ABRSM Grade 2 Distinction

Today I had the great pleasure of presenting an ABRSM Grade 2 Distinction certificate to my pupil Erin. Before the covid pandemic she was going to start her exam journey by taking the ABRSM Prep Test but this had to be cancelled. We continued learning online and Erin progressed so much we decided to skip grade 1 and aim for the grade 2 exam and I am happy that she passed with distinction.

Erin played a wonderful programme consisting of  Hässler: Ecossaise in G (No. 23 from 50 pièces à l’usage des commençans, Op. 38), Plé: Le chant du pâtre (No. 11 from Les chants et les jeux), Brian Chapple: March Hare (No. 5 from In the Pink) and finishing with Christopher Norton: Inter-City Stomp (No. 7 from Microjazz Collection 2).

The examiners notes were a pleasure to read: Hässler: Ecossaise in G (No. 23 from 50 pièces à l’usage des commençans, Op. 38) “This began with a lively feel and descending semiquavers were even in pulse and varied in articulation. The dynamic variation in the middle was effective, and it finished with engaging staccato chords… this was assured playing.”, Plé: Le chant du pâtre (No. 11 from Les chants et les jeux) “An apt tempo was set and the melody sang out clearly over the accompaniment.”, Brian Chapple: March Hare (No. 5 from In the Pink) “Staccato chords were crisp and opening of phrases were given suitable weight. Playing was incisive in character… this was an energetic and communicative performance.”, Christopher Norton: Inter-City Stomp (No. 7 from Microjazz Collection 2) “The pulse was reliable and staccato playing consistent giving character to this stomp movement.”

Summing up the performance “This was a consistently well-projected performance with effective sequence and pacing. Rhythmic styles were well-communicated and strong beats clearly shown within the phrases to add definition… pieces had clear individual characters and technical demands were well-met. This was assured playing.”

I would like to thank Erin for her hard work as we finalised the preparation in the lead-up to the exam and also her parents for having confidence in me to teach her.