30 Dec 2024 Community

Remembering Alan Rudkin, a colleague, a friend and a fabulous musician

In September 2020, during one of the darkest periods of the COVID-19 lockdown, a glimmer of hope arrived at The Kirkwood in the form of an email. It was from Alan Rudkin, a music therapist with Nordoff and Robbins, offering to bring music into the lives of people supported by the charity.

It was a perfect match; the people of Kirklees had long expressed how important music was to them, but now, through Alan, this dream could become a reality.

From the very beginning, Alan brought a unique energy and passion to his work. Despite the restrictions of the pandemic, he embraced the challenge of delivering music therapy sessions virtually, bringing joy, connection, and a sense of togetherness to those who needed it most.

Every Friday afternoon, an online choir gathered to sing along with Alan’s piano playing, a highlight of the week for many. His humour, warmth, and sheer talent transcended the limitations of a computer screen, leaving a lasting impression on everyone who joined.

When restrictions eased, Alan began working on The Kirkwood’s In-Patient unit, and his impact deepened. Armed with his keyboard, drums, and a signature mint-green uniform though he preferred to call it "pistachio". Alan brought life and joy to the unit. He had an extraordinary ability to connect with people, focusing on their strengths and enabling them to express themselves through music.

For those who could barely speak, Alan turned their breaths into rhythm; for those struggling with memory, he uncovered songs that sparked recognition and delight.

Alan’s presence was transformative not just for patients and their families but also for the staff who worked alongside him.

His music created connections, from sparking conversations between patients to comforting relatives during their loved ones' final moments. It wasn’t just the music, it was Alan himself who made all the difference. His kindness, humour, and ability to make everyone feel at ease was a gift.

Alan’s creativity knew no bounds. He brought music into the community, taking the choir on the road and creating singing in Slaithwaite, a programme that inspired joy and connection in a local GP surgery.

In time, this evolved into The Kirkwood Chorus, a Huddersfield based choir that continued to embody Alan’s vision of togetherness through music.

One of Alan’s most memorable contributions was the recording of "It Must Be Love" at St Paul’s Hall in Huddersfield, where he played a magnificent Steinway piano.

The experience was filled with laughter, creativity, and the kind of magic that Alan always seemed to bring with him. It was a fitting tribute to the joy and connection he inspired wherever he went.

Alan’s legacy will live on in the music and memories he created. He was more than a music therapist, he was a friend, a colleague, and a source of light for so many. His ability to bring out the best in people, to help them find their voice and express their emotions through music, was unparalleled.

To his family and friends, the gratitude felt by those with The Kirkwood cannot be overstated. Alan’s contributions were profound, and his loss is deeply felt. He made the world a brighter, more musical place, and everyone who knew him was better for it.

Alan Rudkin will always be remembered as someone who brought people together, who found beauty in the smallest moments, and who left an indelible mark on the lives of everyone he met. Rest in peace, Alan, and thank you for everything.