Staff A-Z

Stephanie studied at the Royal Northern College of Music from 2000-2005. Following on from her studies, Stephanie began her freelance career playing with orchestras including the Halle, BBC Philharmonic, Opera North, Chamber Orchestra of Europe, BBC National Orchestra of Wales, Philharmonia, CBSO, Scottish Opera and Manchester Camerata. She also played on tour with Grammy Award- winning singer Adele. She began her current positions as Sub-Principal 4th horn at the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra in 2009 and began tutoring at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in 2012.

In 2023 Stephanie completed a PG Diploma in Learning and Teaching in Performing Arts and is a Fellow of the Higher Education Authority.

Stephanie has a passion for education and regularly participates in workshops and projects with the BBC SSO in primary and secondary schools and Tunes for Tots with pre- school children. This work has also included sessions in HMP Low Moss Prison. Stephanie is one of the regular coaches for the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland.

Stephanie enjoys chamber music and is a member of the Rookh Horn Quartet, she also frequently joins colleagues from the BBC SSO for chamber concerts.

Joanna joined the Fair Access team in 2022 as Coordinator, supporting students from all backgrounds who are interested in applying to conservatoire-level training. She is particularly passionate about access to education and the power of the creative and production arts to transform lives.

Her strengths lie in impact evaluation and strategic planning. Joanna particularly enjoys using feedback and reflection to refine projects and build initiatives that are sustainable, meaningful, and student-led.

One of her favourite parts of the role is working within such a vibrant, diverse community – and getting to support students across artforms. Alongside this role, Joanna works at the Royal Academy of Music in a similar capacity, helping young musicians take the next step toward higher education.

Outside of work, she loves going to gigs, reading, running, and keeping up with what’s happening in the arts. She is always happy to talk about pathways into training, building confidence, or what life is really like inside a conservatoire!

John is a professional actor and director with over a decade of experience working with actors on the BA Acting programme at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

Annie (She/Her) is your friendly neighbourhood Programme Support Administrator (PSA)! She inputs timetables, monitors budgets, and reads and writes emails. She has also written plays, produced shows and worked for Edinburgh festivals since moving over from Ireland in 2022.

Alasdair is an experienced timpanist and percussionist whose wide-ranging interests highlight the demands made of a modern professional musician.

They formerly performed with the Opera of Bologna, Italy. 

Zoe Kemp is a Props Tutor at the Conservatoire’s Central Production Unit, bringing experience across theatre, film, television, sculpture, and theme park production. Throughout her career, Zoe has contributed to major productions including Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker and Maleficent, developing specialist skills in prop-making.

As Head of Engagement, Deborah works with her team to develop and deliver the full range of Engagement services, programmes and initiatives at the Conservatoire. She has recently developed the Engagement Strategy (25/26 to 29/30), which is central to the team’s ambitions and defines work across four areas: Creative Enterprise, Innovation, Public Engagement, and Engagement Culture & Infrastructure. Deborah works alongside Knowledge Exchange colleagues in Scotland and through Conservatoires UK to advocate for the specific strengths and challenges of small specialist creative arts institutions.

David is a professional freelance percussionist who frequently performs with Scotland’s top orchestras and touring productions. He has a passion for drum kit and world percussion and enjoys performing percussion in musical theatre and cabaret acts. David maintains a diverse teaching career.

Yoon-Kyung has built a long and distinguished career dedicated to nurturing musical talent since the 1990s. Her experience spans teaching musical theory and providing instruction in both group settings and one-on-one lessons, catering to the diverse needs and learning styles of her students. Her comprehensive approach to music education ensures students not only achieve technical proficiency, but also develop a deep understanding of musical theory, enhancing their overall musicianship.

As a seasoned teacher and accompanist, she possesses the expertise to guide students at various stages of their musical journey, including preparing them for professional qualifications such as those offered by the ABRSM. Additionally, she has been instrumental in helping students with ABRSM grade exams as an accompanist and teacher and in securing music scholarships.

Kai is currently Section Principal Double Bass at BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, having joined in 2023 after 18 months at English National Opera.

Roberto Kuhn Versluys is a classical guitarist from Chile whose solo and chamber career has taken him across the globe, with performances in Mexico, Peru, Bolivia, Colombia, Spain, France, Germany, Ireland, England, and Scotland.

Ulla-Riikka is a passionate music pedagogue and freelance musician, whose special interest is in beginner cello teaching, instrumental group teaching and early years music pedagogy.

Dr Robert Laidlow is a composer and researcher, whose work is concerned with discovering and developing new forms of musical expression through the relationship between advanced technology, scientific collaboration, and live performance.

Brodie is one of the most in demand bass players, sought after by many musicians on the Scottish Jazz scene.

Aaron Lee Lambert is an actor, singer, and theatre practitioner based in London. He holds a BA from Yale University and completed his MA from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in 2009. He has appeared at venues across the UK, and his West End credits include Evita, Hamilton, Sunset Boulevard, Miss Saigon, Sweeney Todd, Urinetown, Shrek, and Sister Act. Aaron leads seminars and directs as part of the RCS Musical Theatre Department.

Mhairi Lawson is a teacher in the Vocal Performance Department at the RCS and also runs a Performance Practice Clinic designed to help students of all abilities and voice types with stylistic aspects of repertoire.