TINDERBOX IN SCHOOLS
Creative music workshops for primary and secondary schools
Most of Tinderbox’s work takes place in out-of-school community music settings, working with young people who face barriers to accessing music. Alongside this, we offer a range of creative workshops and projects for schools, designed to support classroom teachers and music departments with inspiring, practical music-making.
Our work focuses on:
- creative music making
- digital music production and composition
- songwriting and composition
- singing and ensemble performance
- Connecting with out of school opportunities
All workshops are delivered by professional performing musicians and experienced educators from the Tinderbox team. Projects can be delivered as:
- a one-off workshop
- a series of sessions
- a short project leading to a performance or recording
We work with primary schools, secondary schools and clusters of schools, and can adapt projects to suit your context.
Example Workshops and Projects
Composition Workshops
Workshops led by professional composers and songwriters exploring how music is created.
These sessions help demystify composition by using simple practical exercises that quickly generate musical ideas.
Possible focus areas include:
- melody writing
- harmonic progressions
- rhythm development
- creative prompts for composition
Songwriting and Rap Projects
Our songwriting workshops help groups create original music together. Sessions explore:
- song structure
- melody writing
- lyric writing
- rhythm and groove
- musical style and genre
- Recording and production
Songs are usually recorded at the end of the project, often using professionally produced backing tracks.
Instrument Library Taster Workshops
These workshops introduce pupils to a wide range of musical instruments in a relaxed and hands-on way.
Often delivered in partnership with our Instrument Libraries, the sessions give pupils the chance to see, touch and try out instruments they may not otherwise have access to.
Tinderbox has been working with We Make Music Scotland to place musical instruments in local authority libraries. Some workshops take place as school visits to local libraries, where pupils can explore and try the instrument collections.
During the workshop pupils:
- try a variety of instruments
- learn basic playing techniques
- explore how instruments produce sound
- play a simple piece together as a group
Build A Band
These projects give pupils the chance to learn instruments and play music together as a band or ensemble. Workshops can take place as short band-building projects, where pupils form bands and prepare a performance, or as ongoing instrumental clubs focused on learning a particular instrument.
- Over the course of a project pupils may:
- learn basic instrumental skills
- form small bands or ensembles
- choose band names and repertoire
- perform to each other or to a wider audience
These projects work best where schools have access to instruments and rehearsal spaces, although Tinderbox can sometimes support with instruments through Instrument Library partnerships.
Classroom Karaoke
Tinderbox runs a range of singing and vocal workshops in both classroom and after-school settings.
These sessions focus on making singing fun, welcoming and confidence-building, helping pupils explore the music they enjoy while developing vocal skills. Workshops can be delivered as high-energy classroom sessions or as ongoing after-school singing clubs.
Sessions often include:
- group singing
- karaoke sessions
- vocal warm-ups and technique
- rhythm and melody exercises
- learning harmony parts
- preparing performances for the community
Tinderbox Orchestra and Ensemble Workshops
A full-day workshop working with instrumental pupils across a school.
The focus is on creative ensemble playing, including:
- learning music by ear and memory
- improvisation in a safe group setting
- experimenting with different musical styles
- integrating instruments such as electric guitars, drum kits, vocals or digital tools with orchestral instruments
Hip-Hop Storytelling
This project explores connections between traditional folk stories and contemporary hip-hop.
Working with Tinderbox tutors alongside traditional musicians and hip-hop artists, pupils explore how traditional songs or stories can be reimagined in new ways.
Projects usually involve:
- exploring a traditional song or story connected to the local area
- rewriting traditional stories into rap or spoken word
- learning a hook line or harmony from a traditional melody
- creating a collaborative performance
GarageBand Challenge
These projects give pupils the chance to learn instruments and play music together as a band or ensemble. Workshops can take place as short band-building projects, where pupils form bands and prepare a performance, or as ongoing instrumental clubs focused on learning a particular instrument.
- Over the course of a project pupils may:
- learn basic instrumental skills
- form small bands or ensembles
- choose band names and repertoire
- perform to each other or to a wider audience
Why work with Tinderbox?
- Creative and inclusive: Workshops are welcoming to beginners and accessible to pupils with different levels of experience.
- Inspiring and energetic: Sessions are lively and engaging, helping pupils discover new musical ideas and build confidence through creative music-making.
- Led by professional musicians: Sessions are delivered by practising performers and composers who bring real-world industry experience into the classroom
- Flexible and collaborative: Projects can be shaped around school priorities, curriculum themes or particular groups of pupils.
- Connected to community music opportunities: Many projects link into wider opportunities such as community music groups, festivals or instrument libraries.
Schools That We Work with Regularly
Schools that we work regularly with include:
High Schools – Craigroyston, Castlebrae, Wester Hailes Education Centre
Primary Schools – Forthview, Pirniehall, St. David’s, Craigroyston, Granton
SEN Schools – Seamab, Oaklands
Colleges and Universities that we work regularly with include:
Edinburgh College, Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, University of Edinburgh and Napier University.
