Jim Aitchison

Jim Aitchison is an Instrumental Tutor in Music at Falmouth University, specializing in composition, theory, and piano instruction. His work bridges music and visual art through interdisciplinary projects, focusing on mental state’s impact on creativity and vice versa. He holds an MA in Composition from Nottingham University (1994) and a PGCE in Music (1995). Notable roles include Honorary Research Fellow at the Royal Academy of Music (2011) and a Henry Moore Fellowship (2007).

• Research: Investigates intersections between visual art practices and compositional techniques, particularly with artists like Gerhard Richter, Antony Gormley, and Mark Rothko.
• Awards: Halward Composition Prize (1994), Royal Academy of Music Fellowships, and AHRC-funded Online Orchestra project (2015).

Key works include Contrapunctus (2020), a film-music exploration of isolation; Hearing Shadows, Wordless Light (2023), responding to James Turrell’s installations; and Sea of Music (2017), commissioned for Anthony Caro’s sculpture. His music is featured in Tate Modern’s multimedia tours and released on the NMC label.

Teaching encompasses BA(Hons) Music and Creative Music Technology programs, emphasizing compositional rigor and industry readiness. Collaborations span institutions like the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Royal Academy of Music, and Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens.