Jim Paterson started piano lessons at the age of 7 and progressed through the Associated Board grades until passing Grade 8 with Distinction. As a teenager in Fife his skills were in demand as an accompanist for choirs and shows, and he also served as organist for weddings and other services. Although keyboards represent the core of his instrumental skills, he also took up clarinet at school performing both as soloist and in ensembles. His studies at University focussed on Mathematics and Science, though he continued to extend his musical knowledge through self-study, classical concerts and playing chamber music with other musicians.
As an avid collector of piano sheet music, orchestral scores and film soundtrack CDs, Jim frequently studied, transcribed and arranged film and classical music for personal use. However it was the release of Sibelius software, initially on the Acorn platform, that prompted more serious practical study of composition. When Sibelius moved to the PC platform, he followed suit and joined the internet generation in 2000. He started the "mfiles" website devoted to an appreciation of classical and film music, and also offered for download some of his own arrangements and original pieces. This led to occasional public performances of his music, but also to commissions to write music for websites, animations and games, particularly games for mobile phones. In the last 5 years mobile gaming has grown considerably as the devices themselves have grown in sophistication, and the music required to accompany such games can range over a wide variety of styles. Most recently Jim has created music for the Dundee based company Tag Games which started in 2006 but is already making a name for itself in the industry.
- Childhood (£1.00) [Piano]
- Dreamy Summer (£1.00) [Piano]
- Il Messia - score (£3.00) [String Quartet]
- Itchy Feet Tango - Score (£1.50) [2 Flutes & Guitar]
- Knightly Tales Suite. No. 1 - Fanfare - Score (£1.50) [3 Horns & Tuba]
- Knightly Tales Suite. No 2 - Knightly Quest - Score (£5.00) [Orchestra]
- Knightly Tales Suite. No 3 - Epic Rondo - Score (£8.00) [Orchestra]
- Knightly Tales Suite. No 4 - Heroic Deeds - Score (£9.50) [Orchestra]
- Pop Vamp (£1.00) [Piano]
- Ragtime for Bedtime (£1.00) [Piano]
- Rock Hymn (£1.50) [Piano]
- Sadness in the Rain - Score (£2.00) [String Quartet]
- Short Hymn (£0.50) [Piano]
- The Happy Cowboy (£1.00) [Piano]