Snapshot: Philip Higham, musician

Occupation: Musician.

What school did you attend? St Mary’s Music School, Edinburgh.

What sort of pupil were you?

Shy but confident in things I knew I was good at. Probably wary of things I wasn’t!

What was your first job?

I’ve never had a job. Well, not in the usual sense of the word. But I suppose ‘professional engagements’ (involving the cello) have been part of my life since I was about 14 or 15.

My biggest achievement so far has been...

My first complete performance of the six Bach Suites for solo cello, which was part of the Lammermuir Festival in 2010. I have rarely been able to prepare for a project to that extent and it demanded everything of me that I had at that time. It was, therefore, very satisfying that the performances were so well received.

Favourite place in the world?

Where to start? Luton airport parkway? The interchange at East Croydon? I spent a few months living in Berlin last year, and I thought it was such a brilliant city, so I’m sure that’s somewhere near the top.

Three places in Edinburgh I could not live without are...

Edinburgh Castle. Botanical Garden. Grassmarket - all those pubs.

Which TV show do you never miss? I don’t even own a TV, although I follow Formula 1 almost religiously, via i-Player.

Name one item you could not live without? My cello.

Philip Higham will perform at the Edinburgh Youth Orchestra

Spring Concert 2012, Usher Hall Lothian Road, April 8, 7.30pm, £12-£15, 0131-228 1155