Leon Coates was a performer, composer and lecturer.

Born Wolverhampton 1937. Music lecturer Edinburgh University since 1965. Known both as performer and composer whose works include commissioned concertos for viola and harpsichord, songs including the R. L. Stevenson cycle North West Passage, and music for choir and for chamber ensemble including viol consort.

Recent works included: Concerto Killearn (1995/6) , commissioned by the Scottish Bach Consort; Sea Sketch (1999) for piano trio; Te Deum Laudamus (June 2000) for the Millenium Service at St Andrew’s and St George’s Church.