What instruments do you play?
Piano, organ, keyboard, accordion, harpsichord, celesta and also I sing professionally.

What does your work as a freelance musician involve?
I play for musical theatre productions, rehearsals, church services, concerts, cabaret and private functions.

Have you worked with any famous musicians/artists?
As a freelance member of the National Symphony Orchestra of London, I played keyboards on some of Nicky Spence's tour. Nicky is a popular young tenor who supported Dame Shirley Bassey at the SECC. I was the first person on stage that night and the roar of 9,000 people cheering in my general direction still rings in my ears. They soon quietened down when they realised I was just in the band!

What is your favourite genre of music to play?
Variety is the spice of life! I am partial to playing funky grooves and, dare I risk admitting it, power ballads. Boogie-woogie and standards are also great fun.

What is your favourite type of music to listen to?
Mostly I like listening to music that allows me to get lost in my thoughts or, alternatively, indulge my internal rhythm. Two introspective favourites of mine are the Requiem by Faure and Bridge Over Troubled Water by Simon and Garfunkel.
When I want some rhythm I like the Doobie Brothers or Stevie Wonder.

What does your role as director of music at Langside College involve?
I prepare musicians for university study or professional careers.
My other role at the college is to look after the music for the many annual drama productions.
It's a privilege to help these future stars develop their musical skills.

You have written a children's opera - tell us more about that?
"The Nicht's the Nicht!" is a one-act scottish opera. Children play Wee Folk (scottish elves) and, along with an adult storyteller, relay the true tale of the 17th-century feud between the clans MacNab and MacNeish. It was commissioned in 2001.

How did it feel to have the opera featured on Classic FM?
Incredibly satisfying and very surreal. I was very proud that it was played and delighted with the wonderful performances of the singers and orchestra. To hear it, go to www.thenicht.com.

How did you get involved with the Springfield Cambridge Festival Chorus and Orchestra?
I have been musical director of the church since 2000.
I instigated a Christmas concert that would allow local singers to work with a 40-piece orchestra to raise money for CHAS – the first event raised £4,000. Each year it has got bigger and bigger, and last year we played the Armadillo.

You were an extra on TV show Still Game last year – how did that come about?
My friend was singing in a scene and she recommended me to accompany her.
We filmed for two days, partly in a field in the freezing rain. It was difficult not to laugh at the jokes at first, but once each scene had been filmed 25 times it was easy to keep a straight face!

If you had not been a musician what profession would you like to have followed?
Medicine – I certainly would have been better off financially! Mind you, I've met more GPs who want to be musicians than vice-versa.

Getting to know you
First car: An 82 VW Polo – it was allergic to rain!
First album: Queen's Greatest Hits
Book currently reading: Fermat's Last Theorem
Favourite TV programme: Futurama
Favourite holiday destination: Anywhere sunny
Celebrity most like to meet: Leonard Bernstein – the composer and conductor.