In short; I really love music. There are so many genres full of artists making music for others to enjoy whether they play, sing or write. Ever since I was little I’ve loved music and always wanted to play an instrument.
On my birthday one year my parents bought me the four ‘John Thompson’s Easiest Piano Course Books’ after my granddad had given me his organ so I could teach myself. I tried and tried at first but had no success so I simply gave up but a year later I tried again and persisted until I could play a few pieces. After I had finished Book 1, I tried to move on to Book 2 but without a teacher I didn’t understand. Luckily we were into December so I could learn carols as my Dad had got me the music for some. That day my Dad also got me a keyboard so I could play more often and practise more. Having taught myself for less than a year, I played three carols in the school Christmas music concert. That Christmas my parents told me I could have piano lessons with Dr Spacie. After that I kept going to lessons every other week and learnt piano theory with Dr Spacie. From then on, I advanced all-round.
I hope I can keep playing the piano in the future and keep expanding in ability and knowledge. Maybe sometime in the future it may be a song I’ve written playing on the radio. But I think I have a long way to go before then! I have achieved Grade 1 London College of Music (awarded by the University of West London) Theory of Music exam with 97 marks gaining a distinction and also Grade 2 London College of Music (awarded by the University of West London) Theory of Music exam with 94 marks out of 100 gaining a distinction.
I have achieved Trinity College London Grade 4 Theory of Music exam, passing with distinction 91 marks out of 100; Grade 5 Theory of Music exam, passing with distinction 96 marks out of 100; Grade 6 Theory of Music exam, passing with merit 82 marks out of 100 and Grade 7 Theory of Music exam, passing with distinction 89 marks out of 100.
To complete the music theory studies, in November 2021 the Grade 8 Music Theory examination was passed with merit.
Chloe Woolley (University Student)