Information About Chris - Glasgow teacher -

(3 reviews)

Personal Description:

I am a Scottish multi-instrumentalist and composer who plays piano, highland and border pipes and whistles. In July 2019 I graduated from the Masters’ in Traditional Music programme at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland with piano as my main study and was awarded a scholarship from the Keepers of the Quaich.

My style of playing is influenced hugely by time spent listening to and playing folk music from a young age. During my time at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland I received tuition from world-renowned Irish pianist Mary McCarthy exploring traditions from various parts of the world in addition to benefiting from Mary’s expertise of Classical music. In August 2018 I began a semester of studies at the Royal College of Music in Stockholm which introduced a whole new influence to my playing becoming immersed in the rich Swedish folk culture at the same time as receiving tuition from jazz/folk piano maestro Arne Forsen. In May 2019 I released an EP with Swedish fiddler and singer Kristina Leesik – the result being a fusion of our shared passion for both Celtic and Scandinavian folk music.

I have had involvement in numerous collaborations and performances. Highlights including performing at festivals in Wickham (England), Ortigueira (Spain) and Lorient (France), a solo piano performance at Blair Castle (Scotland) for Keepers of the Quaich banquets, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and as part of the backing band both with the National Youth Pipe Band of Scotland and Inveraray & District Pipe Band. I have performed and taught internationally in Australia, New Zealand, France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Slovakia and Oman. I am also a piper with the Inveraray & District Pipe Band and with them have won the 2017 World Pipe Band Championships as well as the Scottish, British & European Championships.

I have had the privilege of guesting with bands such as Skipinnish and Barluath as well as having experience in the world of musical theatre performing keys for the ‘Wedding Singer’ production at Eastwood Park Theatre, Glasgow in March 2019. Recently I performed solo on highland pipes and whistle at the Basel International Tattoo 2019 (Switzerland) and also alongside the Red Hot Chilli Pipers. In January 2020, at the Celtic Connections festival in Glasgow, I released my self-titled debut album, featuring all original compositions and a multi-instrumental ensemble.

Tutoring Experience:

I have held positions as a piano instructor at Riverside Music College and a piping instructor at the renowned Scots College in Sydney, Australia. I also have great experience tutoring internationally and outreach projects across Scotland for a range of ages and abilities from beginners through to advanced players.

Tutoring Approach:

My approach to teaching ensures that the lesson is always tailored to the individual student in order to suit their goals. Lessons are made to be a lot of fun - I always encourage students to pursue their own musical interests and provide them with a breadth of music and experience to give them fresh ideas and inspiration.