Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Live
Katie Williams

Talented Edinburgh schoolboy makes final of Young Drummer of the Year 2023

A talented Edinburgh youngster has made it to the finals of a prestigious UK music competition.

Finlay Mackenzie, 16, from Portobello, Edinburgh, has made it to the top 10 final of the Young Drummer of the Year 2023, after impressing judges with his solo piece.

Finlay, who attends the City of Edinburgh Music School at Broughton High, had to compete against more than 400 other entrants before being shortlisted for the final 10. He was chosen after submitting a video of himself playing a solo work he had written to demonstrate his skills.

READ NEXT- Iconic Edinburgh nightclub ATIK to close its doors for good this week

The school boy said: “I got an email saying that I had made it to the top 40, so I was pretty excited about that.

“Then I was Christmas shopping in St James Quarter when I got a call from the competition organiser telling me I had made it to the top ten final. I couldn’t believe it!“

Finlay now has to attend the finals in Poole, Dorset, on 19 February 2023, to compete live in front of judges with nine other finalists. The winner will receive a trophy and is likely to be approached by drum and cymbal companies with endorsement deals.

Along with drums, Finlay also plays piano and vibraphone, and drums in a few jazz groups and ensembles. (supplied)

He added: “My parents say I started showing an interest in drumming at 18 months old when I combined some upturned milk tins with a toy drum to make a drum kit. Apparently I would bang away on it for ages.

“I’m now on my third drum kit as I develop my sound.

“My drumming influences include jazz legends like Roy Haynes, Elvin Jones and Buddy Rich, but also contemporary Scottish drummers like Alyn Cosker, Graham Costello, and Stephen Henderson.

“My ambition is to follow in their footsteps to study jazz at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland”, he said.

Finlay began drumming lessons at Portobello Music School at age three. He now teaches five to six year olds every Saturday morning as a way of giving something back.

Along with drums, Finlay also plays piano and vibraphone, and drums in a few jazz groups and ensembles.

READ NEXT

Chaos breaks out at Edinburgh rave as DJ dragged from a table by bouncers

Gates close on Edinburgh's Gorgie Farm as council told to 'take responsibility'

Fed up staff at Midlothian Aldi ban unaccompanied children after 'recent issues'

Brave Edinburgh family chase off thieves in terrifying late-night raid on home

Edinburgh locals devastated as neighbourhood cat killed in brutal hit and run

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.