Magnus started playing in 2013 and over the past year has piloted pathways and inclusive programmes for both Live Music Now Scotland and the Feis Rois Ceilidh Trail. Magnus is a musician who has Down Syndrome. He has worked with these institutions to address the under-representation of people with additional support needs that these organisations had identified within their programme.In March this year, Magnus and Dominic Blaikie joined Ester and Iseabail Strachan in their ‘Challenging Stereotypes’ tour of Skye, celebrating Downs Syndrome Awareness Week. 

He is also a member of the Traditional Music Forum and enjoys accordion and fiddle classes with Scots Music group in Edinburgh and plays snare and hi-hat with Ceilidh Calleerie, the SMG community ceilidh band. Outside of traditional music, he plays with Paragon Stride ensemble, RSNO ‘Altogether Now’ community orchestra, EJBF ‘GD Jam’ jazz combo and Drake music Scotland.

Alongside appearing in the final of the Battle of the Folk Bands competition at Celtic Connections in January this year, the Magnus Turpie Combo has also participated in the The Kist o' Riches Saturday evening concert at Girvan Folk Festival, as well as making regular appearances at Comunn Tir nam Beann Dun Eideann and Edinburgh Argyll Association Ceilidhs.

Magnus Turpie said: “It is such an honour to be part of this year’s Emerging Talent strand at Piping Live! I love playing with the fantastic musicians in the Magnus Turpie Combo, and I can’t wait to showcase our sound at this world-renowned event. The Piping Live! festival provides a wonderful opportunity to highlight the talents of up-and-coming musicians." 

"As a musician with Down syndrome, I want to see a traditional musical community which welcomes people with learning and communication disabilities as equal participants, able to access social and career opportunities  unhindered by barriers and expectations attributed to stereotypes. This opportunity to showcase my band on a globally renowned stage is incredibly important to me. Thank you, Piping Live, Creative Scotland and all my fellow musicians, tutors and organisations for your friendship and support.”

The Magnus Turpie Combo includes: 

Magnus Turpie- lead accordion and drums
Beatrice Blanco - keyboard
Dominic Blaikie- guitar and vocals
Daisy McCormick- fiddle and vocals
Linda Campbell - 2nd accordion