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01/01

Grade 1 Music Challenge

Now in its fourth year, the Grade 1 Challenge is a programme run by the Music Department, encouraging music students to teach their teachers.

Initiated by our Director of Music, Dr Collisson, the programme provides the opportunity for South Hampstead Sixth Formers to teach their academic teachers to learn a new instrument from scratch, with the aim of reaching Grade 1 standard by the end of the year.  Over 40 staff and have taken part in the challenge since it was introduced in 2015. Last year, our staff excelled in their Grade 1 exams achieving two merits and three distinctions.

Several members of staff and pupils have enjoyed the process so much that they are embarking on higher grades together.  Biology teacher Ms Gallagher has been learning the classical guitar with our Head Girl and Music Scholar, Sascha. Having achieved a merit in Grade 1, they are continuing with her Grade 2 this year. “Taking part in the challenge has shown me that learning an instrument is something that anyone can do. All you need is a desire to learn, an inspiring teacher, and a good supply of determination. It’s been an interesting reversal of roles – the pupils have been amazing, providing so much support and encouragement.”

This year, teachers from a range of departments – from Maths and Economics to English and Philosophy & Religion – are taking part. Dr Brainard, Mr Hansford, Mrs Johnson, Mr Keiler, Mr Larochelle, Ms Uddin, Mr Waller and Dr Woodward are embarking on a range of lessons, from violin and double bass to the piano, clarinet and singing. We look forward to hearing their progress.

Dr Collisson is passionate about performing music and, despite his busy job, still finds time to coach adult string players in various scenarios, as well as travelling the UK and across the globe as an examiner for ABRSM.

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