MUSICIAN BRINGS SOME GLEE TO PAISLEY

FRIDAY 21ST MAY

• Business Gateway helps musician spread the music

A musician has started his own Glee Club in Paisley after being inspired by the hit American TV show.

Craig White, 37, has been playing keyboards since he was at school and began teaching the instrument to youngsters while he was still a teenager.

Since then he has toured all over the country with bands and as a session musician, working for over 20 years in the industry.

But after a brief spell as a coach driver, a job he took because of the competitiveness of the music industry, Craig felt the time was right for him to go back to music full time.

And with the help of Business Gateway Paisley office, he has set up his own music school White’s Academy, in old recording studios, that will not only offer private instrument tuition, but will bring Glee to the area.

White’s Academy’s Glee Club is a choir with a twist, similar to the one portrayed on the programme. Craig and his partner Hannah-Rose, a music teacher, will teach members a mix of show tunes and chart hits.

Craig said: “I’ve loved music since I was a child and by the time I was a teenager I knew I wanted to do it as a career. I began teaching keyboards to kids in the area and over the years I toured and performed all over. But it’s a difficult industry and recently I had to work as a driver. My main aim was to get back into music full time and as I was out driving I would think of ways to do it. That’s when I came up with opening up my own music school offering people the chance to learn a variety of instruments. I talked it over with Hannah-Rose and she agreed that it would be a great move.

“Then Glee arrived on our screens and straight away my three daughters loved it. I asked them if they and their friends would be interested in having their own club and when they all said yes, I decided it would be great to start one in the area. If we can recreate even a tiny bit of the buzz from the show, then it will be a great success.”

Craig and Hannah-Rose will use their musical skills to compose new arrangements for classic and new songs to teach their members. Their goal is to have enough members to develop a few choirs and have an annual concert to show off their talents.

Glee club will be held at the weekend but during the week White’s Academy will offer music lessons for any instrument. If they cannot play it themselves they will hire self-employed tutors, so that no one is turned away.

Craig added: “Our Glee club is open to anyone over the age of eight. We’re not doing it to find a superstar, although we are confident that there are plenty of talented singers in the area. It’s about having fun, gaining self belief and using music as a way to interact. We want to share our love of music with others and I think having our own Glee club is the perfect way to do this.”

Craig had no previous business experience and after being told about how Business Gateway could help him, he approached his local office. Since then he has received invaluable support and advice that has helped him to start the business.

Craig said: “I was told that Business Gateway would be able to help me so I made an appointment and since then I haven’t looked back. I meet my adviser Alexis on a weekly basis and the advice she has given me has been top notch. I still receive help from Business Gateway and will continue to do so. Having their support and backing has been a huge advantage and I’m sure it is one that will keep on going as I build up the company.”

Alexis Watson, Business Gateway adviser, Business Gateway said: “Craig has been in the music industry for a long time and in those years he hasn’t lost his enthusiasm for performing and composing. He also has a passion for teaching others and now he is able to combine the two on a full time basis. We will continue to support and advise him as White’s Academy of Music develops. We wish him all the best and hope that his Glee club is as popular in Paisley as the television show.”

Business Gateway provides practical help, advice and support for new and growing businesses in Scotland.

To find out more about how it can help you set up and develop your own business visit www.bgateway.com or call 0845 609 6611. Alternatively call Business Gateway, Paisley Office directly on 0141 435 7570.

Notes to Editor:

• To contact Craig or Hannah-Rose and to book a place at White’s Academy’s Glee club or to find out more about music lessons call 07872027617 or 01418896633

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