Spotlight: Ellie M. M.
Accolades:
2021: Piano, Recital Senior (Prize | 1st Place)
Chelmsford Festival of Music2021: Piano, 15 to 16 years (Prize | 1st Place)
Chelmsford Festival of Music2021: Grade 8 Piano (Distinction)
2020: Pianoman Scholarship
2019: DCA Award (Prize | 1st place)
2019: Grade 7 Piano (Merit)
2018: DCA Award (Prize | 1st place)
2018: Grade 6 Piano (Distinction)
2017: Grade 5 Theory (Merit)
2017: DCA Award (2nd place)
2017: Piano, 11 to 14 years (Prize | 1st Place)
Colchester Rotary Festival of Music and Dance2017: Grade 5 Piano (Distinction)
2016: DCA Award (2nd place)
2016: Grade 3 Piano (Distinction)
2015: DCA Award (2nd place)
2015: Grade 1 Piano (Distinction)
Q: What inspired you to start learning your instrument?
A: When I was younger, I used to listen to the radio and whilst I was listening I heard a piece of music on the piano and I that was when I thought "I want to be able to play like that when I’m older". Now music and piano is my passion and I listen and do it every day!
Q: What do you enjoy most about playing your instrument?
A: I play the piano and the thing I love is the challenges it brings you as you progress over time. I love that every week there is a new challenge, and although it is hard, there is a good result for your hard work and perseverance.
Q: What advice would you give to someone performing for the first time?
A: I can remember my first time going up on the stage, and I know how frightening it is in front of all those people, but they are all supporting you and so you should be proud of your dedication and the hard work you have put in to show everyone what YOU can do. Don’t compare yourself to all the other people, but instead, compare yourself to yourself, and what you want to do. If you make mistakes, don’t worry and carry on because then people won’t notice as much.
Good Luck!
Q: What are your musical aspirations?
A: My aspiration is to become much more confident in what I am doing and to develop my skills to become the best player I can be. For the further future, I would like to be able to take a GCSE in music and even perhaps do music in College and University. I would also like, in the future, to take on a different instrument.
When she is not practising the piano, Ellie enjoys playing Minecraft and other computer games, drawing and listening to music; she has also tried her hand at composing.
Listen below to hear Ellie's progress!