Percussion is the most adaptable family of instruments. The biggest challenge is to project percussion in a lyrical way.

I like the sparkle of the vibraphone.

My favorite instrument is the snare drum. In Scotland, the snare drum is very prominent in Highland bands. The Scottish style of playing is in my blood. It's a very powerful instrument, but it can also be soothing, like velvet. It's a real challenge for composers.

I think I can only help to expose percussion to all sorts of people. The balance between the lighter and more serious side is important.

A lot of things which come with a high profile will always be criticised one way or another.

And as I grew older, I then auditioned for the Royal Academy of Music in London, and they said, well, no, we won't accept you, because we haven't a clue - you know - of the future of a so-called 'deaf' musician. And I just couldn't quite accept that.

Concerts have to be seen as a real event for which the aim is to try and feed everybody.