Congratulations to Claire Hastings who has / have been nominated in Music Tutor of the Year sponsored by Creative Scotland Youth Music Initiative in the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2026. Vote for Claire Hastings now! It’s going to be another great night at the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards on Saturday 5th December in Paisley Arena, Lagoon Centre. Why not join us for a brilliant night of music and awards. Buy a ticket here.
We asked Claire of Claire Hastings the following questions.
Tell us about yourself
I am a folksinger, songwriter, ukulele player and teacher originally from Dumfries. During the pandemic in 2020 I started 'Claire's Music Club'; an online, interactive music session aimed at babies and pre-schoolers. Since then I have brought the sessions to life in both Glasgow and Strathaven and also at festivals across Scotland. My weekly classes are well attended and enjoyed by little ones and grown ups alike.
I have previously taught through organisations including Fèis Rois, Survivor Arts, Nevis Ensemble, Blackford Sings, Live Music Now Scotland and Scottish Culture and Traditions amongst others.
Any particular career highlights?
Winning BBC Radio Scotland's Young Traditional Musician of the Year in 2015 was a particular highlight, which led to lots of subsequent opportunities.
What are your plans for the future?
I will continue to lead Claire's Music Club sessions in Strathaven and plan to expand to another location in the near future. I also will lead CMC family sessions at festivals in 2027 including Celtic Connections and Orkney Folk Festival.
Claire Hastings Social Media
Website: http://www.clairehastings.com
Facebook: @clairesmusicclub
Instagram: @claireh_sings
YouTube: @clairehastingsmusic
TikTok: @claireh_sings
Listen to music: http://open.spotify.com/artist/61AuimKILFw6yaMHOwwfTh
The 2026 MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards are on the 5th December 2026 in Paisley Arena, Lagoon Centre! You will be able to watch it live in person (buy a ticket here).
Hosted by Scottish personalities Alistair Heather and Mary Ann Kennedy, the night will welcome live performances from some of the brightest lights on the thriving trad scene today including Valtos, Gnoss, Sian, Fèis Phàislig, Spodo Komodo and BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician Rachel Groves and many more!
If you would like to support Hands Up for Trad in their work with Scottish trad music and musicians why not become a friend of Hands Up for Trad. In addition to our high profile events like the Scots Trad Music Awards, we also deliver a less well known, education programme for young people from 8yrs right through to young adults at the start of their careers. Read more here.