Biography

Having grown up with folk music, studied classical music, and worked with jazz musicians, writers, dancers, poets and actors, I have loved gathering a wide array of creative processes, and incorporating them into my own compositions. I pride myself in my ability to communicate and embrace different styles of working, and am particularly drawn to creative collaborations which involve musicians of many different backgrounds. It is more important than ever that we listen and respect how different people express themselves and choose to make music, instead of focusing on the end result, which can sometimes bypass the best parts of the creative process – connection and exchange. All my music contains elements of improvisation, and I am particularly interested in developing systems that facilitate large scale group improvisation. Having spent time in Vietnam, Malawi, Brasil, Mongolia and New Zealand (among other places) learning about different music traditions and musical languages I have always delighted in spontaneous jamming sessions, and what comes from improvising and exchanging creative ideas.

I am a leader of creative collaboration in Scotland; having worked with a wide variety of artists including the Unthanks, Aidan O’Rourke and Siobhan Wilson. I have played my own music in many prestigious venues and festivals; including Wigmore Hall, and The Bridgewater Hall, Womad Chile, Womad UK, Auckland Folk Festival and The Malaysian Book Festival. I have been commissioned to compose for Chamber Music Scotland, The British Council, Hidden Door Festival, Celtic Connections, Manchester Jazz Festival, and Music in Peebles, among others.