JOHNIRVINE.CO.UK

I initially trained as a classical guitarist, studying at Dartington College of Arts for two years after leaving school, and then at the Royal Scottish Academy Of Music & Drama (Glasgow) where I studied with Phillip Thorne, gaining a BA in Music Performance (1989) and winning the Guitar Challenge Prize (1988).

Following a Post-Grad Certificate in Performance (1990), I began a PhD in Music Composition, with Nigel Osborne at the University of Edinburgh, in 1992. This was completed in 1999.

Throughout the 90s and early 00s, I worked in Scottish Theatre where I wrote music for over 40 productions, 20 of which were for the Traverse Theatre (Edinburgh). Many of these shows transferred to London theatres, with ‘Moscow Stations’ (Tom Courtenay’s one man show) heading to NYC for an Off-Broadway run.

I formed the John Irvine Band in 2010 and have released 10 albums of progressive jazz-rock music. All releases have been highly acclaimed in such publications as PROG (UK), Progression (USA), Background Magazine (Netherlands) etc. JIB music has been played on radio and internet radio worldwide.

I have taught at St Mary’s Music School (Edinburgh) and The City of Edinburgh Music School and lectured at Edinburgh Napier University, where I was asked to redesign their ‘Music, Creativity & Communication’ course for the BA in Popular Music. I currently work as a PSA in Edinburgh Schools.