A dream come true for Lisburn flautist

Over the years the Star has followed Adam as he developed his musical skills and he has long been known as ‘the boy with the golden flute’.

A former pupil of Fort Hill College, Adam was taught by well-known local music teacher Brian Houston.

When Adam achieved his Grade 8 certificate in 2008 at the age of 13 he had been studying the flute for just four years.

At the time his teacher Brian said: “Adam is the youngest pupil I have had obtain this grade.

“Usually students are older teenagers, 18 or 19, or perhaps 16 or 17 but Adam is three years ahead of himself.

“Adam has a real natural ability. He is a very ardent student.

“Adam works tremendously hard at the instrument, he is diligent and hard working and is constantly practising.

“He is a very competent young flautist and I hope to see him take it up as a career.”

At just 15 Adam become one of the youngest flautists to attain a distinction in the ATCL Performance Diploma ATCL Performance Diploma through Trinity College London.

As well as completing exams with the Royal School of Music, Adam also took part in various music festivals and solo flute competitions.

As a teenager Adam joined the Cadets and was awarded his BTec in Music by Colonel Denis Desmond, Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant for the County of Londonderry in 2011.

During his teenage years, Adam also took the opportunity to find out what life would be like as a military bandsman. During his time as a cadet, he spent a summer with a number of regimental bands in England, including the Coldstream Guards, the Irish Guards, the Royal Regiment of Scotland and the Royal Artillery.

Having completed his army and music training, Adam fulfilled his dream of joining the prestigious military band in Easter and is now making his career as a professional musician.

Since joining the band of the Irish Guards, he has taken part in the state opening of parliament, trooping the colour and doing the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace, Windsor Palace and St James’ Palace.

Adam is currently in Scotland performing with the band at the Edinburgh Tattoo before heading off for a month long tour of Canada.

Proud father Brian said: “We are very proud of Adam’s achievement as a family, he is a very hard worker. He has done quite a bit in a short space of time and is enjoying fulfilling his childhood dream.”