Scottish College Students Go Viral After Recording A Masterpiece Cover Song In Just Three Hours

A classroom music project originating from Scotland achieved unexpected global fame after a video of the performance began circulating widely online. In June 2010, students enrolled in the Higher National Diploma Music program at Reid Kerr College in Paisley undertook a challenging project to record a cover of the classic track “Then He Kissed Me.” The entire endeavor, including the final live take, was completed within the span of a single three-hour class session. This performance was subsequently uploaded to the college’s official rkcmusic YouTube channel, where it eventually reached a massive international audience, far exceeding the scope of a standard academic assignment.

A particularly notable aspect of this recording is the musical versatility displayed by the participants, as many of the students performed on instruments that were not their primary focus. The documentation of the session highlights several instances of this creative adaptability, such as a vocalist playing the saxophone, a piano player handling the clarinet, and an electric bassist switching to the double bass. Despite these unconventional instrument assignments, the ensemble successfully channeled the dramatic energy and expansive scale typically associated with Phil Spector’s iconic “Wall of Sound” production aesthetic. Rather than attempting a note-for-note replication of complex studio techniques, the students transformed the song into a vibrant, cohesive, and lively classroom ensemble piece that captured the spirit of the original.

The enduring popularity of the video is clearly evidenced by its accumulation of over 5 million views to date. Viewers have consistently gravitated toward the recording’s unique blend of youthful enthusiasm, precise musical execution, and authentic charm. The performance is frequently lauded for its raw, unpolished quality, which many listeners find refreshing. Particular praise is often directed at the vocal harmonies and the way the arrangement builds in intensity and complexity as the track unfolds, demonstrating a high level of collaborative skill.

Watch the full performance on page two