A year on from arriving in Ipswich, a teenage refugee has accepted a place at one of the most prestigious music programmes in the country. 

Mohammad, 16, is back in Ipswich, fresh from his first few days studying on the Britten Pears Arts Aldeburgh Young Musicians course at Snape Maltings.  

This is an artistic development course for talented young musicians, based at the historic Snape Maltings Concert Hall.  

Getting the chance to build connections with other young people who are equally as passionate about music as himself, Mohammad said, is everything he ever dreamed of. 

Mohammad first arrived in the UK from Iran with his family in September last year. 

Ipswich Star: Mohammad has just completed his first few days of studying at the iconic Snape Maltings concert hall. Image: Cad TaylorMohammad has just completed his first few days of studying at the iconic Snape Maltings concert hall. Image: Cad Taylor (Image: Cad Taylor)

His mother visited the Hive in Norwich Road for an English conversation class, and happened to mention that her family was very musical, and she had a son who played piano. 

Later, Mohammad accompanied her to a Nowruz (Iranian new year) celebration. On seeing a piano, Moahammad sat down and began to play. 

Astounded by his talent, Cad Taylor, one of the directors at the Hive, set about finding Mohammad opportunities to shine.

The Hive contacted the Aldeburgh Young Musicians programme, and Cad supported Mohammad through the audition process. 

Ipswich Star: Mohammad standing outside the Hive in Norwich Road. Director Cad Taylor has supported him through the audition process of getting into the Aldeburgh Young Musician programme. Image: NewsquestMohammad standing outside the Hive in Norwich Road. Director Cad Taylor has supported him through the audition process of getting into the Aldeburgh Young Musician programme. Image: Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

Mohammad completed the first three days of the course on Thursday last week. 

“My father was a real music lover,” he said. “But he had no opportunity to study music. He wanted me to have this opportunity, that he never had himself.” 

Mohammad will continue studying in Aldeburgh for a few days each month. So far, he has had classes in improvisation and rhythm, and enjoyed performing his compositions alongside his new classmates. 

However, he was pleased to return home to Ipswich on Thursday.

“You miss your family,” he said.