Musicians' Course

The Musicians' Course is a six day afternoon course, where you learn about the Scottish style, meet fellow folk musicians, and have an opportunity to perform together. Classes will run from 1:30-4:30pm on 29th, 30th, 31st Dec 2026 and 2nd, 3rd, 4th Jan 2027 at Waipuna Hotel & Conference Centre. You will then have the opportunity to play in a big band for Scottish Country Dancing on the evening of 4th January, with the music you have been working on during the course.

Typical instruments for Scottish Country Dancing bands include fiddle, piano, accordion, flute/recorder, bass. However, most other instruments are also welcome. If you're not sure if your instrument is a good fit, or have any other questions, please contact the Organiser.

We are delighted to have you take part in our Musicians' Course, and look forward to seeing you on the 28th of December 2026!

Non-Dancing Musicians

As part of the annual International Royal Scottish Country Dancing Society Summer School (RSCDS), we would love to invite non-dancing musicians to attend our Musicians' Course! This year, we are particularly keen to include musicians new to the Scottish Country Dancing world, who are curious to learn more about the SCD folk style. The course will include information such as how to play in the specific folk style, how to play for an evening, and how to put a band together.

If you are taking part in the Musicians' Course ONLY (ie, not registering as a dancer), the cost for the six afternoons and one final evening is $300. Registration and payment for this course are due by 15 December 2026.

Musicians' Course ONLY Registration

Musicians' Course Tutors:

Ian Muir

Judith Muir

Ian and Judith both started playing at an early age for country dancing. Having served his apprenticeship in McBain’s band, Ian formed Craigellachie in 1986. After playing in a family band, and briefly joining Craigellachie in the late 1980s, Judith co-formed Sound Company, and on its retirement in 2003 she re-joined Craigellachie. Both Ian and Judith have considerable experience playing for classes and weekend, Summer and Winter Schools both in the UK and abroad. In November 2014 Ian was appointed the Music Director of the RSCDS, a term he held for six years. In their spare time Judith enjoys card and candle-making and Ian is a budding pastel artist.

To see more of Ian and Judith's works, check out their band's website at https://craigellachie-band.co.uk/, or their Youtube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@craigellachie

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