offered practical skills to enhance the transition of learners to secondary education. This collaboration expanded the reach of the Celtic Connections festival’s Education Programme, providing more children and young people with the chance to engage in quality music-making experiences.
Feedback from Class Teachers and Music Tutors highlighted the positive impact of this project on children’s engagement, enjoyment, and development of music skills, with success in fostering enthusiasm for music, promoting cultural awareness and confidence in performing. Children spoke with excitement about how they had enjoyed the workshops, how inspired they were by the musicians and the sense of pride they felt which came from having the opportunity to learn a new instrument. The vibrant project video showcases the range of workshops on offer and the high levels of engagement from children:
The overwhelmingly positive feedback from children, teachers and musicians involved emphasises the value of continuing such programs in the future.
“It’s really nice to be part of a team and we’re all singing together.” P7 Pupil
“It makes me feel excited and proud that I’m learning a new instrument.” P7 Pupil
“We’ve been learning about Step Dance and all the different types of movements. It’s good for building friendships and relationships.” P7 Pupil
“The children’s enjoyment of music improved vastly thanks to so many fun singing games delivered at a fast pace and in such an engaging way!” Class Teacher, Hillhead Primary
“This was a really lovely experience for the children gave them a wonderful introduction to Gaelic language and music.” Class Teacher, Hillington Primary
“Countless pupils came up to me and said it was the highlight of their week and they now want to learn how to sing/play an instrument. They all improved drastically with their rhythm, tone and musical understanding.” Music Tutor
“By the end of the six-week block you could really notice an improvement in the children’s ability to keep a steady beat and play simple melodies on the tin whistle.” Music Tutor
As part of the festival in 2024, Celtic Connections Learning Programme presented 4 concerts in the Main Auditorium of Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, with 7,629 children and young people in attendance, from all over Scotland. Featuring performances by professional Celtic, traditional, and world music artists, these concerts provided an enriching musical experience and served as an introduction to live music for many children.
