Alumni Spotlight - Ross Harvey
The Popular Music degree at UHI Perth is a highly rated and well-established music course that has been created by professional musicians and will equip you with the portfolio of skills and knowledge required for a successful career in today’s music industries. After graduating from the course in 2006, Ross has gone on to forge a successful career as a pipe major. He chats to us about his time at UHI Perth 👇
Can you introduce yourself?
I am Ross Harvey from Smeaton, East Lothian, and I am currently the Pipe Major of Peoples Ford Boghall and Bathgate Caledonia Pipe Band and Pipe Major of George Watson’s College Pipes and Drums.
What course did you study at UHI Perth, and in what year did you complete your studies?
I studied BA Popular Music Performance and graduated in 2006.
How did you hear about UHI Perth?
The music course had a good reputation, and I had a friend that had already on the course and was enjoying it.
What were you doing before you came to UHI Perth?
I had finished school and started a different degree course which I quickly realised wasn’t for me, so I worked for most of that year before starting at Perth.
Why did you decide to pick this course?
I was very interested in the Popular Music course as I was already playing a lot of traditional music, and had done since I was very young, so I was looking for variety. My main study was drumming on this course, and it allowed me to focus on a wide range of music.
What was your favourite thing about the course?
Playing a wide variety of music with a mix of other musicians and making friends along the way.
Were there any standout/memorable moments from your course?
I played at the Glastonbury Festival with the UHI Perth group ‘Rhythm Wave’, both as a piper and a drummer, a time I’ll never forget. This made a huge impression on me.
What knowledge, skills and experience did you gain from your course that have helped you since leaving UHI Perth?
I really appreciated expanding my music theory and I had top class drumming tuition. The theoretical knowledge I picked up has helped me a lot in harmony writing and arranging.
Did you undertake a placement or work experience whilst at UHI Perth?
I did a placement at Queen Victoria School, teaching piping, which was great for my CV as I was considering teaching as a possible career option and ultimately this is the path I pursued.
What did you think about the styles of teaching, and the support you received from staff?
As with any course, there was some staff that I connected with more than others, but I really appreciated the opportunities in playing in the UHI Perth Big Band and the Percussion Ensemble – Rhythm Wave. There were a lot of really big gigs, and the standard of musicianship was excellent.
What did you like about the campus/facilities?
The music course worked closely with the sound engineering course, and we had a lot of studio time, which I learned a huge amount from. The building had been recently built and the facilities for performing and recording were outstanding.
Were there any other achievements you gained, on your journey?
I was given the chance to play in bands with staff outside of the college and they gave me access to play with a very high level of musician. I was also awarded student of the year in my first year.
What have you been up to since graduation? Are you currently employed?
I am pipe major of George Watson's College, an independent School in Edinburgh. I have played on a lot of big stages in various bands with a very wide range of music. Highlights include a main stage performance at The Isle of Wight Festival with We See Lights and performing with Groove Armada for an Edinburgh Hogmanay Show on the Ross Band Stand. I recently won the World Pipe Band Championship 2023 with my band Peoples Ford Boghall and Bathgate Caledonia which has been a lifetime ambition.
Do you feel your studies have helped you with your career?
Without a doubt, I was already competing at a very high level as a piper but the chance to expand my musical knowledge and focus on my drumming made me a much better all round musician.
What are your future career plans?
I am very happy in my current role in the school as I have only held this position for a year so I will be looking to focus on this for the foreseeable future. I want to get as many of my student as qualified as possible and to see as many as possible performing alongside me with Peoples Ford Boghall and Bathgate.
Did you enjoy studying at UHI Perth? Any highlights?
I did very much; the music staff were always encouraging me to push my skills and to be a better student and musician. Performing at Glastonbury was really special.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about studying at UHI Perth?
Put in a lot of effort and you will get a lot out of it. The staff rewarded the extra effort they got from me by giving me opportunities to play with them outside of UHI Perth.
