Today we are announcing the establishment of the Stockbridge Music Hub. With generous support from Amati Global Investors we are starting a brand-new community music project based at the church in Saxe Coburg Street. 

“We are delighted that the backing from Amati enables us to support a community musician practitioner in Stockbridge.” says Rev Dr John Cowie, minister of Stockbridge Church “We have always had music in the church, but this is an exciting addition. Clea Friend brings great musical skills, local and international experience, and a commitment to bringing people together through music. And bringing people safely together is important as we emerge from the lockdown isolation of the past 18 months.”

To celebrate the launch of Stockbridge's new Music Hub, we will host an event at 1pm on Friday 17th September at Stockbridge Church. With live music, presentations and a Q & A, this launch will introduce the new resources we plan to offer, encouraging groups and even more musical activities for the Stockbridge community. The Music Hub will encourage interaction and friendship through music by offering opportunities to create, listen and discuss music. 

Clea Friend, our newly recruited community musician, has over 20 years’ experience of working with children and adults with additional needs as well as playing cello professionally. In and around the community she will work with schools, care homes and individuals. Based at Stockbridge Church she will offer classes for children on the autistic spectrum, adults with additional needs, cello choir and much more. 

In this current climate, there is a need to come together and share a safe space to enjoy the arts. The Music Hub facilitates integration, communication and socialisation through music to promote health and wellbeing. Additionally, providing a space to meet new people and build friendships keeping with our tag line: "Friendship through music".

This is the first Music Hub of its kind in Scotland and will be unique in what it has to offer the community.  The first brand new recordings from the church featuring Artisan, a locally based professional classical music ensemble, will be streamed from 1pm on Friday 3^rd September and Friday 10^th September on YouTube and Facebook.