The Scottish Amateur Music Association (SAMA) was founded in 1956 and lays special emphasis on the educational value of what its constitution calls 'national training courses'. These courses (generally of one week's duration) offer the amateur musician both of school age and adult years, tuition and experience of string orchestras and wind and brass bands. Chamber music and recorder ensemble playing are catered for on weekend courses. Indigenous Scottish Music is encouraged and promoted by the Traitional Scots Fiddle School, and the biennial Scots Song Recital Competition.

A surprising number who have attended various of the Association's Schools have become professional and indeed leading performers, musical educators and administrators. It is gratifying to the Association that a leading baritone wrote of one of its Schools 'For the advice I was given I will always be grateful.' Professional successes are a bonus, and a special one, but SAMA is, and will remain, committed to the provision of opportunities for everyone involved in music making.

To this end one week courses are being held in 2006 for The National Youth Brass Band of Scotland & Reserve Section, The National Youth Wind Ensemble of Scotland, The Traditional Scots Fiddle School, The National Youth String Orchestra of Scotland and Training School. There will also be two weekend courses - the Chamber Music Weekend and The National Recorder School of Scotland. The dates of these Courses are given can be accessed by clicking on the link for individual courses above (navigation bar).

SAMA looks forward to welcoming you.