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 Heather Cartwright a few questions.
Follow Heather on Instagram: @heathercartwrightmusic
Tell us about your self:
My name is Heather and I have played the acoustic guitar since I was 13. The first song I ever learnt on the guitar was 'Rolling in the Deep' by Adele haha, which some friends of mine taught me when on a camp. I studied Traditional Music at the RCS in Glasgow, and I continued to live there after my degree because the music scene is fantastic! I like to do a mixture of instrumental music and songs and some of my guitar and singer/songwriter heroes are Kris Drever, Ian Carr, Kate Rusby and Anais Mitchell.
What’s your favourite album track?
An impossible question but – maybe 'Shepherd' by Anais Mitchell…?
What’s your favourite colour?
Blue
What sparked your interest in playing music?
From a very young age, I took part in choirs/musicals and instrument lessons at school, and always loved the excitement of performing and making music. It was later when my parents had taken me to some folky/traditional music gigs that I started taking my guitar playing seriously and becoming a musician became my dream. It seemed farfetched at the time, but I'm here to tell you it's certainly possible if you stick with it!
Who was your first music teacher?
My first guitar teacher was called Mr Murghatroyd, and I remember him always being amazed by the patience I demonstrated. I would spend hours and hours learning music that was rather ambitious, watching YouTube videos repeatedly and learning things bar by bar. He could never understand how I could be bothered! But I was pretty determined, and music is the only thing I've well and truly stuck with into my adulthood, and now I can't imagine doing anything else.
What’s your most memorable performance or teaching moment?
One of the gigs that really stands out to me is playing with my colleague and best pal Beth Malcolm at the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. Not only is it the most stunning venue, but hanging out there before the gig was like being in the Night in the Museum films!
What do you like to do when you’re not making music?
When I'm not making music, I like to spend time outside, particularly wild swimming, camping, and getting up in the hills. During the colder months, I like to do art work – I've recently been getting into doing Lino prints – and I love cooking tasty food. I don't believe in eating for survival, life's far too short!
Which musician (living or historical) would you most like to have dinner with?
Simon Thoumire, obviously….
What’s the strangest thing in your instrument case?
A little plastic, pink duck that has Josie Duncan's name written ALL over it… She won't admit it.
Find out more about Heather at their website https://www.heathercartwright.co.uk
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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