Fairbairn, Dr John 1903-1996

Born in Balmullo, Nr. Kinghorn, Fife in February 1903, John Fairbairn was educated at Leith Academy, Edinburgh and studied Music at the University of Edinburgh (Mus. Bac 1929, Mus. Doc 1938)  and in Europe.  To meet the costs of his studies he played the violin for silent films in cinemas in Edinburgh.   He was appointed Director of Music at Fettes College, Edinburgh before joining the staff of the Faculty of Music at the University where he taught orchestration and keyboard skills.   He played violin and viola and was a member and sometimes leader of the Reid Orchestra and several chamber ensembles in the Edinburgh area.   He retired from the University in 1971 and died in 1996.

• The Edinburgh String Quartet