Our History...

Following a successful trial of Masterclasses with Laura Sarti in the Queens Hall in 1980, the summer school started in 1981 as 'Music at Oxenfoord' as a week's course held at Oxenfoord Castle School near Edinburgh. In its first year it attracted 28 students and had a staff of six teachers - Laura Sarti, vocal studies and opera, Paul Hamburger, repertoire for singers and accompanists, David Roblou, early vocal music, harpsichord solo repertoire and accompaniment, Mary Carmichael (the then headmistress of Oxenfoord Castle School), Choral course, and Joan Busby and Jane Gregson together ran a singing workshop. The staff accompanists included Hester Dickson and Malcolm Martineau. The Patrons were Roderick Brydon, Neil Butterworth, Joan Dickson and Robin Orr.

When Oxenfoord Castle School closed in September 1993, the summer school became associated with Napier University and was moved to St Leonard's School in St Andrews, which offered excellent facilities and reasonable costs. Because about 20% of students were coming from Europe and further afield (America, Australia and Japan) the name Oxenfoord International was adopted and the course attracts international applicants to this day.

Oxenfoord International continued at St. Leonards until 2008, with only one year without a course due to the Millennium refurbishment, and in 1992 Mary Hammond introduced a Musical Theatre class until her retirement in 2001. That same year Oxenfoord Internatonal introduced the Public Masterclass with Sir Thomas Allen. Since then it has continued with other notable teachers including Ivor Bolton, Paul Farrington, Della Jones, Yvonne Kenny, Jane Manning, Patricia MacMahon, Marie McLaughlin and Ann Murray. In 2012 we welcome renowned teacher Ryland Davies.

Joan Busby retired as Artistic Director in 2005, and was succeeded by Malcolm Martineau. In 2009 Oxenfoord International moved to its current location at Loretto School, conveniently sited on the outskirts of Scotland's Capital.

The success of the summer school is rooted in the very high quality and reputation of its tutors and pianists. Young professional and student singers are attracted to the course, as are gifted amateurs, however there are also classes for the inexperienced. Everyone who loves singing is welcome to apply, and many students return year after year.

Today singers from all over the world come to share the wealth of musical experience at Oxenfoord International, which retains its intimate and supportive ethos that has become a feature for so many years. This year we're looking to increase our family of supporters who provide the valuable funds to maintain our excellent standard of staff and to offer bursaries to those most in need. If you think you may be able to help please get in contact to discuss what donor benefits are available.