September 2026
Safeguarding briefing by NCVO
All voluntary organisations have a duty to keep the people they work with safe from harm. This overview of safeguarding essentials delivered by the National Council for Voluntary Organisations will help you understand what your group needs to do, and what additional training you might need. It will take you through the basics of safeguarding and will be especially useful for groups which don’t yet have procedures in place or want to review if what they are doing is enough.
Dates: 4.30-6pm, Wednesday 23rd September
Venue: online
More info: https://www.makingmusic.org.uk/event/safeguarding-briefing-ncvo-online-event-0
Retreat – writing songs for choirs and singing groups
Scotland Sings members Jane Lewis and Adelaide Carlow would like to invite 9 song leaders who already have some experience writing songs for choirs or singing groups to join their weekend retreat. This is an in-person peer-led event with a small group, where participants will have the time and space to create. They will independently write songs, share and workshop their ideas with peers and receive feedback from each other.
Dates: Friday 25th – Sunday 27th September
Venue: Sauchie Home Farm, Sauchieburn, Stirling FK7 9QJ
More info: https://sing.lovemusic.org.uk/events/2026-retreat/
RSM and BAPAM Present: Hearing Health with Dame Evelyn Glennie and Dr Finola Ryan
Hearing issues are one of the main health concerns for musicians. This FREE workshop will begin with an introduction to the ear and hearing, examples of how the ear may be injured by occupational and recreational noise, along with practical tips for keeping ears healthy and advice about seeking help if you experience signs of a hearing disorder.
Dates: 10.30am-11.45am, Monday 28th September
Venue: online
More info: https://www.evelyn.co.uk/event/hearing-health/
October 2026
Healthy Vocal Warm-ups
Join Andrew McTaggart for this practical session focussed on how to warm up your vocal system in a healthy way. He’ll be talking about why this is a vital part of his daily practice, before singing, teaching and leading his choirs, and will give you techniques and exercises that will help you to maintain a healthy vocal system for years to come. Andrew is a professional baritone singer, choral conductor and voice teacher.
Date: Tuesday 6th October, 5.45pm-7pm
Venue: online on Zoom
More info: https://sing.lovemusic.org.uk/events/healthyvocalwarmups/
The National Teachers’ Choir comes to the Highlands
Saturday 24th & Sunday 25th October sees the next National Teachers’ Choir singing weekend taking place, on the Black Isle. Set up by Scotland Sings members Baz Chapman and Ula Weber in 2025, NTC has visited Scotland and Edinburgh on several occasions, but this is its first time in the Highlands. Open to anyone involved in teaching children & young people: teachers, assistants, senior leaders, trainee teachers and peripatetic music tutors. More details, including a shareable flyer, via the weblink below. Join us if you’re eligible, and please spread the word.
Dates: Saturday 24th & Sunday 25th October
Venue: The Black Isle, The Highlands
More info: https://www.nationalteacherschoir.org.uk/activities
Free CPD workshops for musicians working with children in the early years
Early Years Music Scotland online workshops for 2026/27 are now available to book. The first workshop on 1st June will explore the importance of singing and how movement in early years is not only essential but can enhance learning. Practical ideas will be given to build early music skills but particularly those with a focus on movement.
Dates: dates throughout 2026-27
Venue: online
More info: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/early-years-music-scotland-64652923493
November 2026
Singing for lung health training
A residential training course. You will learn how to run singing groups for people with long term lung conditions. There will be sessions on anatomy/physiology of the lungs, how lung disease affects the voice, the breath, cognition, movement, fun. There is a discretionary £100 cost. There are a limited number of places.
Dates: 7th-8th November
Venue: Stirling
More info: https://www.thecheynegang.com/contact
December 2026
Fair Pay guidance for freelance song leaders – consultation session
In this interactive session, Alison Reeves will share findings from research and initial plans for what fair pay guidance for the Scotland Sings network will look like. We’ll consider options for recommended rates of pay and how to ensure these respect the level of skill and experience of singing leaders.
Date: Tuesday 1st December, 6pm
Venue: online
More info: https://sing.lovemusic.org.uk/events/fairpay/
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This is an information sharing page listing events submitted by members of the Scotland Sings network. This is a disclaimer to let you know that Scotland Sings and Love Music are not responsible for the quality of any event listed here.