Friday 27th Mar 2026 (112)

Dear All,

We have reached the end of term. It has been a long and immensely rewarding one, filled with high points, new challenges, and steady growth. Our pupils have performed superbly, both within school and out in the wider community, and it is always striking just how full each day, week, and month is in our specialist music school.

It is not easy to convey the pace and intensity of this environment to those outside it, but it feels important to pause and acknowledge what a remarkable commitment these young people show. Their willingness to engage so deeply with their craft, day in and day out, is both inspiring and a privilege to witness.

SYM Juniors

Congratulations to all of our pupils who took part in the Junior Scottish Young Musicians Aberdeen Final on Monday evening at the Cowdray Hall.

Events such as this offer a valuable opportunity to perform under pressure, to prepare thoroughly, and to meet fellow musicians from across the city. We were delighted to celebrate some wonderful successes, with Heather winning overall, Athena awarded Instrumental Runner-Up, and Aleina winning the Vocal Prize.

Equally pleasing were the reports of how warmly our pupils engaged with others, taking time to support and get to know their fellow competitors. That spirit of generosity and collegiality is something we value greatly at ACMS.

Our thanks go to the Aberdeen City Music Service for organising such an excellent event, and to our tutors for the many weeks of preparation that made these performances possible. Thank you also to Miss Donati for her support on the evening, and to Mrs Kyle for her excellent accompanying.

SYM Seniors

On Tuesday evening, it was the turn of our senior pupils.

Congratulations to Kai, Douglas, and Willow for their excellent performances in the Senior Final. The standard was exceptionally high, and the experience of preparing for and performing in such a setting is invaluable.

A special mention to Kai, who was awarded the Instrumental Runner-Up prize.

As ever, these occasions reflect not only the individual performers but also the collective effort behind the scenes. Our sincere thanks to all tutors involved in preparing pupils for this level of performance, and to Mrs Smith for her support on the evening, alongside Mrs Kyle for her accompaniment.

It has also been wonderful to see the way in which pupils have supported one another in the lead-up to these competitions, attending informal performances, offering advice, and creating a genuinely encouraging environment. That sense of shared purpose is one of ACMS’s great strengths.

Ladies Circle

🎶✨ A lovely afternoon of music and community spirit! ✨🎶

Congratulations to Willow, Taylor, and Isabelle on their fantastic performances for the Monday Circle at Ruthrieston Community Centre.

Our pupils gave a wonderful insight into life at ACMS, sharing both their music and their experiences as young musicians in a specialist school. 🎻🎶

A huge thank you to Irene and Elizabeth for organising such a warm and welcoming event. And of course, the chocolates were very gratefully received! 🍫😊

NESPA

A reminder that the North East of Scotland Performing Arts Festival is now open for entries, with the deadline at the end of the Easter holiday.

This festival has long been an important part of the musical calendar for our pupils. It offers the chance to perform in front of expert adjudicators, work with professional accompanists, and receive detailed and constructive feedback, all while meeting other young musicians from across the region.

Pupils interested in entering should consult their teachers regarding suitable classes and repertoire.

Perform in Perth

We were delighted to hear of further success at Perform in Perth, where one of our pupils returned to compete in the Large Rosebowl Instrumental Final.

Heather was delighted to be awarded a Special Award: the Gold Medal in memory of Miss Elspeth Stirling, for the highest mark in Advanced and Open String Classes. A superb achievement and very well deserved.

Holiday Practice

As we reach the end of a busy term, the prospect of a break is welcome for all.

We have spoken in assemblies about what “holiday practice” might look like. The key message is simple: consistency matters more than quantity. Daily engagement with one’s instrument, however modest, is far more valuable than occasional long sessions.

For some, this may be a time to practise more extensively; for others, a gentler approach may be needed to reset and recharge. Both are entirely valid. The most important thing is to maintain a positive and sustainable relationship with music-making.

Our pupils have developed strong habits of independent practice, balancing technical work, repertoire, and sight-reading. They are well placed to make thoughtful decisions about how best to use this time.

Thank you all for another wonderful term at ACMS. We have achieved a great deal together, both individually and collectively.

I hope everyone enjoys a well-earned rest, and I look forward to welcoming you back for the summer term.

With best wishes,

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