Tam Stewart Music and Art
Who would have thought this little cherub would grow up to be a grumpy old piper. This photo took a long time to take as I would average about 3 minutes per day where I wasn't being a little terror.
50 odd years later the result is this handsome devil!
I have always enjoyed playing and listening to music. it is good for the soul. They say a picture can paint a thousand words, well music, to me, can stir a thousand emotions.
​
My first performance was when I was around 8 years old at Dedridge Primary School in Livingston. I played The Little Mazurka on the violin to an audience of teachers and parents. Luckily I had to read the music so didn't have to look at the audience as I was really nervous. This is a trick I still employ although I just look at the floor as reading music whilst piping is not the done thing! I very rarely look up when piping in public. As soon as I recognise someone my brain goes to mush and my fingers suddenly start playing a different tune. It is a really bizarre way of performing but it seems to work and I enjoy doing it!
​
As well as the Great Highland Bagpipes I play the guitar and drums and own two synths, Korg Krome Ex and a Roland Juno-G. I can scrape by on bass guitar. I have a violin and it is lucky it is still in one piece! I started playing again after a 30 year gap and have the really frustrating problem of a bouncing bow which ruins the sound. It is all in the grip apparently to stop it happening. The only thing I haven't tried is playing it upside down in the shower.
​
Music will always be deeply moving to me.
​
Tam Stewart - July 2024.