Today I had the great pleasure of presenting two ABRSM Grade 4 Distinction certificates to my pupils Jordan and Keenan. Their second double distinction performance!

Jordan’s programme consisted of Schubert: Minuet and Trio, D. 41 No. 21, Bridge: Miniature Pastoral (No. 2 from Three Miniature Pastorals, Set 1), Ben Crosland: I Hear What You Say (No. 4 from Cool Beans!, Vol. 1) and finishing with Diabelli: Moderato Cantabile.

The examiners notes were a pleasure to read: Schubert: Minuet and Trio, D. 41 No. 21 “Tone was projected well at a lively tempo with convincing attack and good coordination with clearly defined dynamic nuances.”, Bridge: Miniature Pastoral (No. 2 from Three Miniature Pastorals, Set 1) “Good dynamic colour was found with balanced hands and projected melodic lines…”, Ben Crosland: I Hear What You Say (No. 4 from Cool Beans!, Vol. 1) “A broad dynamic palette was explored and the tempo was carefully controlled throughout revealing the style and mood with a set of conviction.”, Diabelli: Moderato Cantabile “The chosen pace was suitably playful… a broad dynamic range was explored and the crisp articulation added to the sense of character.”

Summing up the performance “Styles and moods were most effective in realisation”.

Keenan’s programme consisted of J. S. Bach: Prelude in C minor, BWV 999, Arens: Moonbeams (No. 1 from Rendezvous with Midnight), Bartók: Teasing Song (No. 18 from For Children, Vol. 2) and finishing with Sam Wedgwood: Shark Soup (from Sam Wedgwood’s Project, Book 2).

The examiners notes were a pleasure to read: J. S. Bach: Prelude in C minor, BWV 999 “A rhythmic start with well balanced parts. You played with some well projected dynamic detail and with a well managed pulse… This was an accurate and fluent account with a feel for the style.”, Arens: Moonbeams (No. 1 from Rendezvous with Midnight) “The melody sang expressively and the texture was generally sensitively managed. …overall you captured the lyrical sentiment quite well.” Bartók: Teasing Song (No. 18 from For Children, Vol. 2) “Dynamic detail at the start was effective and you played with some stylish articulation. …you communicated the musical character quite successfully and the notes were all in place at a well managed tempo.” Sam Wedgwood: Shark Soup (from Sam Wedgwood’s Project, Book 2) “This was a fluent and precise performance with a steady pulse and well balanced hands.”

Summing up the performance “You played with a convincing sense of musical style”.

Two very different programmes, both wonderfully played. Well done boys!

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