Graham McDaonald
Penicuik pianist and educator Graham McDonald became captivated by the piano at an early age. Initially playing by ear and improvising, he began formal studies with local teacher Marion Anderson before continuing in Aberdeen with Robert Howe, where he graduated with first-class honours. While in Aberdeen, he was awarded the Gina Harper-Dallas Scholarship at the North East of Scotland Music School, which enabled him to study with Nigel Clayton of the Royal College of Music, London.
Graham is passionate about music education. Having taught for both West Lothian and Midlothian local authorities, he quickly recognised the profound impact music can have on pupils' lives regardless of background. He saw music as a natural builder of community, with the skills developed through playing and the therapeutic impact of music proving life-changing for many.
Over the years, he has directed numerous school ensembles, co-led the Midlothian Secondary Schools Choir, and supported various local authority ensembles- gaining valuable experience conducting across a range of ability levels.
Our Early in his career, Graham began teaching piano privately and through a local music school, preparing students for all major exam boards up to Diploma and university entrance level. Recognising the lack of performance opportunities for pianists, he founded the Pentland Piano Festival in 2017-a non-competitive event designed to encourage pianists of all ages and abilities. In 2018, he founded the Pentland School of Music to address the shortage of piano provision in local authority schools, the broader decline in instrumental tuition, and most importantly, the growing demand and enthusiasm
for high-quality music education.
As a performer, Graham is in demand across the country.
Though classically trained, he is equally at home in a wide
range of musical styles-as a soloist, accompanist, ensemble player, and collaborator. He has performed for numerous music societies and clubs nationwide. A keen composer and improviser, he frequently collaborates with artists and film-makers, and regularly improvises for silent film screenings. He has composed for several theatre and musical theatre productions, including during his time as a staff member of Midlothian Children's Theatre. His school also collaborates with Dance Pointe Academy to deliver musical theatre classes. of writers is made up of passionate and knowledgeable individuals who are dedicated to bringing you the best content on the web. They come from a variety of backgrounds and bring a unique perspective to everything they write. From film critics to music journalists, we have it all.
Graham is frequently invited to adjudicate piano festivals and
lead masterclasses, known for his infectious enthusiasm for
the piano and its literature, as well as his ability to inspire
through an honest and sensitive teaching style.
In his local community, Graham has been an active contributor for decades playing both piano and organ in churches, serving on the committee of the local Arts Association, organising and performing in concerts and events, leading choirs, and supporting Penicuik Silver Band's young musicians in their exams.
As a piano technician, Graham also tunes, repairs, and rebuilds instruments, regularly preparing pianos to concert standard.