Some of you may know that, here at Bloxwich Academy Primary, we have a very talented musician in our midst! Shankley in Year 4 has an incredible natural aptitude for playing piano. At the age of 7, during the COVID-19 lockdown, he showed a great interest in learning how to play after seeing pianist Lang Lang on the television. Shankley was initially given a keyboard and quickly demonstrated that he had an ear for music and a natural ability to play.
Since the beginning on the year, Shankley has been receiving piano lessons in school after been awarded grants from two local charities, with further funding now promised for the next academic year.
Shankley’s piano tutor explains ‘At our first meeting, I was able to assess the level he had reached through self-learning at home. He demonstrated excellent musicality, and some well-memorised advanced repertoire. A large focus in our lessons has been for Shankley to learn to be able to read music which he is now able to do at a late-intermediate/early-advanced level with very little extra prompting. I am confident that with his great drive and determination, he will successfully achieve the Grade 5 piano qualification and at least one music theory grade this year, and be well on his way to Grade 8 piano before moving to secondary school.’
His family have been a real driving force behind Shankley’s achievements, applying for the initial funding and supporting him in all aspects of his development. His mum tells us that he recently performed at the local church in memory of his grandad, who has sadly passed away, and at Harden Hall Care Home, entertaining residents during the school holiday. His mum told us ‘He has a heart of gold and loves to play for everyone. He asked me if he could perform somewhere to make others happy and that’s what he did; they loved him! We’re super proud of the kind, caring selfless boy he is!’
We, too, are so proud of you Shankley. We cannot wait to continue to follow your progress, and share your future successes with the Bloxwich Academy Primary community.
