Young Violinist Continues to Excel

23 Mar 2013

Prior Park College student, Lizzie Daniels has achieved a Distinction in the DipABRSM at the tender age of 15.

The DipABRSM is a professional qualification awarded by the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music, set roughly at the standard expected at the end of first year of music college. The main part of the exam diploma is a recital of 35 minutes of music in contrasting styles, taken from a set list of violin repertoire.

Lizzie and her teacher, Philip Dukes, chose pieces by JS Bach, Brahms, Ravel and Messiaen. Part of the exam was to produce programme notes and discuss the programme, its composers and period, and the history of the instrument with the examiners. Lizzie’s accompanist was Maria Angel Garcia Soria, the well-known concert pianist living in Bath. She had a practice recital at Prior before the exam, attended by family, friends and teachers, which Lizzie says was a helpful part of preparation.

Prior’s Director of Music, Mr Roland Robertson says that to pass the Diploma is outstanding in itself, but to receive a Distinction really sets Lizzie apart.

This success follows Lizzie’s selection in November for the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain (NYO).