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Final Places Now Available — Applications Open Until Saturday 31st May!

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Advanced Fèis

July 15th-18th 2025

Our Advanced Fèis Week offers musicians in S1-S6 the opportunity to develop their skills with two of Scotland’s top traditional musicians.

Overview

S1-S6 pupils
Tuesday 15th - Friday 18th July 2025
10.00-16.00 each day
Johnstone High School

At our Advanced Fèis, we encourage instrumentalists and singers to develop their skills alongside Scotland’s top traditional musicians. We’re looking for individuals who are confident and capable, ready to expand their repertoire and experience. All musicians are welcome, so whether you’re a skilled fiddler, passionate singer, or anything else, join us for an inspiring musical experience!

What to Expect

Participants will engage in a series of workshops covering subjects like accompaniment and melody, groupwork, performing for dancing, and more. Check out our Advanced Fèis Timetable from last year to get an idea of what to expect during your week. Throughout the week, you’ll collaborate with your tutors and peers to prepare for our finale concert. Each day, you’ll also have the opportunity to engage Gaelic language activities, including our annual Fèis song – a highlight of our finale concert.

All our tutors are experienced, professional musicians, adept at working with young people. Supported by a team of supervisors and volunteers, we ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants, adhering to Child Protection and Health & Safety Guidelines. Our staff are all members of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups Scheme administered by Disclosure Scotland.

Please note: Participants in our Advanced Fèis Week must have been studying in high school for at least 1 year. Pupils transitioning to high school from primary 7 are not eligible for these workshops.

Tutors

Megan

Megan MacDonald

Megan MacDonald is a dynamic accordionist from Lairg in the north of Sutherland, known for her expressive style and wide-ranging repertoire drawn from Scottish and global traditions. A sought-after performer and tutor, Megan brings a distinctive flair to every setting—whether on stage, in the studio, or in the classroom. Her versatility has led to collaborations with celebrated acts including HEISK, Josie Duncan and the Dusk, Eabhal, and The Calum McIlroy Trio. With a reputation for both sensitivity and skill, Megan is fast becoming a leading voice in Scotland’s vibrant traditional music scene.

Calum McIlroy

Calum McIlroy is a gifted guitarist, mandolinist, and singer whose nuanced, plectrum-driven arrangements have earned him a strong reputation in Scotland’s traditional music scene. Originally from Aberdeenshire and a graduate of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Calum’s debut EP This Ill Deeds received wide acclaim and led to a nomination for Scots Singer of the Year at the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards. In 2024, he was crowned BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year, a recognition of his artistry and dedication to the tradition. Calum performs regularly with leading musicians such as Mike Vass, Anna Massie, and Ross Ainslie & Ali Hutton, and brings a wealth of experience and creativity to his teaching.

CALUM

Pricing

£115 for 4 days of music workshops

(Less than £29 per day!)

Includes your official Fèis Week t-shirt

  • 1st additional sibling – £105
  • 2nd additional sibling – £95
  • 3rd additional sibling – £85

We work hard to keep access open to all young people and are fortunate to secure public funding to support our events. Places at our events are subsidised with the true cost of each place being much higher.

Payment is required at the time of booking. Payment can be made in full or using our deposit scheme. If you choose to pay with our deposit scheme, 25% will be taken at the time of booking with the remaining balance due 1 month before the event. Deposit payments are non-refundable. Additionally, all payments become non-refundable after the close of applications on Saturday 31st May 2024. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in adhering to these policies.

A limited number of funded places are available for those who are in receipt of a clothing grant (proof of confirmation required). Tick the relevant box on our application form to make an application to this scheme.

FAQs

Apply

Applications are now open! This is our final release of places — available until Saturday 31st May or until fully booked.

Apply Now or Join the Mailing List to be notified of future updates. 

Treble

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