At Upbeat Music School, music isn’t just about learning notes and rhythms—it’s about building confidence, making connections, and having fun. The joy of music comes from sharing it with others, and that belief is at the heart of everything we do. When I founded Upbeat, I wanted to create something beyond the typical music lesson—a place where musicians could meet like-minded people, form bands, and develop the skills they need to bring their music to life. Nothing would make me prouder than seeing a band that met through Upbeat playing gigs in Aberdeen one day.

My own journey with music started in primary school when I first picked up a guitar. Over the years, I have played in metal bands, cover bands, and musical theatre productions, all while developing a deep love for both performing and teaching. Studying Music Education at university and earning a first-class honours degree was an important step, but when I entered the classroom, I quickly realized that traditional music education wasn’t preparing young musicians for a lifelong love of music. The curriculum felt rigid, more about ticking boxes than inspiring creativity. I wanted to do things differently—to equip musicians with not just technical skills, but the confidence to share their music with the world.

That’s what makes Upbeat different. Lessons here aren’t just about memorizing songs; they’re about understanding what makes music work. I teach practical theory in a way that helps students break down their favourite songs, improvise their own solos, and create their own music. But more importantly, learning at Upbeat isn’t something you do in isolation—it’s something you experience as part of a musical community. Students don’t just practice alone; they apply what they’ve learned in real-world settings, whether that’s playing in a band, recording in a studio, or jamming with others.