Musicians take their inspiration from all walks of life – and now a north-east student has penned a series of melodies using fiery Scots drams as her muse.
Fiona Marshall, who is studying music and communities student at Aberdeen University, combined her two passions of music and whisky for the Hamonious Drams project.
The work was carried out as part of her fourth year studies and combined her work at the Glenfiddich Distillery, near Dufftown.
And her work reached new heights when a musical ensemble from the university performed her work live to an audience of 50 at the Harmonious Drams Live event last month.
Ms Marshall, of Huntly, – who hopes to work in the whisky industry following her graduation – said she is interested in how music features in everyday life.
She was helped in the project by coworkers from the distillery and fellow students, who set about tasting a range of different malts as part of her research.
The groups discussed each unique whisky aroma and flavour, describing vividly how each one made them feel.
Irregardless of musical expertise, Ms Marshall’s companions – aided by project assistant and fellow student Kirsty Drever – helped compose the tunes inspired by the mood conjured by each nip.
Once the melodies had been honed, musical ensembles from the university arranged and recorded them using a host of different instruments, later performing them at the live event.
Ms Marshall said: “I found the whole experience really enjoyable and fun, which is obviously very important as music and whisky should both be enjoyed.
“Because I have a real interest in the whisky industry in addition to music, it was the perfect combination.
“The outcome of the project did surprise me. As I didn’t know what people would come up with, I think it was really nice to hear each individual’s unique take on their drams.
“At the event, a lot of people told me in advance that whisky isn’t really their thing, but after tasting it a number of people have told me how they were pleasantly surprised and found that the music set the mood to go nicely with their whiskies.”
