Alex Laing

Alex Laing is a highly sought-after educator, presenter, adjudicator, conductor, writer, violinist and viola player. Since 2022 Alex has been Director of Music at Wells Cathedral School, one of the few specialist music schools in the UK. He manages a team of over 100 staff. The role also sees him curate a series of world class concerts at the School's Cedars Hall: the Maestro Series. Before Wells, Alex was Head of Strings at Uppingham School, Artistic Director (Music) at King’s High in Warwick and taught violin and chamber music at the Royal College of Music.

Alex conducts, teaches and coaches for the Benedetti Foundation which has seen him work with, conduct and mentor string players from beginners to teachers, across the UK and also beyond. He is known as one of a very rare breed of teacher who is equally comfortable working with beginners, experts and adult amateurs.

Alex began his musical education at the Edinburgh Academy and at St. Mary's Music School where he studied violin with Warren Jacobs and worked closely with Lord Menuhin. He is a graduate of Cambridge University and of the Birmingham Conservatoire.

He is thrilled to be returning to the EYO as a coach. Alex led the EYO for 4 years in the 1990s.