My name is Mat Walklate. I'm a professional musician and music teacher and this website will provide details of the many and various bands and courses with which I am involved.

I play Irish Traditional music on the flute, harmonica, low whistle and tin whistle in addition to vocals. Have a look at my Irish Traditional page and The Sturdy Beggars.

I front two blues bands as a vocalist and harmonica player. See Depot and The Moochers for further details.

The Moochers have finished their new album, “Play The Game”! It is now available, see The Moochers pages on this site for information.

I teach harmonica and also run music courses for Manchster Adult Education Service.

I have contributed to many sessions as a harmonica player and have recently authored the 'No Excuses' Harmonica Guide CDROM, performed on the 'Jam Academy' DVD and the 'No Excuses' Guide to Celtic Music with it’s associated DVD.

As a songwriter I have authored most of the original material for The Moochers and Depot and recently I have started to write songs in the Irish traditional idiom. I have also composed a number of Irish traditional tunes.

 I organise a bi-yearly harmonica 'shindig' in Manchester where harp players can meet, jam and learn more about the harmonica. I regularly provide workshops and write articles for the National Harmonica League. I am the North-West regional organiser for the National Harmonica League.

In his spare time Mat likes to:

patrol the North coast in case the Vikings try it again charm snakes