Between 1997 and 1999 I studied trumpet at the RSAMD (now the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland) with Nigel Boddice. During this time I played with the Johnstone Silver Band, Scottish Youth Jazz Orchestra and Strathclyde University Big Band. I went on to study at the University of Salford in 2001 and graduated in 2003 with a BA(Hons)Music (Band Musicianship). During my studies I played with the Besses O’ th Barn band, competing at the National Brass Band Championships, British Open, English Masters and Brass in Concert. In my final year, I had a placement with the Northern Chamber Orchestra.
I moved back to Scotland in 2003 and worked as a brass instructor for South Lanarkshire Council. I played principal cornet with the Johnstone Silver Band and conducted Newland Junior Band and then Clydebank Burgh Youth Band. I played trumpet for the Yellow Bentines between 2005 and 2009, performing at various gigs and festivals including supporting bands such as the Artic Monkeys, going back to record in 2011. In 2007, I became part of the band Soul-Fi which went on to become a function band called The Stereobeats. It is currently very successful, playing at many functions and wedding around the country. I went on to play flugel horn for the Bo'ness and Carriden Band and then cornet with the Kirkintilloch Band, where I also tutored at the youth band and played at all the major contests. I started playing for Kingdom Brass in 2010 and currently play flugel horn. In 2011 I was appointed as ‘Head of New Start Development’ within the Kingdom Brass Youth Initiative and returned as the conductor of Newland Junior Band, Bathgate in 2012 as well as being the Regional Development Officer for Lothians region with the Scottish Brass Band Association and then going on to conduct the Shotts Development Band from their formation in 2013. Between 2014 and 2016, I played trumpet with The Soul Foundation motown band, performing at various gigs and events. While there, I wrote and transcribed many trumpet parts onto sheet music for the band.
I currently play trumpet and flugel horn regularly on a freelance basis at many gigs,shows, weddings and corporate events, and on a regular basis with Soul Inferno. I regularly transribe horn parts to sheet music when learning new songs and for use by dep players. I currently work as a brass instructor on the "Sounds Like Saturday Project" for Edinburgh City Council, teaching groups of primary school pupils in trumpet and french horn, as well as with pupils of all ages and levels, on brass and piano in their homes. I am also currently studying towards a Masters in arts, festival and cultural management.
