Bernard Docherty is an internationally renowned violinist, conductor, and orchestra strings coach.
With a career spanning five decades, Bernard has travelled extensively at home and abroad with numerous orchestras and chamber ensembles.
A prize-winning violin graduate of the RSAMD,
(now RCS), Bernard's career has seen him hold positions with the orchestras of Scottish Ballet, Scottish Opera, BBC Scottish Radio Orchestra, and the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, before being appointed Co-Leader of the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, where he remained for 25 years.
In tandem, Bernard was also in demand as the invited guest leader of various orchestras, which included, the Scottish Ballet orchestra, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, the Portuguese Symphony Orchestra, and the BBC Ulster Orchestra.
During his tenure with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Bernard was principal violinist in their string quartet "Quartz", formed to pioneer their innovative school's education program,
and was also solo violinist with the light music trio, "Csardas"
Bernard's appointment as Head of Strings at The High School of Glasgow, in 2017, pivoted his focus to being a full-time music educator, teacher, examiner, and strings coach.
This appointment built upon his already three-decade strong expertise in the academic realm, where he continues to serve as a part-time lecturer, examiner, orchestra strings and small chamber group coach
at the Junior and Senior RCS, and the renowned Specialist Music School of Douglas Academy,
Other coaching positions held, both past and present, include the Glasgow Schools Orchestra, Edinburgh Youth Orchestra, Ulster Youth Orchestra, and the National Youth Orchestras of Scotland.
Bernard is also in demand, as the principal strings adjudicator, at various music festivals and competitions.
His extensive experience, has led to significant contributions, to the technical and musical development of many young musicians.
