Arlene studied Trombone at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland where she graduated with a BMus Degree in Performance with Honors of the First Class and was awarded a Master of Music with Distinction. Following her studies, Arlene was appointed as Sub – Principal Trombone for the BBC National Orchestra of Wales in 2008 where she spent four years before going home to Scotland to follow her passion for teaching instrumental music across all ages and stages.

Other professional work includes appearances with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Scottish Opera, RTE Symphony Orchestra, Philharmonia Orchestra and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. In addition to her orchestral work, she has perfromed with several prestigious chamber groups such as The Golden Section, Paragon Ensemble, Fine Arts Brass and Bones Apart. She is also a founding member of the award wining ensemble Thistle Brass.

Arlene is a brass teacher for East Ayrshire Music Service, brass specialist for the Primary Instrumental Programme at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, lower brass coach for the National Children’s Orchestras of Great Britain and Musical Director for community based Dynamica Brass Academy. In additional to this, she is also the Director of the Scottish Schools Orchestra Trust and Chair of the Scottish Instrumental Music Teaching Network.

Arlene is devoted to advocacy for music education and high quality, equitable learning experiences for all. Passionate about not only shaping the future of young musicians but providing opportunities for all to engage, be inspired and experience the benefits of live music making.