Aidan Siqi Zhao, who is 13 years old, is studying at King’s College School in London and studying both piano and violin as the first instrument in the Royal College of Music Junior Department. Aidan was also a member of the National Children Orchestra. Aidan is grateful to the Eileen Rowe Musical Trust, which has awarded him scholarship towards his piano studies since 11 years old. Aidan is currently studying piano with Professor Ian Jones from RCM.
Aidan was interviewed by BBC News in 2021 about his music achievement. He has been invited to perform at various events and venues in the UK, such as TED Brum, Nottingham Lakeside Arts Centre, the Elgar Concert Hall, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire and Royal College of Music etc.
Aidan was awarded the Solihull Musician of the Year at the age of 8 in the Grand Final of Solihull Musical Festival, which is a high-profile music competition in the region. He is the youngest ever musician receiving this prestigious award and music scholarship. He passed ABRSM Grade 8 piano and violin exams with high Distinction marks at the age of 9.
Apart from playing piano and violin, Aidan enjoys playing Chinese Dulcimer under his grandmother’s tutorial. He was also taught to play accordion by his father and was the winner of Under 7 Class in the competition organised by the UK National Accordion Organisation.
During the pandemic lockdown in June 2020, Aidan successfully held an online fundraising concert for Solihull Young Carers, which raised more awareness of those young carers during that challenging period.