The Moray Young Musicians competition is open to all school-age young people living and learning in Moray, regardless of musical standard.
It aims to celebrate young, local, musical talent; offers a focus for practice; and provides an opportunities for progression to national level.
Congratulations to this year's Primary School Young Musicians!
Winner: Ruby G - Violin (Portessie Primary School) 🏆
Runners Up: Lois R - Euphonium (Mosstowie Primary School) & Emily M - Violin (Mortlach Primary School)
10 secondary school finalists will compete in the live final, adjudicated by a panel of professional musicians who will select a winner based on musicality, technique, & performance.
This year's finalists are:
Lennon M - Pipe Drums (Milne's High School), Sophie L - Voice (Buckie High School), Tom RN - Piano (Forres Academy), Finlay McL - Trumpet (Elgin Academy), Huck W - Voice (Elgin Academy), Olivia DS - Flute (Buckie High School), Quentin F - Drum Kit (Elgin Academy) & Kirsty S - Piano (Keith Grammar School).
7.00pm, Monday 23 March 2026 📅
Elgin Academy 📍
Ticket available from the Moray Council Online Shop 🎫
All competitors will receive a Certificate of Participation.
The top 3 players will win:
1st prize Trophy 🏆 & £50 Amazon voucher 🛍
Runner Up Trophy & £25 Amazon voucher | Runner Up Trophy & £25 Amazon voucher
Diane was born in Buckie and studied with her father before being invited to take a place at St Mary’s Music School in Edinburgh. From there she furthered her studies at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London. She was then offered a position with the Scottish Opera Orchestra, which she held for 10 years, before embarking on a freelance career playing with all the major Scottish orchestras, including the post of Principal 2nd violin with the Scottish Ballet Orchestra.
Diane is also a keen chamber musician and has given many concerts with various ensembles, while also enjoying a busy career teaching in schools and privately.
Air Commodore Alistair Monkman CBE moved to Moray in 2003 and served at RAF Lossiemouth as Officer Commanding 617 Squadron and then Station Commander, during which time he was an ADC to Her Majesty the Queen. He was awarded a CBE in the 2010 New Year’s Honours list and was appointed Lord-Lieutenant for Moray in May 2025.
Alister enjoys singing in his church choir, cycling and endurance hill walking
Helen retired from the post of Principal Teacher of Music at Elgin Academy 10 years ago, but her passion for music education means that she can occasionally still be spotted around some of Moray's music departments.
In the early 1970s, she first played organ for Sunday worship, and still has a regular commitment in a local church. She has had a variety of experiences with choral and theatre groups, dramatic societies, television and radio.
Helen still enjoys working as an accompanist for local community groups, choirs and student exams, private tuition and attending concerts.
All secondary school entrants will be adjudicated equally, regardless of ASG. 10 x secondary school finalists will be selected by a panel of Moray music staff to compete in the live final.
8 x primary school finalists will be chosen, one from each ASG. One overall Primary School Young Musician winner will be chosen as the winner, as well as two runners up.
Please note: Primary school finalists will not compete in a live final, however the overall winner and runners up will be invited to perform at the live final.
Moray's winner will represent the region at the Scottish Young Musician - Solo Performer of the Year competition on Sunday 24 May 2026 at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.
Music Instruction & Performance
The Music Instruction & Performance team vision is to offer inclusive and enriching opportunities for children and young people in Moray to reach their potential together through learning to play a musical instrument.
Our aim is to support and challenge all learners to thrive in their learning and wellbeing: across and beyond the curriculum; as well as socially, emotionally and behaviourally – equipping all with skills for life to contribute effectively to society.
Our values are Creativeness, Enjoyment, Achievement & Happiness.
More Information
The Moray Young Musicians competition is run by the Music Instruction & Performance team, part of the Leisure & Culture Service (Education, Housing & Communities), in partnership with Scottish Young Musicians and the Elgin & Forres Rotary Clubs.
For more information, please visit the Enter Now page or contact education@moray.gov.uk.
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