When Malachi first came to Eagle House, a school for students with ASD and associated difficulties, he was a very capable self-taught classical pianist.

At first, he really struggled at the school and found it difficult to get on with his peers and some staff, however, music was a way for him to cope.

The academic pressures and Covid all played a part in Malachi's challenges and at the beginning of Year 11 he transitioned into a class with new peers and staff. When he joined the new class he switched to guitar in order to join a band with his peers; he also got into completely new style of music - heavy rock and metal! After only 18 months on the guitar he achieved 91% for his grade 6.

Music also helped him to focus on his other school work and complete his academic exams, achieving high pass grades in his subjects. The change of class and the ability to join a band enabled Malachi to form friendships, which for pupils with autism is a challenge, let alone perform in front of audiences.

He has now gone on to study music on guitar at ELAM (East London Arts and Music). His band are still together and are in the process of recording their first EP and looking for gigs.