Tinto Summer School will be happening 7-12th July 2025 in the fabulous Wiston Lodge and we would love to see you there! This is our 25th year of Tinto and it is always a special time making music and hanging out with (and making new) friends. You can find out more by visiting here.
Every year we have brilliant tutors to teach music and we thought you would like to find out more about them.
We asked tutor Josie Duncan a few questions.
Follow Josie on Instagram: @JosieDuncanSong
Tell us about your self:
Helloooo! I’m Josie, I’ve been working as a full time folk singer and songwriter for eight years now! I’m originally from the Isle of Lewis but have made Glasgow my second home, where I host a monthly informal Song Session. I’ve been very lucky to travel the world with my singing, but over the past few years I have had more and more work as a composer for film, theatre and TV which I absolutely adore.
I love to sing in Gaelic, Scots and in English and at Tinto we’ll do a mix of all of it.
What’s your favourite album track?
Sunday Girl by Blondie
What’s your favourite colour?
My favourite colour may shock everyone…. but it’s pink!
Fun fact: this favourite colour came from a childhood obsession with pigs, not Barbie etc.
What sparked your interest in playing music?
I don’t remember because I was singing from a VERY young age, but I have a feeling I was probably being a wee show off when I discovered I liked singing in front of my class.
I come from a very musical place and family so I’m very luck in that regard.
Who was your first music teacher?
My Mum was my music teacher in primary school! I loved it. My school had loads going on.
What’s your most memorable performance or teaching moment?
There has been so many memorable teaching moments!
One year at Tinto when I had just released a song, I walked into the room and they all were dancing to it with torches out, that was really sweet and a fun memory.
I’ve also had a lot of poignant moments with people teaching songwriting. Sometimes it gets quite vulnerable! (But it doesn’t have to, so don’t let that put anyone off aha) but I’ve been blown away by what people have been willing to share. Over the years I have taught at many festivals etc and have had people use songs from my classes to come out to their family, to commemorate a special anniversary and many personal wee things. It’s such an honour to encourage people to create.
What do you like to do when you’re not making music?
It’s rare that I’d go a day without singing, otherwise I start to feel a bit sad! Music keeps me happy and makes me feel like myself, I suppose I find singing very regulating. But that can even be in the shower or on the couch noodling with guitar or harp, don’t mean to imply every single day is a big rehearsal or gig.
When I have downtime I love to feed the ducks and the squirrels in the park and I just generally love being outside. Hill walks, hiking or swimming.
Which musician (living or historical) would you most like to have dinner with?
Dolly Parton
What’s the strangest thing in your instrument case?
Probably a broken capo that exploded on stage mid song for some reason?! I kept it as a wee momento.
Find out more about Josie at their website https://www.josieduncansong.com/
The true cost of each place at Tinto Summer School is £500 and we have included an option to donate towards Tinto Summer School. Your donations, however small help us keep ticket costs down and enable young people who would not otherwise get the opportunity to attend. You can donate here.
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