Performing

Performing music, whether solo or as part of an ensemble, has always been a major interest of mine since I first began to be able to play anything in front of anyone who was willing to listen. It would be a pity not to share with others what one has learnt. In the past, I performed more frequently as part of a guitar duo, trio, quartet, solo and with flautists, violinists, cellists, singers and keyboard players, but since I became a full time teacher I play a lot less in public and I am now more likely to record for YouTube and other platforms. However, I am always ready to consider new partnerships with musicians I respect and admire and with whom I share a passion for music. 

Previous concerts have included a series in 2017 & 2018 with the English organist & pianist Ian Lovegrove in Aberdeenshire, Bath, Devon, Cornwall and Waterford & Offaly in Ireland. 

In 2019, I played as part of a guitar & flute duo with flautist Christine Arant, performing music by Bach and Piazzolla, in Aberdeen, Scotland. 

In recent years I have been focussing my creative efforts on getting my compositions published and recorded, however from time to time, I do give or take part in concerts. 

I occasionally provide music for weddings and similar events. At a wedding I can play for the ceremony itself, for the procession to and from the altar, or play in the background for guests as they enter for post-ceremony drinks and the like. As well as the most commonly heard wedding music (usually heard on organ) during the ceremony, other musical pieces and arrangements of favourite songs can be offered on request. Restaurants and corporate functions sometimes require background music, too.  If you would like solo guitar music for such events please use the Contact page to email me, describing what you are after, when and for how long. I will then write back to you with a quote.

My primary musical interest is solo, tonal guitar music from all musical periods from the Renaissance to the present day. On 6 string and extended range guitar, I play lute music by Dowland, Weiss, Bach and others, and guitar music by all major composers for the instrument. For wedding ceremonies, I usually play arrangements of the popular wedding marches by Mendelssohn & Wagner, Pachelbel's Canon, Bach's "Jesu Joy", or any other requested music that is playable on guitar. For background music, any commonly heard classical guitar favourites are possible, such as Cavatina, Spanish Romance, arrangements of famous film themes and melodic pop & folk songs. 

Recent / Next Concerts

Sunday 18th February 2024 at 2.30pm at St. James' Episcopal Church, Arbuthnott St., Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire AB39 2JB: A concert featuring Aberdeen City Music Instructors (myself included) and friends in aid of the British Red Cross Ukraine Crisis Appeal (donations at the door). The varied programme includes music for classical and jazz guitar, organ, piano, voice and violin.

Wednesday 15th May 2024 at 7.30pm at Fountainhall at the Cross, Albyn Place, Aberdeen AB10 1YN. The Scottish guitarist Stewart Kelly will be performing one of my pieces (1st performance in Aberdeen) called Elegy for MacCrimmon, among other works for solo classical guitar. Tickets available here:  http://tinyurl.com/5mydveyw