Distil is a twice yearly gathering of musicians rooted in folk and traditional music, but who are interested in expanding their creative horizons into other other areas of musical practice. With the continuing success of Celtic Connections’ New Voices programme, and with other commissioning opportunities, an increasing number of musicians is becoming interested in creating music that goes beyond the boundaries of 32 bar dance and traditional song forms.
Distil, which was established in 2002, allows musicians to work with experienced practitioners from other music worlds: jazz, orchestral, contemporary, in a mutual exchange of ideas and experience.
Visit our dedicated Distil website for all the latest news. http://www.distil.org.uk
Latest Distil news >>>
Bridge Over Little Stream by Rhona Smith
Bridge over Little Stream was first commissioned in 2017 after Rhona Smith performed her piece ‘Shetland Journey’ at the Distil showcase. Hands Up for Trad approached her and suggested she work on a duet with Su-a Lee (cello). Hands Up for Trad asked Rhona to compose a piece with the idea of Su-a and Rhona […]
Distil Rehearsal Room 2025: Opening Up the Creative Composition Process
On Monday 6th October 2025, the Scottish Music Centre in Glasgow hosted the Distil Rehearsal Room, a unique professional development opportunity for early career traditional musicians to hear their new compositions performed by acclaimed ensemble Mr McFall’s Chamber. Five talented composers – Laura Penman, Bede Paterson, Rhona Smith, Sophie Rocks and Miguel Girão – presented […]
Come Along to the Distil Rehearsal Room this Monday 6th October, Scottish Music Centre, Glasgow
Monday 6th October | 10am–3:30pm | Scottish Music Centre, Glasgow You’re invited to watch something special – a day of rehearsals where brand new music is explored and tried out. Five traditional musicians – Bede Paterson, Sophie Rocks, Rhona Smith, Laura Penman, and Miguel Girao – have each written a short piece of music for […]
Introducing Distil Beta Sessions
We’re excited to launch the newest part of Distil: Distil Beta Sessions – a new space for musicians to try out ideas and experiment with their music. What are Beta Sessions? Beta Sessions is like a music playground. It’s a friendly place where musicians can test new songs, try different sounds, and explore creative ideas without worrying […]
Regional Choir Music Staff – Various Locations NYCOS (National Youth Choir of Scotland)
NYCOS is seeking Music Staff for Regional Choirs across Scotland to teach Kodály-based musicianship and support choir rehearsals, with particular opportunities in Stirling, Midlothian, Falkirk and Edi NYCOS is seeking Music Staff for Regional Choirs across Scotland, with particular opportunities available in Stirling, Midlothian, Falkirk and Edinburgh. You’ll support the Regional Choir Director in delivering […]
Director of Creativity & Impact (Shetland Arts)
This is a key senior management role where you’ll oversee the delivery of all artistic and creative activity including learning and outreach. This is a key senior management role where you’ll oversee the delivery of all artistic and creative activity including learning and outreach. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive, you’ll play a pivotal role […]
Distil is Growing: New Opportunities for Professional Musicians
We’re excited to announce that Distil is expanding! Our flagship residential programme has been helping professional traditional musicians develop their composition and improvisation skills since 2002, and now we’re adding three new ways to connect, learn, and experiment. What’s New in the Distil Family Distil Meet-Up Series Three intimate workshops throughout the year, each led […]
Distil is Growing: New Opportunities for Professional Musicians
We’re excited to announce that Distil is expanding! Our flagship residential programme has been helping professional traditional musicians develop their composition and improvisation skills since 2002, and now we’re adding three new ways to connect, learn, and experiment. What’s New in the Distil Family Distil Meet-Up Series Three intimate workshops throughout the year, each led […]
National Piping Centre are recruiting a new NPC Clubs Producer!
The National Piping Centre is the UK’s leading organisation championing piping as a powerful agent for youth development. Our growing NPC Clubs programme brings young people aged 7-17 together to develop their confidence and sense of belonging through music-making activity. We are seeking a visionary and collaborative Clubs Producer who is ready to work closely […]
Traditional Music Forum Autumn Workshops 2025
Professional Development Opportunities for Traditional Musicians Essential Skills Workshops Our workshops offer invaluable insights and practical guidance to help you succeed in the traditional music landscape today. Whether you want to learn how to record and release your music, craft a successful funding application, organise a tour, or take control of your finances – these […]