Graeme was born in Dundee, Scotland and raised in Oshawa, Ontario. His father was a professional jazz bassist in London, England.
After playing cello for two years in elementary school, Graeme switched to the double bass in junior high school, enjoying the instrument’s role in all styles of music. His first teacher was Tom Monohan, the principal bass in the Toronto Symphony. He studied for five years with Mr. Monohan, two of which were at the University of Toronto. He then headed west to study at the Banff School of Fine Arts with Stuart Knussen, the former principal bass of the London Symphony Orchestra in England. This led to his first professional job with the Victoria symphony where he played for five years.
At age 25 Graeme won the principal position with the Winnipeg Symphony where he played for five years, during which time he married his wife Heather.
The Calgary Philharmonic position came open just after the birth of their first son Iain. They knew that Calgary was where they wanted to settle and he has been playing in the section here since 1990.
Graeme and his family (their other son, Callum, was born here in Calgary) are avid outdoor enthusiasts and he also enjoys all grain beer brewing and supporting Manchester United.