Paul Chamberlain

Paul grew up in a musical family and began learning the accordion at the age of ten. He went on to become one of the first classical accordionists to graduate from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. Studying under renowned accordionist Djordje Gajic, he completed a Master of Music (Performance) with Distinction and was awarded the prestigious Governors' Recital Prize for Keyboard.

An accomplished performer, Paul has appeared at major international festivals including Baltica Harmonica in St Petersburg, the Sata-Häme Soi Accordion Festival in Finland, and the world-renowned Edinburgh Festival. His performing career has also taken him to audiences across Europe, the Middle East and the United States.

Paul released his debut solo album, Classical Accordion, in 2011, followed by Accordion Sensations in 2014. Throughout his career he has collaborated with a wide range of acclaimed artists and ensembles, including Ute Lemper, the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, the Paragon Ensemble, Scottish Opera Connect Orchestra, and London Concertante. He is also a founding member of the Scottish Tango Ensemble and performs regularly alongside HotScotch fiddler Michael Haywood in the duo Chamberlain & Haywood.

As founder and band leader of HotScotch, Paul has guided the band since its formation in 2006. In addition to performing, he is a sought-after teacher of accordion and piano, teaches accordion at St Mary’s Music School in Edinburgh, and serves as the specialist external examiner for accordion at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.