Described by Classical Guitar Magazine as ‘a guitarist of outstanding skill and originality’, Ian Watt (b. 1991, Aberdeen) has appeared throughout Europe, the Americas and East Asia.  Having first come to international attention by winning 2ndprize at the highly prestigious ‘Parkening International Guitar Competition’ (USA) in 2009, where he was hailed by Soundboard magazine as an ’18-year-old phenom’, he subsequently took 1st (along with the audience and junior jury prizes) at the 2011 Heinsberg International Guitar Competition, where he attracted the attention and respect of many of Europe’s leading guitar soloists.  Noted for his ‘exceptional range of timbre’ (BBC Music Magazine), Watt’s playing has been further described as ‘dazzlingly virtuosic’ and ‘astoundingly atmospheric’ (The Herald).  He has released three solo albums for Nimbus Alliance, including a 2013 recording of Britten’s ‘Nocturnal’ which was described by BBC Music Magazine as ‘sublime’.   

Never content to limit himself to the guitar’s solo repertoire, Watt enjoys an extremely varied musical life and collaborates regularly with a variety of musicians and groups, including Scottish Opera, Welsh National Opera, the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra and the Hebrides Ensemble.  He has worked closely with several prominent contemporary composers, giving world premieres of works by Hafliði Hallgrímsson, Rory Boyle and the complete guitar music of John McLeod (†2022). 

Highly regarded as a teacher, Watt was appointed at the age of 21 to the guitar faculty of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, where he lectured from 2012-23.  He has given masterclasses internationally for over a decade, including at the Korean International Guitar Festival, Mikulov International Guitar Festival, Kutna Hora International Guitar Festival, Balatonfüred International Guitar Festival, Royal College of Music, Guildhall School of Music and Drama, and Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, and was appointed to the Royal Academy of Music as a tutor in 2026.