The Craig Centre for Performing Arts came alive this week as it hosted the highly anticipated Young Musician of the Year 2025 final. 

Our finalists, consisting of six pupils from S1-S6, performed in front of a live audience and a panel of expert judges, showcasing their exceptional skill on their chosen instruments. 

After preliminary heats in March, our esteemed finalists this year were:

S1-S3

• Joseph (Cello)
• Max (Guitar)
• Ryan (Piano)

S4-S6

• Grace (Piano)
• Krystal (Flute)
• Leo (Drum Kit)

During the interval while judges deliberated, last year’s S1-S3 Young Musician of the Year winner, Aaron, treated the audience to a performance on the piano. Former pupil and Young Musician winner Harry also sent a video message to the finalists.

Congratulations to Max (Guitar) who is this year’s S1-S3 winner and Leo (Drum Kit) for securing the title of S4-S6 winner. 

Mrs Massie, Head of Creative Arts shared: “It was a joy and a privilege to welcome families, staff, and pupils to the Craig Centre once again for our annual Young Musician of the Year final. Each of our performers showed not only exceptional musical ability but also a true sense of commitment, courage, and creativity on stage. I am incredibly proud of all our finalists and winners for sharing their talent with such poise and passion. 

“We are so grateful to our external adjudicators: Les Innes (Former Head of Music at RGC), Sally McPherson (Faculty Head of Performing Arts at Hazlehead Academy), and Kevin Kyle (Director of Aberdeen City Music School), whose thoughtful feedback and encouraging words made the evening a valuable experience for all involved.  

“As we continue to nurture musical inclusion across the College, it remains so important to give our young soloists a space to shine, challenge themselves, and grow in confidence, while inspiring the next generation of musicians within our school community to follow in their footsteps."