I was fortunate to be given piano lessons when I was a child. My father was keen for me and my two sisters to learn because when he was young in the 1930's Dundee there was no money for a piano or music lessons.

I'm grateful for being given the chance to learn to read music. I passed a few graded exams and then my teacher left the village. My next teacher was an elderly lady and although I liked doing scales and classic music I did become interested in other types of music too but when I asked one day if she could teach me the theme tune to the Pink Panther she replied, ' If you want to learn that - I can't teach you!' I had to learn it myself. In my late teens and onwards I learned about jazz and other genres from friends who were musicians and took lessons from pianists whose livelihoods were playing in restaurants, bars and hotels. When I went to see these guys play I would think, 'If only I could play like that - one day!'.

I am now a full time musician and until recently was resident pianist at the Dunkleld Hilton. I play at weddings, anniversaries, birthday parties and restaurants, solo piano or in a jazz trio.

I play a good mixture of classical, show tunes, Scottish music, and up to date popular music.

In between gigs I teach piano to all age groups. I find teaching people to play the piano an extremely rewarding experience.

Confucius said: 'Music produces a kind of pleasure which human nature cannot do without'.

Dundee Royal Arch film (music composed and performed by Neil Malcolm)

To contact Neil call 07984 826 744 or email him at