Talented young musicians at Kibble’s Goudie Academy were honoured to welcome composer-pianist Brad Kella to their classroom. The 2024 winner of Channel 4’s The Piano took time out of his busy schedule, supporting Gary Barlow’s latest tour, to share his story with young people and inspire their musical journey.
It was a day where dreams were made, where the smiles on young people’s faces were as bright as the talented young star who spoke so candidly of his past, his inspiration and journey to stardom. Guided by the unwavering support of foster carers, Eve and Frank, and his wider family, Brad overcame significant obstacles to realise his dream of becoming a classical pianist and composer. His success led him to win The Piano, play live in the London Albert Hall and accompany Gary Barlow on his 2025 UK tour, to name a few. But, this is only just the beginning and there is a myriad of opportunities waiting in the wings for this talented performer.
According to Brad, “Anything is possible when you have the passion inside you, and the right people around you”.
Accompanied by tour manager Luigi, Brad shared his story with young people before performing an incredible piano medley, listening to pupils’ performances and joining in with the harmonies. In his trademark style, Brad took his audience on a journey from classical music to jazz with a Simpson’s melody seamlessly woven in. Some of the pupils have only recently discovered their love and aptitude for music, encouraged by dedicated tuition from Goudie Academy teachers, instructors and creative music partners who widen opportunities and offer immersive learning experiences.
Brad’s Journey to Fame
Brad explained that his interest in playing piano was sparked by his school music teacher who introduced him to playing piano, and recognised his natural aptitude. Keen to nurture his interest, foster parents Eve and Frank bought Brad a keyboard which he practised on for hours each day within his bedroom. As a teenager, Brad was embarrassed to share his new-found hobby with his friends and classmates for fear he may be ridiculed. Many of his friends would be out playing football when Brad would be at home playing piano and composing music. For Brad, the piano was, and continues to remain, a vehicle of expressing emotion when it wasn’t always easy to vocalise. Brad would also enjoy playing piano in public spaces such as train stations and shopping centres, drawing in passers-by with his music.
Brad shared with pupils how hard it can be to appear in front of crowds of people. This was something one pupil related to, sharing that when he performed with Kibble band ‘The Kosmonauts’ at Paisley’s ‘The Bungalow’, he felt sick to stomach with nerves. He didn’t think he was able to do it, but the atmosphere, excitement and encouragement of his bandmates led him out onto that stage and he felt on top of the world!
Brad’s remarkable journey to fame came with many challenges. Having grown up in foster care from the age of seven, his passion at school was music. He started playing piano at the age of 14 and within two months had achieved Grade 8. This was all accomplished despite not being able to read sheet music – Brad’s abilities were truly unique and from the heart. After leaving school he struggled to find work, and found himself homeless by the age of 18. When he got the opportunity to audition for The Piano, he was living in a hostel with his girlfriend and young daughter. A scout for the programme heard him playing and asked him to audition, and the rest as they say is history.
Referring to the pressures of fame, Brad said: “People didn’t leave me alone at the start and I didn’t feel like I could be myself.” He quickly realised you have to be true to yourself: “There’s always people who try to bring you down, especially on social media platforms, and you can’t let them get into your head.
“Music is medicine, pick-up a guitar, be happy – don’t let negativity ruin it. This is your energy that you carry around for the rest of your life”.
Music is universal, there are so many different types from different parts of the world but it’s one language. You can play anywhere in the world and people understand it.”
Inspired by their visitor, Brad was treated to a screening of The Kosmonauts’ performing Screaming Out Loud before listening to our young musicians singing and jamming on the piano to songs from Lewis Capaldi and The Cranberries.
Anything is Possible
After a morning of musical creativity, it was time for Brad and Luigi to move on to their next tour destination, but not before Brad offered some final words of encouragement:
“Anyone in this room, anyone in this world, can do anything. I’m not scared at all to fail, I’m more scared to say I didn’t try.”
Speaking of his visit to Kibble Brad commented: “While I was up in Glasgow, I visited Kibble. It was the most I’ve smiled in a long time. The children genuinely melted my heart. The love and passion for music streamed throughout the classroom. I shared my story with kids and let them know anything was possible in life. Whether your care experienced or come from a family with not a lot of money you can still achieve anything. The children listened so intently to what I had to say and were a credit to their school the way they behaved. Kibble will always hold a special place in my heart.
We are very grateful to Brad and Luigi for visiting Kibble, the memories made will stay with our young people and staff for a very long time.
Brad Kella with Kibble Education staff Jackie Swan and Laura Cairns