ABRSM Grade 5 Distinction

Today I had the great pleasure of presenting an ABRSM Grade 5 Distinction certificate to my pupil Yvonne who followed up her Grade 4 Distinction from earlier this year.

Yvonne played a wonderful programme consisting of T. A. Arne: Presto (2nd movt from Sonata No. 6), Tchaikovsky: Douce rêverie (No. 21 from Album pour enfants, Op. 39), Gillock: Mister Trumpet Man (from New Orleans Jazz Styles) and finishing with Heather Hammond: Changing Times (from Cool Piano 5).

The examiners notes were a pleasure to read: T. A. Arne: Presto “Phrases were well crafted, and ornamentation neatly executed.“, Tchaikovsky: Douce rêverie “The right hand melody in the opening bars of this piece sang out clearly, and hands were evenly balanced.“, Gillock: Mister Trumpet Man “There was also an improvisatory feel to the music and you conveyed your sense of enjoyment well.”, Heather Hammond: Changing Times “There was a strong underlying pulse throughout, and the music was confidently played.”

Summing up the performance “You had prepared thoroughly for this exam, and played with confidence and aplomb. There was balance in the choice of programme, and the pace of the exam was well judged, with space allowed between pieces for reflection and preparation.”

I would like to thank Yvonne for her hard work as we finalised the preparation in the lead-up to the exam.