Welcome!
.jpg)
My name is Clare Johnston and I am a composer and music technologist specialising in music for iPads. I also deliver the Trinity Arts Awards at all levels and I am passionate about access issues in the Arts.
Backstory
I studied the viola with Carol Millward of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. Growing up I played with the city youth orchestras - the Birmingham Schools Symphony Orchestra and the Midland Youth Orchestra (now the youth orchestra of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra), including an international tour. I also sang in the CBSO's youth chorus and the City of Birmingham Touring Opera.
I went on to study viola and recorder as joint principal at university and graduated with both a BA in Education from The University of Edinburgh and a BA(Hons) in Music from Edinburgh Napier University. I also hold the DipABRSM diploma in instrumental teaching from the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music. I did several years of class teaching and group teaching in Edinburgh schools and spent two years with the Lowland Territorial Army band, in which I played primarily flute and piccolo with some keyboard for jazz band and violin in the ceilidh band. I recently retired from playing with Scottish Sinfonia and the Society for Recorder Players. Recorder
I studied recorder in Birmingham with Alan Davies and attended workshops and masterclasses at Trinity College and with the Flanders Recorder Quartet. Due to health and ability changes, I began playing the iPad as a musical instrument and composing repertoire for it.
Composition
I am a composer, writing primarily works for iPad instruments and music technology, which I have performed at Celtic Connections, the Just Festival, DadaFest and Kryptic Nights. I am an Associate Musician with Drake Music Scotland, delivering music education in special schools and elsewhere, supporting disabled musicians in musical projects. I also speak about music accessibility to organisations and education institutions including CoMA - Contemporary Music for All, the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and the Scottish Instrumental Music Teachers' Network. I have also worked alongside the Scottish Chamber Orchestra in community music projects. I have been involved in access campaigns such as #letmeonstage campaigning for better access to the stage area of music venues and Stay Up Late campaigning for people who access social care to be able to attend late night events.
General
I have attended Continuing Professional Development courses through the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music, the European String Teachers' Association, Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and Trinity College London, and I gained exceptional marks in Instrumental Teaching at the Ian Tomlin School of Music at Edinburgh Napier University. In my non-musical time, I was a member of the Edinburgh Access Panel consulting with the council and interested parties on public realm accessibility issues such as major planning applications and road layout, with links to Disability Equality Scotland. I have consulted directly with local and national organisations and public bodies such as Transport Scotland, MSPs, Motability and Edinburgh Fringe on accessibilty issues. I am also the PRM (Passengers with Reduced Mobility) representative on the Edinburgh Airport Consultative Committee. For fun, I fly gliders with Walking on Air disability flying charity.
I am registered with the PVG scheme (The Scottish equivalent of the Enhanced Disclosure/CRB check/DBS scheme) for work with both children and protected adults.