Laura Jane Wilkie was raised in the highland folk music traditions of Ross- shire. Upon her move to Glasgow to study music on the BA applied Music degree at Strathclyde university, she began writing and arranging string and vocal parts for singer-songwriters and bands. Most notably Rachel Sermanni with whom she toured and collaborated with for 3 EPs and on her debut record ‘Under Mountains.’
As a co-founding member of “Fatsuit” Laura was able to mould her playing with fellow string player Mhairi Marwick to fit within large ensemble works as well as the band’s string-feature pieces.
Laura Jane currently works within the collaborative Glasgow-based acoustic group, ‘The Kinnaris Quintet’ and jazz/multi-faceted-trad group ‘LIT trio’ alongside Tom Gibbs (keys/clarinet) and Innes White (guitar/mandolin)
The style of her writing is demonstrated in the piece “Guttersnipe” she commissioned for ‘Distil’ showcase 2015 performed by Mr. McFall’s chamber quintet.
The young composer has also written and arranged music for folk/fusion youth band based in Perth Concert Hall: the Gordon Duncan experience where she co-directs the band under head MD, David Milligan.
Laura works and plays with many artists and groups as a session fiddle player or string group performer and arranger. (namely: Ross Ainslie & Ali Hutton, Salsa Celtica, Ian Carr and the Various Artists, Alana Henderson, Fatherson, Siobhan Miller, Claire Hastings.)
“Laura Wilkie is one of Scotland’s finest musicians and teachers. She is a wonderful fiddler who can perform many styles solo and in band settings. As teacher she inspires all who work with her.” Simon Thoumire, Hands Up for Trad.