Congratulations to S6 Advanced Higher music pupil Rory A. who has passed his Grade 8 piano with Merit.

Rory achieved 128/150 in his piano performing exam playing Debussy’s Reverie, Mozart’s Sonata in F, Joplin’s Maple Leaf Rag and a Mazurka by Chopin.

Stewarton Academy Music Department were delighted to host a virtual masterclass on Monday morning with international concert pianist Richard Meyrick. S5 pupils Fraser W., Rory A. and Rhys H. performed Pink Minor, Chopin’s Waltz in Ab major and Debussy’s Reverie respectively for Richard and other senior piano pupils who were in attendance.

Offering advice and encouragement to help improve their pieces and playing more generally, Richard’s expertise was much appreciated by the pupils who were then treated to a thrilling performance of a technically demanding Rachmaninov Prelude live from his London piano studio.

As part of the department’s drive to increase awareness about the opportunities and variety of careers available in the creative industries, we organised a visit from Irvine based music and recording studio Ellis Music Studios. Owned by former pupil Jamie Haining,  S3 music technology pupils learned about Jamie’s story becoming a creative entrepreneur and what it takes to successfully run your own creative business.

Former pupil Max Sloan, who also works at Ellis Music Studios shared some of the projects he has been involved in after graduating from Ayrshire College with a HND in Sound Production. He also shared some helpful hints and tips which our pupils will find useful in their projects this year.

Our S3 pupil John has been working hard on improving his guitar skills. Here he is playing Yesterday by the Beatles in class – sounding great!