A groundbreaking acoustic guitarist from Canada who is making a big impact on music circles visited aspiring music makers in Cumbernauld last week.

Erik Mongrain (28) has pioneered a new technique of play called laptapping where he rests his guitar on his knees and plucks the chords as if they were a piano.

Like many top music makers who have enjoyed critical acclaim, he hails from Montreal - just like luminaries like Arcade Fire, Rufus Wainwright and of course, Leonard Cohen.

Erik whose videos can be seen on YouTube also provided the music for a documentary film called The Climb for Peace which is narrated by Orlando Bloom. This teamed climbers from warring nations like Israel and Palestine as they scaled the world's highest peak - and Erik's atmospheric brand of music was judged to be an excellent soundtrack.

Audio and Media lecturer Tommy Marshall had spotted Erik online and learned that he was visiting Scotland via a busy touring schedule which has taken him as far as Japan.

Tommy contacted the Canadian's management team and asked if the young star would host guitar clinic for students - and Erik was happy to oblige. He also participated in a question and answer session where he shed some light on his own creative process.

"I do not hear lyrics when I am composing, it is just about expressing how I feel at that time and what is happening in my life,'' said Erik. A spokesperson for the college said: "Erik's talent was well received by the College's students and all at the event appreciated his visit.''

Below, Erik's desire to share his music with the students was a source of delight not just to them - but Erik himself!