The Scottish Young Musicians Glasgow Final has once again highlighted the exceptional musical talent across the city, with incredible performances from young instrumentalists and vocalists competing for the title of Glasgow’s Solo Performer of the Year 2025.
After an outstanding competition, Craig McGroarty, a talented clarinettist from Knightswood Secondary School, was named Glasgow’s Overall Winner. Craig captivated the adjudicators with his remarkable technique, expressive performance, and musicianship, securing his place in the Scottish Young Musicians National Final at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland on Sunday 25 May.
A Rising Star: Craig McGroarty 
Craig is currently in his final year at Knightswood Secondary School, studying Advanced Higher Music under the guidance of Nicola Leslie. His dedication and hard work have led to an exceptional year of musical success. He recently achieved Grade 8 clarinet and has been accepted into the prestigious BMus programme at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, where he will continue his clarinet studies.
Craig’s achievements extend beyond Scottish Young Musicians—he is also a finalist in the RCS Clarinet Competition, having won through their preliminary rounds, and will compete at the RCS Clarinet Festival on Sunday 16 February.
A passionate and versatile musician, Craig is actively involved in many Glasgow CREATE ensembles, including:
Symphonic Wind Band
Clarinet Choir
Saxophone Ensemble
Big Band
Glasgow Schools’ Symphony Orchestra
Beyond Glasgow, Craig has successfully auditioned for some of Scotland’s top youth orchestras, earning places in the West of Scotland Schools Orchestra, Edinburgh Youth Orchestra, and the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland Development Orchestra.
Celebrating Glasgow’s Young Musical Talent
Alongside Craig, three other exceptional musicians were recognised for their outstanding performances:
Struan Young (Smithycroft Secondary School) – Winner of the Vocalist Category and Overall Runner-Up
Ruslan Pankov (King’s Park Secondary School) – Overall Runner-Up for his impressive guitar performance
Ben Streete (Pollokshields Primary School) – Glasgow’s Junior Solo Performer of the Year 2025
Struan delivered a stunning vocal performance, demonstrating exceptional control, tone, and expression, earning him both the Vocalist Winner title and Overall Runner-Up. Equally impressive was Ruslan, whose skilful and expressive guitar playing also secured him a Runner-Up position.
At the Junior level, Ben Streete shone with his brilliant saxophone performance of Gerry Rafferty’s “Baker Street”, earning him the title of Glasgow’s Junior Solo Performer of the Year. Ben’s performance was full of confidence, flair, and musical maturity beyond his years.
A Competition Showcasing Dedication and Passion
This year’s competition saw an incredible standard of musicianship, with young performers from across Glasgow delivering inspiring performances. The adjudicators had the difficult task of selecting winners from an exceptionally talented group of musicians, and we congratulate every participant for their dedication, skill, and passion for music.
As we look ahead to the National Final at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland on 25 May, we send our best wishes to Craig McGroarty, who will proudly represent Glasgow on this prestigious stage.
A huge thank you to all the teachers, families, and mentors who support these young musicians in their musical journeys. Your encouragement and guidance are instrumental in helping them reach their full potential.
To find out more about Scottish Young Musicians and upcoming events, visit:
