Supporting 20 talented students to study music

We are delighted to be able to update you on the progress of our students. This month we thought we would focus on some of our piano students  – Jimmy, Benjamin, Maureen and Favour

Jimmy is a very committed piano student (ARSM standard)who’s remained focused on developing his skills on piano over the past year. He’s been working on repertoire ranging from baroque to 20th century encompassing various playing techniques, which has helped him elevate his command of piano. In addition, accompanying other instrumentalists, playing in ensembles and the choir in concerts, have all helped build confidence on the piano in general. Having taken on teaching in the past year, it has been a welcome aspect in building his experience as a musician as well as contributing to KMS’s strategy of training new teachers with all round knowledge and experience.

Benjamin’s studies in piano playing have progressed steadily (ABRSM grade 2-3) through regular practice and attendance during the past year of study. He’s smoothly transitioned from a beginner into ABRSM grading with relative ease. This has enabled him to learn music covering a variety of styles as well as technical drills through which he’s improving his skill. In turn, this has culminated in him scoring a distinction in music at Uganda Certificate of Education exams (O-Level).  About to start on A-Level secondary education, he’s committed to continue with practice and lessons with the aim of attaining grade 5 level piano within this year of study.

Maureen has been progressing well in piano (ABRSM Grade 2-3) over the last year of study, through committed regular practice and attendance for lessons. She’s responded well to instruction and has been meeting set tasks through which she’s managed to cover essential repertoire within a specified time frame. Technical aspects in scales and arpeggios plus Hanon finger exercises have helped in building confidence playing music of different styles, which hopefully will culminate into preparedness for examination at an opportune time.

Favour has always shown much enthusiasm on piano (ABRSM Grade 7-8), exhibited through rapid progress by covering repertoire encompassing a range of playing styles. He’s remained committed to practice, always looking out for new challenges in technical development. Focus has been very much on technical drills in scales and arpeggios plus sight reading. Although exams in music theory haven’t been possible in the past year, majorly due to the fact that he’d been a candidate for Uganda Certificate of Education (O-Level), it remains a possibility as aspirations for higher graded ABRSM Certification in piano playing is very much desired. 

These are just four of our many piano students and it is exciting to see the students developing and to hear their playing as they progress. We will share more from our students next quarter.