Young singer goes global

JAKE Duley (17), from Clifton College Durban, was invited to submit an entry to showcase his talent in the virtual Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM), Global High Scorers’ Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music concert and represent South Africa.

The teen recently achieved a high distinction for the Grade 8 Singing For Musical Theatre exam, through the international music exam board, ABRSM.

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He was placed among some of the highest scoring music students in the country.

“It blew my mind when I was told and I was very excited! It is a bit nerve-racking but I am very excited. We have to send our videos by the 27th of September and we are preparing for that. It will not be a classical primary music theatre production,” he said.

The ABRSM is the UK’s largest music education body and the world’s leading provider of music exams, holding over 650 000 assessments in more than 90 countries each year.

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Duley, who grew up in a musical family, said he started singing when he was five years old and was tutored by his grandfather. It was in Grade 3 that he started with his vocal coach and teacher, Madlen Tzankova.

“She taught me how to sing properly and, since then, I knew that I wanted to pursue the performing art. I have been accepted to the University of Capetown (UCT) and I’m going to pursue a BA for the first three years, and then go for my post graduate in Paris, if I get in,” said the determined performer.

Duley said it has been tricky to maintain an intricate balance between school and music but has managed to make it work.

“I have two or three singing lessons each week, but it would be after school or straight after my exam. It’s actually quite nice as it sort of brings me peace because of stresses at school and this pandemic, which has put a strain on everything,” said Duley.

It was on the stage that Duley felt he really found his place in the world, a piece to a puzzle he never knew was missing. “I found my love for singing and drama. Whenever I would have bad days at school, I would come home and sing or listen to music and I feel at peace and happy,” he said with a smile.

The worst memory Duley could recall was the time in Grade 8 and Grade 9 when he was not able to sing as his voice was breaking.

“I couldn’t sing for a short time, but I could speak,” he chuckled. “Madlen (Tzankova) helped me through that and we never gave up. We carried on and it paid off. I am very grateful. I don’t think I would be where I am today if it wasn’t for her,” he said.

For more information about ABRSM exams, contact Bridget Harrison, regional representative for KZN on 072 375 8185 or abrsm.kzn.ec@gmail.com.

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