Homecoming inspires first instrumental single for Inverness student
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A 19-year-old music composer from Inverness has released his first instrumental single just in time for Christmas.
Ross Halkett, who has autism spectrum disorder (ASD), has composed Northern Lights which was inspired by the excitement of returning home from his studies as a music student to be with his family at Christmas.
A former pupil of Balloch Primary and Culloden Academy, he is studying a BA honours in popular music and worship at Nexus Institute of Creative Arts – a faith-based college in Coventry.
He is the son of Robbie and Karen Halkett, co-pastors of Inverness Christian Fellowship which meets in Merkinch Community Centre, and also has two brothers.
His main instrument is piano but he enjoys playing a wide range of instruments.
He has a YouTube channel where he has posted compositions and has also written pieces for online church services including a joint venture between 12 Inverness churches to broadcast Christmas services.
Mr Halkett was diagnosed with ASD at the aged of 11.
"Having ASD has its ups and downs but thanks to my patient and supportive family I have been learning to cope whenever I am struggling," he said.
"Writing music helps me and gives me the freedom to express my emotions, gives me a focus and allows me to tell a story even if there are no words."
When he started composing Northern Lights, he realised there was potential and continued working on it when he returned to Inverness.
He had almost finished but he felt there was something missing and contacted a friend, Carly-Skye Fraser, of Inverness, who sent a few recordings of her playing the harp which he added in to finish the piece.
Mrs Halkett said Ross hoped to continue his studies and do a masters in music and had ambitions to progress into composing film scores.
"Ross has learned some coping methods and has a good network of support from his family and close friends at university," she said.
She added he also attended Stagecoach Performing Arts in Inverness for about 10 years, which helped to build his confidence.
Northern Lights is available to download from most music providers like Apple Music, Spotify and Amazon Music.
His instrumental pieces are on his YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/channel/UCT
