For over twenty years, Hands Up for Trad’s Distil project has been pioneering creative development for traditional musicians across Scotland. Through residential workshops, mentoring, and collaboration with leading ensembles like Mr McFall’s Chamber, Distil has empowered hundreds of musicians to develop compositional confidence and improvisational skills, creating new works that bridge traditional and contemporary music.
We’re delighted to continue the Distil Meet-Up Series into 2026/2027. These intimate mini-workshops take place at the Scottish Music Centre in Glasgow, offering an opportunity for both Distil alumni and musicians interested in composition and improvisation to learn from leading practitioners in the field.
What to Expect
Each meet-up runs from 2pm to 4pm and is free to attend. These sessions are designed as both learning opportunities and informal discussions, where you can engage with expert workshop leaders and connect with fellow musicians. Whether you’re looking to develop specific skills, explore new approaches to your practice, or simply want to be part of the conversation around composition and improvisation in Scottish music, these sessions are for you.
Tea and coffee will be available throughout, creating a relaxed atmosphere for both formal learning and informal networking.
Our Workshop Leaders
24th September 2026 – Tom Bancroft (Composition)
Tom Bancroft is an improvising drummer, composer, educator and creativity researcher based in Scotland. With a 40-year career spanning jazz, classical and traditional music, Tom has played with an extraordinary range of musicians — from Sun Ra to Geri Allen to Martyn Bennett — and has collaborated across Ghana, Vietnam, Taiwan and India. He is the most often invited mentor and tutor at the Distil programme, where he has supported the creative development of elite Scottish professional traditional musicians for over 25 years. Tom completes his PhD in Improvisation, Creativity and Pedagogy at Edinburgh Napier University in 2026.
18th February 2027 – Raymond MacDonald (Improvisation)
Raymond MacDonald is a Professor and a founder member of the Glasgow Improvisers Orchestra, a large improvising ensemble of around 20 musicians from diverse artistic backgrounds ranging from free improvisation, jazz, classical, folk, pop, and experimental musics to performance art.
17th June 2027 – Ailie Robertson (Composition)
Ailie Robertson is a multi-award winning composer and harpist from Scotland. She has been commissioned by some of the world’s most prestigious cultural institutions including the BBC Proms, the London Philharmonic Orchestra, Scottish Ensemble, Red Note, Bang on a Can, and the RSNO. Winner of the ‘Achievement in New Music’ prize at the inaugural Scottish Awards for New Music, Ailie holds a PhD in composition from Trinity Laban Conservatoire. Her work ranges from concert music and film scores to site-specific installations, and she brings a passion for writing for amateurs, young people, and the theatre.
Who Should Attend?
These sessions are perfect for:
- Musicians who have participated in previous Distil programmes
- Professional and semi-professional musicians interested in developing composition skills
- Musicians exploring improvisation in their practice
- Anyone curious about contemporary approaches to traditional music
Booking Information
Places are limited to ensure an intimate, focused environment. To book your place click on the links above or for more information, please contact us here.
We look forward to seeing you at the Scottish Music Centre for what promises to be an inspiring series of conversations about the future of composition and improvisation in Scottish music.
The Distil Meet-Up Series is part of our ongoing commitment to supporting the creative development of traditional musicians at all stages of their careers. Hands Up for Trad are funded by Creative Scotland.