Biography

I grew up in a musical family on the Isle of Lewis and began learning the viola aged six, immersing myself in classical music and the traditional music of The Hebrides. I would also travel to join the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland, which I was part of from age nine until 19, and provided me with my first taste of orchestral playing. Learning large works and playing with young musicians, as well as meeting wonderful teachers and conductors, was exciting and really supported my development. This helped me decide that music school would be the best place for me to further my passion and skills.

Aged 11, I auditioned successfully for St Mary’s Music School in Edinburgh, where I studied viola and piano. I benefited from a wide range of performing opportunities, including string ensemble, chamber music, choir, and orchestra. My interest in teaching really grew at school. I volunteered at the Saturday music classes where I taught music theory, as well as beginning my own private teaching.

After school, I began my studies at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. I graduated from RBC in July 2022 and thoroughly enjoyed my time there, especially through playing lots of chamber music. In my fourth year, alongside performing Mozart and Shostakovich with my quartet, I really enjoyed working on the Ravel Introduction and Allegro, written for flute, harp, clarinet, and quartet. As well as this, I also composed and performed a suite for string quartet inspired by Scottish traditional music. I was selected for incredibly valuable masterclasses from great players such as Timothy Ridout, Thomas Riebl, and Julian Lloyd Webber.

I have just completed my postgraduate studies at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, studying the viola with Matthew Jones. I enjoyed a busy and invaluable two years, with particular highlights being performing at the Barbican with the symphony orchestra regularly and performing Shostakovich, Stravinsky, and Schubert with the string ensemble conducted by Andras Keller. I have also received valuable masterclasses with my quartet from members of the Endellion Quartet. Other highlights have included performing with the Chipping Campden Festival Orchestra and The Dorset Opera Festival.

I have continued to love teaching through my work as an outreach leader with the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire Leap Ensemble and Guildhall Young Artists, as well as coaching on ProCorda Chamber courses and Activities Unlimited weekends for young adults with special educational needs.