Andrew is a trombonist and composer at the outset of his career. He completed a Master's degree in Music Composition at The University of Edinburgh in 2017, and his works have been performed and workshopped by The Edinburgh Quartet, The Hermes Experiment, English Cornett and Sackbut Ensemble, Red Note Ensemble, and the Quasar Saxophone Quartet, and was a recipient of the NCEM Young Composer Awards 2018.
Andrew took part in a composers' residency run by sound and Red Note Ensemble in 2019. His resulting work Moments was premiered by musicians from Red Note Ensemble during soundfestival 2019.
When did you start composing?
Around the age of 12/13. Though my interest was not really piqued until 15/16 when specific lessons in composition began at school.
When and what made you decide to pursue composition as a career?
I would have been 17/18. I can’t cite any one factor (or set of factors) that pushed me towards pursuing composition, however, I do recall that my interests were more inline with film/tv/video game soundtracks rather than contemporary classical.
Where and with whom did you study?
The University of Edinburgh with Prof. Peter Nelson (2012-2017).
What stage are you at in your career right now?
Early. Still finding my feet.
How would you describe the type of music you write?
That is a question I find difficult to answer. It has been changing a great deal over the last 4 or so years.
Recently I have been writing shorter form music for small ensembles / soloists that explore very quiet sounds, often quite fragmentary in nature or consisting of small cells of material.
I enjoy very quiet music as it works best in smaller venues (outside the concert hall) and forces the listener to actively listen. There is often a tangible tension amongst the audience, everyone holds their breath, no-one dares make the slightest sound!
Is there something that inspires or helps you structure your compositions?
For a long time the answer to that question would have been no. However, I have developed an interest in applying elements of mathematics to form and structure. This does not take the form of a direct representation of the mathematical idea in music, but uses the principles/ideas to define and inspire the creative process.
What forces do you prefer writing for and why? (Instrumental, orchestral, chamber music, choral…?)
Primarily chamber music. As mentioned previously I have been writing music that is very quiet. I feel that this presents most effectively in small groupings.
Which composer (dead or alive) has most inspired you and why?
Difficult to say. There is no single composer by whom I am inspired. It changes depending on my interests at any particular time. However, I do keep returning to the music of Beat Furrer.
Which composer (dead or alive) has most inspired you and why?
Difficult to say. There is no single composer by whom I am inspired. It changes depending on my interests at any particular time. However, I do keep returning to the music of Beat Furrer.
What do you do to take your mind off composing?
Musically, performing as a trombone player in Ska/Funk/Big Bands. Otherwise, walking, hiking, cycling… anything outdoors.
What are you working on right now?
A couple of works for Solo Electric Guitar and a Solo Clarinet piece.
Is there anything about the current lockdown situation that is affecting your compositional activity, whether positive or negative?
Perhaps counter-intuitively, despite having more time available I have chosen to reduce my compositional activity. I have been using the time to take a step back, assess my writing and to look into other avenues I may wish to explore. I have been using the time to concentrate more on some much needed trombone practice!
Find out more about Andrew on his website: www.andrewblair.co.uk
Listen to more of Andrew's music here: https://soundcloud.com/user-285744067
