Joseph
Delaney
About
My lifelong devotion to both music and faith began at a young age. Though I once discerned a calling to the Catholic priesthood, I was led down a different path - one deeply rooted in service through music. I started playing the keyboard at the age of six just three days after Christmas performing Christmas carols by ear. I began playing the organ from age 11 at the former Holy Family Church in Port Glasgow, under the encouragement of my priest. My passion quickly evolved into disciplined study and live performance.
I later began violin in 2006 with a close friend who studied at the RSAMD, now called the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. I went onto play 2nd violin, 8th desk with the Strathclyde Symphony Orchestra conducted by Gerard Doherty at the Barony Hall, and upgraded to a professional violin for concerts. My experience there deepened both my technical skill and commitment to high-quality music tuition.
Today, I teach violin and piano to a diverse range of students - and previously taught piano and violin to nursery learners at a music school in Paisley to primary pupils and adults, including children with autism. My work blends music for special needs and music mentoring with traditional instrumental lessons, creating a supportive, joyful space for all learners. I am currently pursuing studies wth a new violin teacher to continue to offer the highest quality, customized tuition.
Throughout the years, I previously performed at many prestigious venues, including The Royal Mile, The Hub, Festival Theatre, The Lyceum, and The Fruitmarket in Glasgow.
My standout performances include my role in the production "Brave" and a grand piano solo at the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival at The Boardwalk, Glasgow, both of which were proudly supported by Values into Action Scotland.
My original works and covers have been featured at Stay Up Late Scotland gigs, and I have participated in inclusive music projects like The Spotlight Project and Limelight Music. The band won a Great Scot Award (2005) at The Thistle Hotel, Glasgow. " Sounds of Progress- trophey presented by actor Laurie Brett ( Jane Beale in Eastenders). Photo after the awards presentation.
My early experience includes pianist for Alice In Wonderland at my former school Glenburn in Greenock and accompaying the children's choir at the Oak Mall Shopping Centre, which sparked my love for theatre and live performance. Influenced by Elton - John and the late Robert Miles, I developed my own style of composition and performance.
My compositions have also appeared in media projects with SCLD (Scottish Commission for People with Learning Disabilities), featured, interviewed on Young Scot’s Got Talent. I was also previously interviewed and featured in Learning Disability Today magazine alongside freelance journalist and disability campaigner Michael McEwan.
As an assistant musical director, Joseph has worked on numerous pantomimes and theatre productions, including Jack and the Beanstalk, Flo-White, Mr. Merlin, and Aganeeza Scrooge, following his debut production Irreparable Dolphins (1999) with Sounds of Progress. His experience as a freelance music tutor and performer continues to grow, spanning piano, guitar, and orchestral work.
Beyond music, Joseph has studied IT and photography as part of his music degree and enjoys playing the penny whistle, mouth organ, previously played euphonium, and baritone in a brass band. He has also performed as a paid musician in productions with Sounds of Progress and as a member of The Stedfast Silver Band.
Through it all, Joseph’s journey reflects his passion for teaching, performance, and inclusivity offering expert ABRSM exam preparation, online music tutoring, and music mentorship for special needs that inspire confidence, connection, and creativity in every student he meets.
Awards and Recognition
Millennium Volunteers Bass Guitar Certificate
Level 3 Diploma in Counselling Skills
Autism Awareness
Certificate
Introduction to British Sign Language Certificate
ABRSM Grade 5 Theory of Music
HND in Modern
Musicianship
ABRSM Grade 8 Piano Certificate – Distinction
BA in Applied
Music Degree
James Watt College, Certificate of Further and Higher Education, The Hugh Cox Memorial Award, presented 2003/2004.
More Info About Me
From a young age, I was deeply inspired by sacred music particularly Handel’s Messiah, and the powerful Hallelujah Chorus. That early fascination shaped my lifelong devotion to both music and faith.
I trained as an organist, studying pedals, organ stops, and French compositions such as Messe pour les Couvents by François Couperin. Under the guidance of organist scholar Tim Larbourn, former assistant organist at Paisley Abbey and accompanist of the Paisley Philharmonic Choir, I honed my craft on the three-manual organ at St. Mirins Cathedral. at St. Mirin’s Cathedral.
Today, I serve as both organist and conductor at St. Aidan’s Church in Johnstone, playing every Sunday and at major liturgical celebrations including the Easter Tridium and Christmas Masses. as well as weddings and funerals. I performed at a wedding ceremony in April 2024 at the Glasgow University Chapel. Playing Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring by Johann Sebastian Bach and Felix Mendelssohn's Wedding March
My journey has been shared publicly through appearances on BBC Radio Scotland with broadcaster Ricky Ross and on STV Scotland with Courtney Cameron at Erskine Studios, Scotland where I spoke about my time as a workshop tutor with Limelight and my aspiration to become a Primary School Teacher. I also featured on a VIAS podcast, discussing my experiences in theatre, music, and my faith journey, including performances in Bucharest, Romania.
I continue to develop my academic and creative skills, having completed Communication 4 and Literature 1 (equivalent to Higher English) through West College Scotland in Clydebank online course. I wrote my own composition for the course with lyrics and vocals. The Preservation Of A Soldier's Life. I was also an accompanist for the Ozanam Club at St. Mirin’s Cathedral Hall, performing for their Easter Bonnet Parade and playing traditional Scottish, country, and pop music.
My compositions reflect my devotion to God and Our Lady, including my time in the Legion of Mary and the Charismatic Renewal movement. I’ve played for Marian feast day Masses, the former Holy Family prayer group and the Craig Lodge Community in Dalmally near Oban. Internationally I played keyboard with a music group at St. James Church, Medjugorje.
I have also performed internationally, including at St. James Church in Medjugorje, Bosnia, where I played keyboard with a music group.
Faith and music are inseparable in my life. Through sacred hymns, organ performances, and original compositions, I continue to use music as my voice, my ministry, and a way to help others discover theirs.
Musical Career Highlight
Glasgow's Festival
Live piano performance at the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival in Glasgow.
Scotland's show
Scottish Opera, I was musical director touring Oban, Mull, Cumbarnauld and Glasgow. School Project, Scottish Opera for all
Major venue performance
Performances in major venues including The Fruitmarket (Glasgow), Traverse Theatre (Edinburgh), Festival Theatre St. Brides Centre (Edinburgh) and The Lyceum
Notable Performance & Collaboration
Previously performed Song For Guy. Elton John. Edinburgh Conference Centre. October (2012).
Performing with The Stedfast Silver Band, Born Free. Various concerts' former Old Arts Guild, Greenock. Background fictional. Real band members and conductor.
Open mic nights at The Keg. I played drums. Survivor. Eye Of The Tiger.Tiger Brass Beat - Promo Concept / Studio Shoot
Orchestral & Choral: Tenor/baritone with the RSNO- Royal Scottish National Orchestra. Sung in productions of Heid and Oh! Susanna in a small choirs, performing in front of Forbes masson and Gordon Dougall.
I also performed at former St. John The Baptist Church Hall, Port Glasgow. St. Patrick's Concert. Performing Irish songs.
Joseph Performing at Erskine Hospital (1999).
The 25th Anniversary Tour of The Steamie in 2012. Rehearsals Citizen's Theatre, Glasgow and Auditions at Studio in Glasgow. I was the musical director, with director Tony Roper.
He was interviewed with a cast member on John Mackay's Scotland Tonight cast also performed at The Adam Smith Theatre, Kircaldy.
Joseph composing
I Am A Rat. Tron Theatre, Glasgow. I picked this background because my director was dressed as a rat which gave me the inspiration when I played in my first pantomime in (2001) with Sounds of Progress. Jack And The Beanstalk
My previous time on Andy Cameron playing wurlitzer organ. Chariots of Fire and Phil Collins, Groovy Kind of love.
I previously played at a St. Patrick's concert in the late 1980s at the former St. John The Baptist Church Hall. Port Glasgow, Shore Street. Sold by letting Agent Rebecchi Bowman. I performed Irish songs and Foster and Allen songs
Auditioned for the Devol Centre Main Event band in 1997, the band performed at The Congress Centrum Theatre, Hamburg, Germany.
Televiv and Port Glasgow Comet Festival and toured Romania with Glasgow based Sounds of Progress.
Previously performed with the RSNO Royal Scottish. National Orchestra. Glasgow.
The Gantry, Paisley. Playing on guitar Baby D Everyone's Gotta Learn Sometime. The Drifters, Up On The Roof. Travis Why Does It Always Rain On Me and Bruce Hornsby, The Way It Is.
I have previously performed backing tracks, and violin at the Bungalow, Paisley. My cover version of Cavatina by composer, Stanley Myers.
I previously was interviewed on BBC Scotland Radio Show. Sunday Morning Relgious and moral ethics with Ricky Ross and retired broadcaster Bob Dickson, Ticky Ross singer of Deacon Blue on discerning religious life and faith, while podcasts were on music based questions.
Joseph performing for Andy Cameron on BBC Radio Scotland late 1980s.
Christmas pensioners dinner, background. Former Boglestone Community Centre Hall Port Glasgow.
-
Personal tribute artwork; not affiliated with or endorsed by Yamaha Corporation.”
.webp)
Serving at St. Mirins Cathedral. Paisley as an altar server.
Cutty Sark Tall Ships Race. Stedfast Silver band Greenock Oak Mall shopping centre 1999. Image The Steamie Auditions 2012.
Played piano in I previously performed in Without a Trace, about a visually impaired pianist. In the play there is a bear.
Image performing at the Tannahill Centre, Paisley with Paisley Opera as a tenor, baritone singer.
Playing mouth organ on Andy Cameron's Saturday morning Radio Show, Scottish tunes. Permission granted by Andy Cameron.
Pipes & Drums & Military Band Of The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards. The Barren Rocks of Aidan and Cock of The North sung by the late Andy Stewart.
The fictional stage outfit was inspired by flamboyant 1970s rock fashion associated with performers such as Mick Jagger.”
-
-
AI-generated composite featuring me in an original rock-style stage suit. No real celebrity is depicted or associated with this artwork.
-
-
Permission granted to reuse performers by Limelight Music, Glasgow.
