Finlay McKillop

Raising Community Spirits Through the Power of Music

As soon as lockdown was announced in March, Class of 2017 Former Pupil Finlay McKillop headed back from London to be with his family in Dundee. Finlay is currently in his final year of his BA (Hons) degree in Musical Theatre. Thankfully, his course was moved online in light of the pandemic consisting of an 8am-6pm schedule.

For the past five years, Finlay has routinely sung at nursing homes, sharing his musical talents with the residents. Due to coronavirus, residents were no longer able to see their friends or family and as a result many were left feeling isolated. Finlay then came up with the idea of hosting outside, socially distanced, concerts for the residents in order to lift their spirits and to share the power and positivity of music.

Finlay describes singing in care homes as “a very rewarding experience – I personally love to see how music can positively affect the residents’ day. I will cherish the memories I have gathered from these concerts for a very long time.”

The response online from the Dundee community to one of Finlay’s first concerts at Ferry House in Broughty Ferry was fantastic and opened up lots of opportunities to host more outside concerts. The concert was live streamed via Facebook at the time and can be viewed here: bit.ly/3mEDsUn.

From May all the way until September, Finlay was performing several concerts each week. Alongside this, he also visited people across Dundee for a range of occasions, such as birthdays, anniversaries or to spread some well-needed cheer.

Finlay describes it as his personal mission to put a smile on the faces of those he performs for. As well as his live concerts, he has also produced a CD which he has distributed throughout the care homes so residents are able to listen to his music when they wish, which Finlay hopes will lift their spirits during these trying times. Using his experience of performing in care homes inspired Finlay’s final year Dissertation, which will study the effect of music on Alzheimer’s.

Finlay said “Some of the homes that I visit are Alzheimer’s specific, but I have also met other residents residing at non-specific homes who also suffer from this destructive disease. Currently, it has no cure and it’s saddening to see peoples’ memories and the traits that make them who they are effectively wiped away. Essentially, it can rewrite a person entirely. I have personally seen this happen to a family member, which is another reason why I am so passionate about this.

“One of the most wonderful things I witnessed whilst performing for Alzheimer’s residents was one very special lady in Dundee. I spoke to her daughter when I arrived and soon found out that her mother could no longer remember her name. Then, the most amazing thing happened. I started singing Elvis Presley and Tom Jones’ hits and I looked over and she was singing along – she knew every lyric! After the concert I spoke with her daughter again in detail and she thanked me for bringing her mother back, even if just for a split second.

“I am planning on returning to Dundee in December (restrictions permitting) and I will try my best to provide the people of Dundee with entertainment in what is due to be a very challenging time yet again. After finishing my degree next year, I will be faced with the daunting world of auditions, agents and casting directors. I plan to use my experience of performing to nursing home residents when I get into the audition room as I strongly believe it has made me a more well-rounded performer.”

You can view more of Finlay’s performances by following the links below:

bit.ly/2TDIkfO – busking on the streets of Dundee and performing for a local Dundonian pub.

bit.ly/2TDjsVK – busking at the start of summer 2019.