Private School News

Mark competed in the regional EPTA UK (European Piano Teachers Association) competition held in Gateshead earlier this month and was up against 39 other musicians in the Grade 4 piano section. It was a long afternoon, with each competitor playing four selected pieces of music, with adjudication at the end of each section.

Mark explained: “I was very nervous at first, but, once I had started playing, my nerves disappeared and I knew that there was nothing more I could do at that stage anyway. I did lots of preparation for it, so I was hoping to do well. When they announced the results at the end of the day and said “Mark you are going through to the next round”, I was ecstatic.” He added: “My mum and sister were there to support me and I think my mum was more nervous than I was!”

For the next round, which will take place at Chetham’s School of Music, Mark will need to prepare a new piece of music to play, as well as playing three of the pieces performed at the regional stage, which included music by Bartok: Summer, Round Dance and Arabesque. Also of note, is that Mark’s sister, Laura, will be travelling to Chetham’s too, as she was selected for the next round in her Grade 7 piano category!