01/05/2026
This May Day, I find myself especially grateful to celebrate a quietly remarkable student.
Amidst the punishing demands of school life at an elite girls’ school, where expectations run high and the pace never quite slows, she chose not the easier path, but the one that requires courage, discipline and resilience.
She completed her Grade 8 piano examination with the ABRSM - not the performance route, but the full examination, embracing its rigour in every aspect. In my teaching, I do not compromise on scales, sight-reading, and aural skills - they are the foundations of a complete musician and I don’t see any way around it. She rose to the challenge, exceeding expectations with quiet confidence. I knew first hand this journey had not been easy. It was so so tough.
What makes me most proud is not just the result, but the musician she has become. She listened intently, she trusted the process, she trusted me, and she persevered. When encouraged to perform, she stepped forward despite her fears and stage fright. When reminded to find joy in music-making rather than focus only on outcomes, she understood, and it showed.
Her performance was so sincere and musical that it was a joy not just for us, but a genuine pleasure for the examiner as well.
As if that were not enough, she was invited to be an accompanist for her school choir concert- standing alongside her peers from the Music Elective Programme, even though she isn’t enrolled in MEP - a testament to her growth, quiet confidence, and musical integrity.
So so proud of you - not just for what you have achieved, but for who you are becoming. 🎹✨
Special thanks to the parents for believing in me, and for working alongside me to bring out the best in this incredible musician. You are the reason I love what I do.♥️
May you never stop shining. May you never ever forget the musician that you are, A!🥹