Shetland-Music.com

Given our rich, diverse and, in many instances, unique musical heritage, not to mention our already well-established international reputation in this sector, many find it surprising that Shetland does not offer a wider range of formal music education courses, especially when the islands already extensive investment in instrumental instruction in local schools is taken into account.

With a view to addressing this perceived gap, Shetland Islands Council, in partnership with HIE Shetland and Shetland College, have commissioned a study to evaluate the "potential and demand" for Further and Higher Education certificated courses within the islands, possibly in parallel with an additional programme of short-study courses and workshops, which could be delivered via Shetland College, with additional support from the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) - or should this be Millennium Institute George?

The two-month study will be undertaken by Davie Gardner through his newly formed local company 'Atlantic Edge Music Services', working in partnership with Adam Armit, an Edinburgh based music education consultant and specialist. The study will seek to fully evaluate the potential, feasibility and benefits of running such courses in Shetland and the likely demand from both within and outwith the islands.

Principal of Shetland College George Smith said - comments could include the need for an effective follow on to strategically support and capitalise on our existing investment, the need for population retention and attraction (especially among younger age groups) and the desire to further raise and support our existing international cultural profile.

The study is already well underway with around 800 questionnaires being delivered to local high and junior high school pupils and staff earlier this week.

Davie Gardner, who manages 'Atlantic Edge Music Services', said "Over the coming weeks Adam and myself will also be targeting and speaking with many of those already involved within the local and national music education structure and, of course, the music industry in general. However we are also very keen to hear as wide a range of relevant views and ideas as possible from across the wider community, and indeed outwith, so we would also welcome anyone contacting us who may simply wish to have input into this study or perhaps they may be interested in either attending or even tutoring any such course, whether that be in a creative music making, music technology or music business related context.

Davie can either be contacted by e-mailing or by phoning 07867 654 509, while you can e-mail Adam at

The study is expected to be complete by late June, and a reported detailing the findings submitted very soon thereafter.