A DYNAMIC young drummer who has Asperger’s syndrome beat a path to glory to win a top award at the Inverclyde Music Festival.

Nine-year-old Eva Tedeschi says it was a major test to compete against young musicians nearly twice her age in front of a packed audience at the Beacon Arts Centre.

But the determined Inverkip Primary pupil overcame her nerves to scoop ‘First in Class’ in the 18 years and under drumming category.

Speaking to the Tele, Eva said: “It was difficult performing, but also exciting. It was all good fun.”

Her proud mum Louise, 37, who lives in Cullen Crescent, said: “Eva achieved first in her category, which was fantastic.

“We’re all so proud of her. She practises so hard and even rushes home to play on her school lunch break.

“With Asperger's it means that sometimes it can takes a bit longer for Eva to process information.

“So it can take her a few times to listen and practise before she pick things up. But rather than discourage her, that just makes her more determined to play all the time and get it right.

“Her drumming teacher Lesley McLaren is brilliant.”
Lesley, who runs her own Hit Squad drumming school from her studio in Gourock, said Eva is a ‘wee star’.

She said: “I’m really proud of her.

“It just goes to show that it’s not about age, it’s about ability and technique.

“Eva practises all the time and her efforts are really paying off.
“She’s very talented.”

Lesley added: “I’m proud of all my students for getting up there and performing during the musical festive – it’s no mean feat.”

Eva’s sister Grace, 11, who also has Asperger’s and a related condition, also performed at the festival while her younger sister Norah, six, cheered on both.