We are happy to announce the Call for Papers and Participation for Tradition in Motion, in honour of 30 years of Scottish traditional music at degree level at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, taking place 31 March – 2 April 2026.
The 2025/26 academic year marks the thirtieth anniversary of the BA (Scottish Music) programme at Scotland’s national conservatoire. Over the past three decades, significant developments in pedagogy, artistic practice, and society have shaped, and continue to influence, the diverse communities with a vested interest in the role of traditional music within higher music education in Scotland and beyond.
Despite many developments and innovations over the last three decades, some problems still persist. While expectations and aesthetics for the traditional and folk musicians continue to evolve, economic pressures continue to have an impact on participation and inclusion. Concurrently, there is an increase in cross-institutional collaboration, and new opportunities for graduate development and cross-cultural exchange are made possible by technological and communication advancements.
About the Conference
This conference provides an opportunity to look back at the development of traditional and folk music within higher music education, while also examining the evolving connections between music education, intangible cultural heritage, and the wider trad/folk community – especially across Nordic and Celtic regions.
Bringing together a variety of themes and perspectives, the event will feature panel discussions, cutting-edge research, opportunities for cultural and knowledge exchange, and performances by leading artists.
The Conference will take place from 31 March – 2 April 2026 at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Glasgow.
