Raymond studied piano and voice at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama (RSAMD). Since graduating he has enjoyed working in many different areas of music, these include teaching in the primary and the secondary sectors, lecturing in further education, musical direction and performance. He has since 2005 held the post of Composer and Musical Director for the award winning Artsnet project for South Lanarkshire Council, composing original scores for various shows on different themes. Raymond’s interest in composing music led to him being commissioned to write a piece marking the opening of Bothwell Parish Church halls, by H.R.H. Princess Anne in 2007. Raymond has been performing on stage for most of his life, and has played a variety of principal roles in both amateur and professional productions. Raymond says of Octave: “Knowing that we are raising money for these charities, entertaining audiences and forging good friendships – not to mention the fun in rehearsals, makes Octave a bit special”.