No Bows Barred welcomes you -
To our wonderful website! Learn all about our fantastic musicians, partnerships and have an opportunity to join us!
About Us
No Bows Barred means just that!
If you play a trad or bowed stringed instrument of any kind, you are welcome to come and join us.
No matter your age or stage, there's room for everyone in our group. We have fun in a safe learning space, working with some of the best musicians and educators in the business, up-and-coming professionals, and from working with each other.
Read what people think of us down below!
How We Got Started...
From a chance encounter to now, talking with some of our key members, featuring Fiona, Rua, Luke and Elizabet at RCS!
What's Next?
Launch Party for Studio Scratch!
An innovative new lighting studio in Glasgow.
Suite 102, Pentagon Centre,
36 Washington St, G3 8AZ.
Friday 29th May 2026 6-9pm
Saturday 30th May 4-8pm
Further details found here!
WORKSHOP AND PUPIL FUNDRAISING CONCERT
Sherbrooke, Mosspark Church
JUNE 28TH 2026
2.30pm-4.30pm WORKSHOP
5PM CONCERT PERFORMANCE - BRING AS MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE TO SUPPORT YOUR PERFORMER!
We hope this will be a useful fundraiser to help towards our general costs and the upcoming residential project in Dean Castle and St Giles’ performance in August
AUGUST WORKSHOPS AND EDINBURGH FRINGE ST GILES’ PERFORMANCE
8th-10th August
Workshops in the Treehouse Centre, Dean Castle, East Ayrshire
11th August performance in St Giles’ Cathedral
We are super excited to announce our workshops for August!
You can choose to be resident or join us on a non-residential basis.
Residential places are for participants ages 18 and under
Non-residents, ages 18 and under, can still join us for evening activities if they wish!
Non-residential places are open to all ages.
The costs are to be finalised, pending fundraising and hopefully some sponsorship, however I hope the maximum costs will be IRO as follows:
- Residential ages 18 and under with all meals, snacks
and activities and performance at St Giles' £150
- Non-residential, day participant, including performance at St Giles’ £75
If this sounds like something you or loved ones want to get involved in,
please fill out our Contact Form!
Some Words From Our Members!
"NBB has been a wonderful experience for my son. The teachers are incredibly passionate and so generous with their time and knowledge, and it’s clear how much they care about every child.
What really stood out to me was how every child is encouraged, supported and given the chance to express themselves. The support and inspiration the children receive is truly special."
"Our son had a really lovely experience with the No Bows Barred String Ensemble, where he has felt encouraged and supported. Being part of the group helped build his confidence and develop his musical skills. He really enjoyed learning, performing and one of the highlights was getting the chance to perform at St. Giles’ Cathedral. It was such a special experience and a proud moment for us!"
"No Bows Barred
is no place for bored bows! This inspirational activity enjoys aspirational leaders of all comers to make music reachable, enjoyable and meaningful regardless of anything: age, experience is baggage to left outside… this enterprise is not for the lazy, listless or lachrymose. This is patently for the diligent, daring and delighted!! Enjoy is the only directive permitted!!"
"I started playing with NBB last year having heard the group play in the Edinburgh Fringe in St. Giles Cathedral. It was marvellous.
The whole experience has been one of inclusivity. The level of support and encouragement offered by the tutors is astonishing and gratefully appreciated.
They are truly experts in their field. It has been such a joy to play with such talented, energetic and talented young people. 'If music be the food of life play on'."
"It’s a wonderful opportunity for our child to play without pressure and belong to a talented group of musicians who support and encourage music expression. Playing both classical and traditional music also lends to a varied repertoire which he thoroughly enjoys!"
“NBB is an expertly led and brilliant initiative which fosters collaboration between string players in a very friendly and inclusive way.
Our son has loved being part of this ensemble and working with talented and creative musicians from different backgrounds. He has enjoyed all the opportunities this has brought, with a particular highlight being the wonderful NBB inaugural concert in St Giles, Edinburgh.”
"No Bows Barred has been an incredible journey to be a part of so far with opportunities I couldn’t have ever imagined like being able to sing in St. Giles Cathedral during the Edinburgh Fringe being a highlight. I love the sense of community we have and how music brings people together."
Friends and Partners
