“…one of the most interesting, emerging compositional voices in the Scottish music scene at the moment…”

KENNETH WALTON, THE SCOTSMAN

‘The trajectory of Searle’s music charts a satisfying progression from initial agitation to ultimate calm.’ - Gramophone, December 2021

In my artistic practice, I attempt to capture personal reflections on past events (often musical) from life experiences, and explore the ways in which I can realise these musically, then communicate it to others. I am also interested in inclusivity in new music, and finding new environments for the creation and performance of new work; this means that I am often engaged in creative conversations with others when starting work on a project, which helps offer ideas and starting points, and allows me to find ways to make work that is specific to each situation.

I began studies at the University of Aberdeen to become a classroom music teacher and moved to Glasgow in 2000, where I studied with John Maxwell Geddes, gaining a Distinction for my Masters degree. I then completed a PhD in composition through the University of St Andrews, and have since written works for many professional, amateur and youth organisations, such as the National Youth Choir of Scotland, the Hebrides Ensemble, Red Note, the Scottish Reed Trio, Paragon, Drake Music Scotland, the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland, the New Music Players and the Royal Scottish National Orchestra.

In 2002, I received a silver medal from the Worshipful Company of Musicians and in 2004 won the Mendelssohn Scholarship; I have been nominated for a Royal Philharmonic Society Award and won a British Composer Award in 2018. Over the last few years, my works have been performed at festivals and venues around the world, and I am Head of Composition at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. ​

I am a board member of the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland and also a member of New Music Scotland, and a lot of my music is now also published by Composers Edition.