ABRSM Grade 5 Merit for Erin

Well Done, Erin – A Merit for Grade 5 Piano Performance!

I’m delighted to share that my pupil Erin has passed her ABRSM Grade 5 Piano Performance exam with Merit! Her commitment and musical growth over the past months have been a joy to witness, and this result is so well deserved.

Erin presented a thoughtfully chosen and contrasting programme of four pieces, each highlighting different aspects of her playing:

Haydn – Minuet and Trio (2nd movement from Sonata in D, Hob. XVI:4)
Erin opened her programme with a real sense of classical style. The examiner noted her well-balanced hands and praised the overall shape and momentum of her performance.

Chee-Hwa Tan – Jester’s Jig (from A Royal Birthday Celebration)
This lively piece was played with energy from the start. The examiner remarked on her secure note accuracy and confident opening.

H. Hofmann – Minnelied (from Stimmungsbilder, Op. 88)
Erin captured the gentle character of this lyrical piece effectively. Her playing conveyed a sensitive approach and her technical security shone through.

Kabalevsky – Scherzo (from 30 Children’s Pieces, Op. 27)
This final piece was described as “delicately and tenderly played,” with crisp staccato bringing the character to life. The musical personality really came through here.

The examiner also praised Erin’s overall performance, highlighting her sense of poise and control across the whole programme. There was a “consistent sense of involvement and purpose”, with clear engagement in the musical styles she chose.

Bravo, Erin! Your musicality, focus and determination have led to a brilliant result. I’m so proud of you and excited to see where your piano playing takes you next!