Conducting
Alistair began conducting at the age of 16, studying with Michael Omer at the Junior Guildhall School of Music and Drama. During this time, he was fortunate to be selected for a masterclass led by Bernard Haitink, an experience that inspired him to pursue a career in conducting.
After completing his Trombone studies at the Royal Northern College of Music, Alistair returned to the RNCM to study conducting on the newly established MEd in Community and Youth Conducting. He has also taken part in masterclasses at the Sherborne Summer School, Memphis Sinfonietta, International Academy of Conducting, and the St Andrews Conducting Course.
Throughout his musical career, Alistair has worked with orchestras, wind bands, big bands, choirs, and brass bands. He has extensive experience with groups of all levels, from youth ensembles to amateur and professional organisations. Passionate about working with young musicians and leisure-time players, he believes in the power of music-making to inspire, educate, and bring people together. He fosters a supportive yet disciplined environment in which musicians can challenge themselves and achieve their best. Equally at home in front of a symphony orchestra or a wind band, Alistair brings energy and clarity to every rehearsal and performance.
Recent highlights include conducting Glasgow Orchestral Society’s Movie Blockbusters concert and leading Kingdom Brass in the National Theatre of Scotland’s production of Keli, written by Martin Green.
His competitive successes include winning the Scottish Brass Band 4th Section Championships in 2019, reaching the semi-finals of the Brass Band Conductors Association Conducting Competition in 2023, and participating in the live rounds of the Frederick Fennell Wind Conductors Competition in 2024.
Since 2023, Alistair has organised a series of “Come and Play Days” in Scotland, attracting musicians from across the UK to explore challenging repertoire in a relaxed and collaborative setting. These events reflect his passion for supporting leisure-time musicians, offering them the opportunity to experience ambitious repertoire in an encouraging and inclusive environment.
Alistair is available to conduct your ensemble on a long-term basis, for a stand-alone project, or as cover for your regular conductor. To contact Alistair, please fill in the form below.
"Speaking to others at the last event, it was clear he knew the music well, helping us to achieve the sound world required, all grouped with great information about the composer. He worked with the ensemble successfully, with clear help given to rehearse and improve the music, all delivered with useful playing tips. Just as importantly he kept the atmosphere light and supportive"
Debbie, French Horn
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