RICHMOND MUSIC STUDENTS ACHIEVE FANTASTIC EXAM SUCCESS! 

Richmond School and Sixth Form College is renowned for the quality of its music. At the heart of this are, of course, the musicians, both staff and students. Many of our musicians, as well as practicing for regular performances, are also methodically working their way up through the music exams, progressing their skills and experience and moving on, grade by grade. 

Over 20 students recently took music exams, receiving their certificates from Mr Boyd, Lead Teacher of Music, in a low-key presentation last week, followed by a group photo. 

Mr Boyd gives some background: “Success in an instrumental exam is achieved through a combination of consistent practice, focused preparation, and a positive mindset. First, mastering the technical aspects of the instrument, including scales, arpeggios, and exercises, provides a solid foundation. Next, students learn the solo exam pieces, ensuring they are played with proper expression and dynamics. Time management during practice helps balance learning new material with reviewing existing repertoire. Finally, maintaining confidence and staying calm during the exam preparation and day itself is crucial. With dedication, perseverance, and preparation, our students have achieved a terrific set of results and should be rightly proud of their achievements.” 

Below is a list of students who have recently passed exams: 

Year 7 

Ellen Ford Euphonium Grade 2 Distinction 

Jess Ford Piano Grade 2 Distinction  

Year 8 

Edward Hilyer Trombone Grade 3 

William Hilyer Trombone Grade 3 

Mathilda Boyd Alto Sax Grade 1 Distinction 

Patrick Rafelt Piano Grade 1 Pass 

Flo Millar Piano Grade 1 Merit 

Edie Carr Violin Grade 7 Merit (14 UCAS Points) 

Edie Carr Recorder Grade 5 Distinction 

Edie Carr Grade 5 Theory  

Eloise Francis Grade 3 Sax Merit  

Year 9 

Harriet Metcalfe Guitar Grade 3 Distinction 

Zachary Hayward Piano Grade 1 Merit 

Amelia McCormack Clarinet Grade 2 Distinction 

Zeke Wild Guitar Grade 1 Merit 

Bess Mitchell Vocal Grade 3 Merit  

Year 10 

Isobel Watkins Piano Grade 1 Merit 

William Francis Oboe Grade 3 Merit 

William Francis Alto Sax Grade 4 Distinction 

Grace Broderick Piano Grade 4 Pass 

Grace Broderick Violin Grade 4 Merit 

Elsie Boyd Vocal Grade 3 Distinction  

Year 11 

Ted Warren Tenor Sax Grade 5 Distinction 

William Swainston Piano Grade 7 Merit (14 UCAS Points) 

Georgina Braidley Vocal Grade 8 Distinction  

Year 12 

Henry Wright Piano Grade 5  

Grace Barker Violin Grade 8 Merit  

Year 13 

Thomas Pyrah Grade 8 Tuba Merit  

As you can see from the list above, three students have achieved the pinnacle of music exam success – Grade 8: Thomas Pyrah, Georgina Braidley and Grace Barker.  

Mr Boyd focuses on this very special achievement: “Reaching Grade 8 on a musical instrument is an incredible achievement, but it’s not something that comes easily. It demands years of consistent practice, discipline, and a deep passion for music. At this level, students are expected to master both technical skill and artistic expression. The pieces become more complex, with intricate rhythms, challenging dynamics, and advanced techniques that require a high level of precision. Every note, every phrase, and every performance must be executed with clarity and emotional depth. 

What makes Grade 8 particularly difficult is not just the technical side, but the mental endurance required. The pressure of performing in front of examiners can be tricky, and the emotional maturity needed to interpret complex music is something that takes time to develop. It’s also a long-term commitment, with months and months of preparation leading up to the exam.  

However, the journey is incredibly rewarding. The sense of accomplishment when you finally reach that level is terrific, and the skills you develop throughout the process will serve you for a lifetime, whether you pursue a career in music or simply enjoy playing for personal enjoyment. 

I am so pleased for Grace, Tom and Georgina on their wonderful achievements.” 

Grace and Georgina give us an insight into the process: 

Firstly Grace Barker, Year 12, Grade 8 violin: 

“Grade 8 was hard work, and I have been preparing it for a couple of years. It had to go on hold due to my GCSE’s and changing violin teacher as I moved to Richmond Sixth Form was tough. In the months leading up to the exam I spent most of my evenings practicing in preparation. I was chuffed with my result of a merit as I had put all that time and effort into it. But now I am ready to move on to learning new material.” 

Secondly, Georgina, Year 11, Grade 8 singing:   

“I did my exam with London College of Music which offers recorded exams, so that is what I went for. After doing exams in person and online I can say I definitely found the recorded exam much less stressful! It was actually quite nice to get my pieces recorded with my singing teacher as if it were a performance.  

It took quite a while to prepare for it, to include the technique required for the quite difficult songs from the Grade 8 song list but I enjoyed the process. My favourite part was probably the jazz vocal element, including improvisation which is a difficult skill but a lot of fun to work on and improving jazz technique involved lots of listening to, and discovering, some great musicians.  

Overall I’d say I had a really good experience and definitely feel proud to have achieved a distinction. I look forward to moving forward with more development of technique and musicality as a performer as there’s always more to practice even beyond grade 8!”