Craig Anderson – Tuba Player, Conductor, and Educator

Craig Anderson is an award-winning tuba player, conductor, and educator whose musical journey has taken him across the UK and beyond. He began studying piano and organ at the age of ten but soon discovered his passion for brass through Monklands Youth Concert Brass under the direction of James Smith. By the age of twelve, the tuba had become his principal instrument, and at fifteen, he was accepted to the Junior Conservatoire of the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama (now the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland).

Studying under Philip Hore (retired Principal Tuba, RSNO), Craig decided to pursue a career in music. He went on to win the Gilbert Innes Prize for Brass and was a finalist in the BBC Radio 2 Young Musician of the Year competition. These accolades secured his place at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland for undergraduate study, where his principal teacher was Anthony Swainson (retired Principal Tuba, BBC SSO).

During his formative years, Craig received further instruction through lessons and masterclasses with renowned artists including Roger Bobo, Patrick Harrild, James Gourlay, Marty Eriksen, and Rex Martin. A highlight of his early career was winning first prize at the International Tuba Euphonium Association (ITEA) Artist Competition, which led to his recognition as a Besson Artist. He was also a finalist in the prestigious Brno Brass Competition in the Czech Republic.

Craig has since enjoyed a vibrant freelance career, performing with leading orchestras such as the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Orchestra of Scottish Opera, Orchestra of Scottish Ballet, BBC National Orchestra of Wales, Northern Sinfonia, and the Orquestra Sinfónica de Galicia.

As an educator, Craig is passionate about nurturing talent at every level. He has taught extensively in schools across Scotland and currently teaches brass at three of the country’s top independent schools. His involvement with the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland includes roles as a low brass specialist, audition panelist, and brass section leader. He is currently a tuba professor and lecturer at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

In addition to his performing and teaching career, Craig has found success as a conductor on both the concert and contest stage. He has led numerous brass and concert bands and is currently the Musical Director of the Bathgate Band.