Allan Neave, Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama

Allan, who is a lecturer at the School of Music and runs the guitar department, took part in the Erasmus programme and went to the Estonian Academy of Arts in Tallin in order to improve his abilities as a teacher and as a performer, exchange ideas, learn about each other's culture and compare working environments. He particularly enjoyed the opportunity this gave him to work with the young Estonian musicians and to hear material that is not normally available in the UK.

During his four day visit he was able to both teach and perform, allowing him to witness first-hand the great pride that Estonian musicians have in their heritage. Through working with local,skilful players he discovered a whole new genre of music previously unknown to him. Although only there for four days he was also able to get a brief glimpse into the lives of the people of Tallinn and their city. He felt the experience helped him to rationalise his position back home in the UK, as well as giving him new experiences to share with his students and the college as a whole, not to mention broadening his musical horizons. He also enjoyed broadening the musical horizons of the Estonians by introducing them to Scottish music and highly recommends the Erasmus programme to his peers.