I've played the flute for about 25 years or so (and am only now really starting to get the hang of it!) I never learned at school but when I was about 17 I accidently stumbled on the old Newbiggin Folk Club on a friday night, then that same weekend, while I was out on my motorbike I came across the Rothbury Folk Festival I was hooked. I thought, "What's the cheapest instrument I can buy?" and invested in a penny whistle. One thing led to another and I ended up with a silver boehm flute.
I never took music lessons at school, but instead learned my instrument by going to pub sessions and festivals - the best way to learn folk music! As with anyone who has their ears open, I soon discovered different musical forms. Classical (baroque was a favourite, all those jigs and dances), jazz and other world folk styles all jostled for place alongside Pink Floyd and Black Sabbath - I said it was a while ago. I climbed another steep learning curve when I joined the Blue Moon Band (or as they're now known The Border Directors) There's a picture of a rather young looking me on the front of their first Album, Barkers Yarka.
Anyway, enough history. As my work commitments stop me from playing in a band or ensemble I have put together a few midi files of my favourite classical stuff that I use as practice backing, see the Billy No Mates section. I've also added links to the selection of traditional tunes that I play. Feel free to browse around.
This page was last updated on 17th Feb 2007
