Graeme Leak

Category: NOW

  • Eco-Opera

    Eco-Opera

    Eco-Opera

    Bird-led ecological performances

    Eco-Opera is an evolving body of work that transforms environmental sound into immersive installations. Wild birds, sculptural instruments and listening devices reveal the music already present in the landscape.


    Watch the short film

    MODES of DELIVERY

    Gallery & Museum Installations

    Eco-Opera can be presented in several different ways, from a multi-screen exhibition to live installations outside the gallery.

    Beautifully filmed over many days and weeks, Eco-Opera combines intimate wildlife cinematography with immersive spatial sound in multi-screen installations. Visitors experience their own sound mix as they wander between various locations in the gallery.

    Bespoke bird-instruments are installed outside the gallery. High-tension wires, bird-activated string instruments, sonic tubes, contact microphones and ambient microphones continuously collect the sounds of birds, wind and weather, anad these are transmitted directly into the gallery.

    Inside, a multi-channel sound system outputs an immersive soundscape. Visitors observe the outdoor installation through gallery windows using binoculars and restored vintage telescopes, gradually discovering that every sound is being generated live by the environment.

    Real-time camera feeds are added to the outdoor instruments. Large-scale projections reveal extraordinary close-up views of the birds as they perform, allowing visitors to experience every landing, movement and interaction in remarkable detail while hearing the sounds they create.

    Gardens, Parks & Festivals

    Eco-Opera can be experienced entirely outdoors. Sounds from the bird-instruments are heard through a series of acoustic and solar-powered listening points distributed throughout the landscape.

    Graeme arrives on the opening day of the festival and, with the help of volunteers and festival-goers, installs long-wire instruments and bird feeder trays throughout the woodland. Over the following days the instruments gradually come to life as birds begin to play them. Visitors discover listening points hidden amongst the trees while the forest slowly fills with the subtle, ever-changing sounds of a living bird orchestra.

    The installation is created before opening, allowing visitors to experience Eco-Opera as a temporary seasonal exhibition over several weeks or months. Long-wire instruments and discreet listening points are woven through the landscape, inviting people to slow down, wander and listen.

    As birds gradually discover and play the instruments, the garden develops its own ever-changing soundscape. Each visit is different, shaped by the time of day, the weather and the activities of the local bird population, transforming familiar landscapes into living musical environments.

    Development is underway to bring Eco-Opera into the heart of the city. Using state-of-the-art bone-conduction listening stations and Vibraphonic panels, visitors will discover intimate listening spaces where the sounds of bird-instruments can be experienced without adding to the surrounding noise. The project aims to create quiet moments of connection with the natural world in even the busiest urban environments.

    Selected Image Gallery

    (double-tap to ZOOM on mobile)

    Inside Eco-Opera

    Sonic Tube Explained

    Behind the Scenes

    (double-tap to ZOOM on mobile)

    A glimpse into the process behind Eco-Opera, including field recording, filming, instrument making, audio systems and installation design.

  • SAVED

    SAVED

    Singing musician on stage accompanies himself with one-string-tin-can-bass

    SAVED

    Hear the extraordinary in the everyday…

    A live performance where rescued instruments, forgotten technologies and ordinary sounds invite us to slow down, listen differently and rediscover the beauty of everyday life.

    The Performance

    SAVED unfolds through rhythm, movement and carefully layered sound. Two rescued 1970s home organs, vintage radios, found objects and handcrafted instruments set the scene for a performance that is playful, quietly theatrical and unlike anything else.

    There is no plot to follow and nothing to solve. SAVED simply invites us to slow down, listen closely and enjoy the extraordinary within the everyday.

    What audiences and critics are saying

    “Its tone is so distinctive… it does it sublimely.”

    Stagedoor (Lyn Gardner)

    “Saved is a joyful way to spend the afternoon.”

    Fest Magazine (George Sully)

    “Mesmerisingly poetic compositions…”
    ★★★★★

    Fringe Biscuit

    I almost want to write two reviews of SAVED. One if it’s earnest, one if it isn’t.”
    ★★★★★

    EdFringeReview (Alex Haydn-Williams)

    Audience Reactions

    What do people make of SAVED immediately after seeing it?

    Audience Voices

    “Totally unique! A fun, playful and intimate journey into mundanity through obsolete tech. Like being in a Lynch film. I loved it.”

    — George Genn

    “Brian Eno, David Bowie, Sparks, Kraftwerk, Morrissey and Acorn Antiques – loved it.”

    — Martin Mendelssohn

    “It is just sublime and just ridiculous, a joyful overindulgence in modesty, a knife-edge balance of control vs chaos.”

    — Frankie Lee

    “It’s as if Buster Keaton and Bowie had a love child and gave him a bunch of Scrapheap Challenge instruments to grace our ear holes.”

    — Ben Sturdy

    “Superb! Not exactly an organ recital, more experimental comedy retro soundscape performance.”

    — Derek Townsend

    “All the things I love in life came together in one short hour-long show… you filled me with pure joy.”

    — Paul Heartfield

    “This was by far the best show at Findhorn Bay Festival. It was sublime. Graeme Leak is a Joy Maker ❤️”

    — Georgina Porteous

    Production Gallery

    Review Archive

    Dive deeper – browse the original reviews in full from publications including The Scotsman, Stage Door, Fest, British Theatre Guide, Fringe Biscuit and more.

    Browse Full Reviews

    In Repertoire

    SAVED remains in repertoire and is available for future presentations. A complete production pack, press kit, full-length show video and press reviews are available to programmers on request.

    If you think SAVED might be a good fit for your venue or festival, I’d be delighted to hear from you.

    Enquire about SAVED

    Credits

    LIVE SHOW
    Creator and Performer – Graeme Leak
    Melody lines in ‘They are Moving’ – Helen Gregg
    Production Manager and Lighting Design – Dave Shea
    Technicians Richard Price and Ieuan Watkins

    FILMED VERSION
    Director of Photography – Hazel Palmer
    Editors – Graeme Leak, Hazel Palmer
    Sound Recordist and Mixer – Graeme Leak
    Colourist – Gareth Gordon
    Audio Description Consultant – Emma-Jane McHenry

    SAVED in the 2021 Made in Scotland showcase at the Edinburgh Fringe was produced by Scissor Kick.

  • Media Services

    Media Services

    Leak’s Media Services

    Practical help with media, technology and creative projects.

    As an independent artist, I’ve spent decades being a one-person production house for my own projects — from publicity, graphic design, copywriting and layout to photography, video editing, audio recording and post-production.

    I’m comfortable working across Adobe Creative Cloud, Logic, Premiere and DaVinci Resolve, and have particular experience with Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop and Keynote (including importing and exporting PowerPoint files).

    I’m a Mac native and, frankly, no good with PCs.

    My kit includes some superb microphones, a field recorder, an 18i20 audio interface, a stills camera that also shoots excellent video, and some lights.

    For media transfers, I don’t have professional broadcast machines. Instead, I have a collection of well-maintained legacy prosumer hardware for reel-to-reel tapes, cassettes, MiniDV, MiniDisc, VHS and DVDs.

    I’m now making these skills available to others at reasonable rates. Maybe you’ve got a box of old tapes, a video that needs editing, a concert to record, a WordPress problem, or simply something technical you could use a hand with.

    No job too small (but some jobs too big).

    Media Transfer

    • VHS and MiniDV
    • Reel to Reel
    • Audio cassettes
    • CDs and DVDs
    • Photographs
    • Digital copies for sharing and safekeeping

    Website Support

    • WordPress updates and maintenance
    • Content and image updates
    • News and blog posts
    • Friendly one-to-one support

    Audio & Video Services

    • Audio and video editing
    • Social storytelling
    • Recording and mixing
    • Location recording
    • Technical troubleshooting
    • Creative project support

    Small jobs. Odd jobs. Interesting jobs.

    From a single cassette to a TikTok clip, a recording session or something we haven’t thought of, get in touch and we’ll work out what you need and whether I can help.

    Get in Touch
  • DrumHub

    DrumHub

    Some members of DrumHub with our collection of handcrafted drums.

    DrumHub

    A weekly community drumming group in Milnathort.

    DrumHub brings people together to experience the simple pleasure of playing music as a group.

    We meet every Tuesday evening learn rhythms and explore percussion music from around the world. Sessions often end with an extended group groove.

    Most of the instruments have been handcrafted from reclaimed timber, singing with a warm, rich sound that’s quite different from commercial drums.

    No previous musical experience is needed, and all instruments are provided. Everyone can contribute, develop their skills and enjoy playing music together.

    What to expect

    • Learn practical drumming techniques and rhythms.
    • Play music inspired by percussion traditions from around the world.
    • Enjoy the rich sound of a unique collection of handcrafted drums.
    • Meet friendly people and become part of a growing musical community.

    Join us

    When
    Every Tuesday, 6.30–7.30 pm RECOMMENCING 25 AUGUST 2026
    (after summer holiday break)

    Where
    Orwell Church Hall
    Ba’ Hill, Milnathort KY13 9YQ

    Cost

    • £7.50 flat rate
    • Cash or card at the door

    You’re welcome to simply turn up, but if you’d prefer to let me know you’re coming, you can reserve a place using the contact form.

    GALLERY
    from PianoDrome to PianoDrum

    Building an Ashiko stave drum from reclaimed piano timbers (double tap to zoom on mobile)

    Willie Balmer turns the Ashiko PianoDrum
  • Private Drumming Lessons

    Private Drumming Lessons

    A drum kit in a bay window with overhead microphones

    Learn Drum Kit in Kinross

    Whether you’re playing for the very first time, returning after years away, or looking to improve your drumming skills, I’d be delighted to work with you.

    Lessons are friendly, relaxed and tailored to you. There’s no pressure, no auditions, and no expectation that you’ll already know anything. We’ll work together at a pace that suits you.

    Children (10+), teenagers and adults all welcome.

    Book your first lesson half price

    What we’ll learn together

    Lessons are structured around your interests and goals. Together we will explore:

    • Playing your favourite songs
    • Developing solid, relaxed and efficient technique
    • Timing, feel and groove
    • Stick control and mastering rudiments
    • Reading music (if you want to)
    • Improvisation, drum fills and creativity
    • Building confidence as a player

    Whether your goal is to play in a band, sit for exams, or just enjoy drumming as a hobby, we’ll make steady progress while keeping lessons enjoyable.

    A comfortable and safe place to learn

    Lessons take place in my Kinross studio.

    The studio is fully equipped with quality instruments, isolation headphones and studio microphones, allowing you to hear backing tracks clearly while playing at comfortable listening levels.

    There’s also a keyboard, guitars, amplifiers and vocal microphones, along with multitrack recording, playback and digital audio connections. Whether you want to record a demo, rehearse with your band, or explore songwriting and recording techniques, the studio provides plenty of creative possibilities.

    About your teacher

    I’ve been teaching drums and percussion for more than thirty years.

    Before moving to Scotland I was Percussion Lecturer at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and later Head of Performance at La Trobe University in Melbourne.

    I studied with many of Australia’s leading percussion teachers and continued my training in New York with Elden C. “Buster” Bailey, regarded as one of the world’s finest snare drummers.

    I currently have spaces available for beginner and intermediate drum kit students.

    Lesson Information

    40 minutes – £20

    60 Minutes – £30

    First lesson – half price

    Payment is made one lesson in advance

    Lessons can be rearranged with at least 48 hours’ notice. Same-day cancellations and missed lessons are charged in full.

    Make an Enquiry

    What my Students Say

    From first-time drummers to students preparing for music exams, here’s what a few of them have to say.

    “I’ve always fancied myself as a drummer and, after plucking up the courage to seek out lessons, I’m so happy I found Graeme Leak. As a total novice, his easy going approach, coupled with a fantastic feel for teaching, has made my first 6 months an absolute blast! He shows incredible patience and is the ideal coach for a novice, mature age drummer like me. I cannot recommend his tuition highly enough”

    — Richie (adult student)

    “Graeme is a brilliant drum tutor for Isla. He’s patient, encouraging, and has helped her build real confidence behind the kit. She looks forward to every lesson with him, and I couldn’t recommend him more highly.”

    — Tim (parent of high school student)

    “Graeme is awesome, I feel I have really improved my ability to play the drums since starting his lessons. Graeme has helped me get the exam results in music I have wanted and I would recommend Graeme to anyone wanting to improve on their drumming ability and performance! “

    — Chloe (high school student)

    “Graeme is an absolute first class drum teacher. He adapts his lessons and teaching methods according to the individual. He uses a diverse range of creative techniques that are specific to your way of learning and your interests. Every lesson is of great value and benefit. I can highly recommend him.”

    — Sarah (parent of 11 y.o. primary school student)

  • Contact | Graeme Leak

    Contact | Graeme Leak

    Please Do Get in Touch

    You are welcome to contact me for any reason – work, a question, to cook ideas, or check the weather in Scotland. Please do get in touch.

    I’ll reply as soon as I can.

    Name