One of the UK’s leading pianists, Duncan Honeybourne, today (Tuesday 8 February) led a musical workshop for senior music pupils at Lochside Academy in Aberdeen.
Duncan especially welcomed the opportunity to spend time with youngsters with additional support needs.
The pianist, who is in the city to give a recital at the University of Aberdeen, shared his own experience of being a musician on the autistic spectrum.
Committee Convener, Councillor M Tauqeer Malik, said: “It’s a delight be here today to witness Duncan and the Lochside pupils enjoying this wonderful music workshop which also complements our work in recognising additional support needs among learners with additional needs.
“This is such a great opportunity for the pupils and we are really grateful to Duncan for coming along and sharing his knowledge and artistry”.
The Lochside workshop was also part of an initiative Duncan has launched to promote awareness and understanding of autism.
Ahead of his visit, Duncan said: “I’m looking forward to being in Aberdeen and working with the Lochside Academy pupils. I’ll be delighted to hear about their musical projects and to hear the pieces they’ve been working on.
“I am also very pleased that Lochside Academy are so sensitive and aware of the needs of autistic pupils and staff, and it will be a privilege to reflect on my own experience of living and growing as a person and musician on the autistic spectrum.
“This forms part of a new initiative to promote awareness and understanding of autism that I am instigating in memory of my late mother, who worked tirelessly to support me and was a lifelong carer with a background in special educational needs.”
Duncan is collaborating on a new recording with Dr Phillip Cooke, a Senior Lecturer in Composition at the University of Aberdeen, and will play at the departmental concert series later this week.
Dr Cooke welcomed Duncan’s visit to the city – and his support for students with additional needs.
“We pride ourselves on our inclusivity at the Department of Music and we have had several autistic students working at the very highest level creating and performing music of astonishing creativity – the visit of an artist of the calibre of Duncan helps to emphasise this ethos and provides a very strong role model for all of our students”.
Councillor Malik added: “We have a workstream partnership in place supporting all of our young people, regardless of background or circumstances, with their learning and we are very sensitive due to the needs of pupils requiring additional support.
“It’s great that Duncan has been able to come along today as it means we have been able to support each other with our important initiatives”.
Image shows pianist Duncan Honeybourne (seated at piano) with Councillor M Tauqeer Malik and Lochside Academy music pupils.