Pauline Black

Newly appointed as Deputy Principal of UHI Orkney, I was formerly a Senior Lecturer in Music Education and Programme Director of the BMus (Hons) Music Education degree at the University of Aberdeen. I have held various leadership roles, including Head of Music, Head of Music Engagement and Performance Coordinator in the University. I was formerly Faculty Head Expressive Arts at Harlaw Academy in Aberdeen City. My professional career has involved teaching and leading participatory music, music technology and arts projects in various different contexts, including in Higher Education, schools and in a range of community settings for over twenty years. I also have a wealth of experience in undertaking freelance projects. I am undertaking a part time PhD at the University of Edinburgh where I am exploring pathways into learning jazz and improvising. My research and practice interests include informal learning and collaborative composing with technology. I explore music, excellence, inclusion and identities and what these key terms mean to different communities.
I have several years of experience of fulfilling board roles in the music industry and I am currently co-chair of Jazz in Education UK and a board member for Sound New Music Incubator, as well as being a nominator for Scottish Album of the Year. I am former Chair of Jazz from Scotland and I sit on the committee of Jazz at the Blue Lamp. I am Past President of the Independent Society of Musicians (ISM).
I enjoy playing trumpet and singing in a range of ensembles and genres. I also direct the JATBL Community Jazz Big Band.
In September 2016 I was part of the Aberdeen City team receiving a Will Michael Jazz Diploma in recognition of showing an outstanding commitment to jazz education.