Dio Student Tops New Zealand in Trinity Piano Exams
A 10-year-old from Diocesan School for Girls has gained New Zealand’s highest mark for a Trinity Guildhall piano exam
mainly sat by students at least two or three years older.
Michelle Yao, who is in Year 6 at the independent all-girls Auckland school, found out this week that the 93 per cent
she achieved in her Grade Six practical exam was the highest mark in the country. She also achieved 100 per cent in her
Grade Five theory exam.
Of more than 700 students from all over New Zealand sat the Grade Six exam, about 80 students were awarded a Distinction
for gaining 87 per cent or more.
Students sitting the Trinity Guildhall exams must perform in front of examiners from all over the world who represent
the London-based organisation and exam results are internationally moderated.
“To achieve the top mark in New Zealand means Michelle has truly achieved a very high international standard,” said
David Gordon, the Director of Arts at Diocesan School
Michelle’s piano teacher Yong Qu, said the fact that Michelle was only 10 when she sat the exam last November meant her
results were even more remarkable.
“Even to pass Grade 6 at that age is great so to pass and get the top mark in the country is awesome Students who sit
Grade Six are usually about 12 or 13 years old.”
Michelle, who also plays violin, hockey and would love to play netball if she had time, says she was surprised she had
done so well, even though she spent last year preparing for the piano exam.
“I practise for about one and a half hours a day and I would practise for two if I had time but I like to do lots of
other things as well,” says Michelle.
“I like doing Maths and English and I love problem solving. Last year I found out that I was good at running when I got
into the zone competitions.”
Michelle says she likes playing modern music but prefers classical.
“It has more feeling and you can go more into it. I really like playing fast pieces even though they are hard because my
fingers like playing fast. But I like slow ones too because of how they catch your feelings.”
Michelle says her mother Cynthia gently encourages her to keep trying when she is struggling with hard pieces.
“I am actually really proud of my mum. She helps me to play and that is how I get my results.”
ENDS