Kingsway High School pianist tickles the ivories at Rising Stars Concert
I played two pieces at the showcase – a baroque and a classical one from Beethoven.
Kingsway High School pianist, Aaron Ramiah participated in the South African Society of Music Teachers’ Durban Rising Stars Concert 2020 at the Durban Jewish Centre on Sunday, 6 December. The 17-year-old, who has just completed Grade 11 at Kingsway, was invited to participate in the showcase of top performers after he scored 88% in the Unisa practical musicians’ exam he submitted online on 17 October.
“I played two pieces at the showcase – a baroque and a classical one from Beethoven. I was first to perform. I was slightly nervous, not about playing because I knew the pieces well, but about performing in front of an audience. Fortunately it went really well.”
For his exam he had to submit three pieces, scales and knowledge of the pieces. “I started playing at the age of four after my mom, who used to play, introduced me to piano. She bought me beginner books and taught me until I knew everything she had learnt. I was not a natural, but it was easier for me to pick up. Then it was just hard work and dedication.”
He has been studying and doing exams for 10 years. Aaron is now focussed on passing his Grade 8 at Unisa and then doing his advanced. He is looking at possibly completing a music degree and has represented KZN in the past. “I don’t want to do music as a career, but it is my passion and a hobby I intend on keeping. My favourite composer is Chopin. I don’t enjoy composing, but rather interpretation. I thank my music teacher Phillipa Greenwood. Before Covid-19 I used to see her three times a week, but it’s not that often now.”
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