Music: ABRSM results

Recent Music Exam successes

The Year 4 child pictured was recently awarded a merit for Grade 5 flute. This is an amazing achievement, made all the more incredible by the fact that she was only 8 when she took the examination and has been learning for just over two years. She performed three pieces (Syncopation Rag, Vivace & Jive Talk) which all demanded an exceptional level of technique and musicality, together with scales, sight-reading and aural tests. Her next step is to pass Grade 5 theory, before moving onto Grade 6 flute. She has also been entered for the inaugural Independent Schools Association (ISA) Young Musician Competition and has a potential upcoming audition for Junior Guildhall, a Saturday School for particularly able young musicians at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London.

Children usually considered for Guildhall will have achieved distinction in Grade 5 by the age of 10, so we are hoping that our pupil’s achievement compares favourably with other children. Not only has she has been expertly taught by Amanda Gregory for only 2 years and works extremely hard, both during lessons and at home, but she also has a natural talent, that is very rare.

These other children were also awarded merits in recent ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music) examinations held in Dover during November. Their achievements included a merit in Grade 5 flute, a merit in Grade 2 clarinet (to go with her Grade 1 piano and Grade 2 Musical Theatre), a merit in Grade 2 clarinet. Not pictured is Josh who was on holiday when this photograph was taken, he took Grade 1 piano, once again gaining a merit. Merits in music examinations require a huge amount of practise and dedication on behalf of the pupil, but also vital is expert tuition, provided on this occasion by Amanda Gregory.

Congratulations to all concerned.