Mary's always been in tune with musicians

Published on Thursday 5 November 2009 08:52

Tributes have been paid to Mary McGookin, 58, a former principal teacher of music at Broughton High School and head of Edinburgh City Council's arts policy and arts unit, who is leaving her post at the authority.

Born in 1950 in Renfrewshire, Miss McGookin studied at the John Neilson Institute and the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama.

A keen piano student, she admitted she always wanted to be a musician when she was younger, but in 1971 moved to Edinburgh to study at the Moray House College of Education, where she was awarded the Staff Prize.

She began her teaching at Broughton High School in 1972, and admitted many of her students were only a few years younger than herself.

Eventually, Miss McGookin became principal teacher of music, and during her time at the school, the Specialist Music School – now the City of Edinburgh Music School – was established.

Although she enjoyed working with gifted young musicians, she also gained much pleasure from seeing all pupils enjoy music, whatever form this took.

In 1992, Lothian Regional Council produced its arts policy and set up an arts unit.

Miss McGookin was appointed as the first principal arts officer for Lothian Region, which was placed within the education department.

She developed strong links with artists, arts organisations, festivals, national companies and community groups to develop opportunities for creative learning in schools and in the community.

She has also been responsible for many events and concerts, supporting young people to be part of and perform in many of the major events and celebrations within the city's calendar.

Annual concerts and conferences have celebrated the achievements of young people.

Special events have included producing music and dance for the visit by President Putin, and songs for the Dalai Lama.

Miss McGookin also led the team of artists and film-makers who produced Edinburgh's Our Town Story for the start of the Millennium Dome programme, involving 70 young people telling the story of Edinburgh, its past, present and future through dance, music, drama and film.

She plans to leave her post at the council to focus on more personal art and music projects, and said: "I have been hugely privileged to work in the arts, which I love, along with committed and creative artists and organisations.

"I have had wonderful colleagues within the council, and I've enjoyed being able to work with young people, who always encourage and inspire me."

City education leader Councillor Marilyne MacLaren paid tribute and said: "Mary McGookin has been a dominant figure in the field of arts education for many a long year and will be sorely missed.

"Her speciality, and one suspects her first love, is music, and under her skilful guidance, numerous young musicians and teachers have been encouraged and inspired.

"Her belief that everyone regardless of their background should have access to and experience of the arts is admirable and her dedication has led to the city receiving a number of awards for excellence in its music provision."