August 2023 Feedback on Scottish Young Musicians Evaluation

In our survey we asked:

• Which school you attended.
• Which year group you were in.
• What instrument you play.
• What you thought of the suitability of the venue.
• For your comments on the venue.
• If you would take part in the competition again.
• How you heard about the competition.
• If you had any other comments about Scottish Young Musician of the Year.

You told us:

• Pupils from 3 Academies and 2 Primary Schools responded.

Suitability of the venue:

Venue comments:

All good but drums were far too loud, maybe a practice room for piano would have been nice

At times we could hear practicing from the warm up rooms

Practice rooms available. Easy parking on Sunday

Would you take part in the competition again:

87.5% would take part in the competition again, 12.5% would not.

Reasons for not taking part in future:

The backing track was not heard due to the limited volume of the sound system which did not compliment the sound of the drums.

How you heard about the competition:

Other Comments:

• 2 judges next year.
• It was a valuable experience however I was disappointed with the limited resources at the venue for certain musicians.
• I think it is a bit advanced for primary school children, however it was good experience. The standard was very high.
• Should have been warned about volume of drums.
• It’s good opportunity for children to perform.
• Great to get chance to perform. She loves her piano & her other instruments but is not looking for career in music. So it is lovely to have opportunity to perform. Common interests - made friends & going to university together which was v good!

Based on the data:

We will:

• Consider using two adjudicators.
• Better forward planning for backing tracks, e.g. set up, sound checks in good time.
• We will now work with Scottish Young Musicians organisation to set up separate competitions for primary and secondary pupils.
• We will research other venues that may be more suitable.