Auto Amazon Links: No products found.
Freya Terris, a 17-year-old pianist from Lisburn, County Antrim, has achieved a remarkable milestone by passing her Grade 8 piano exam using only her left hand. This achievement is unprecedented according to the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM), who confirmed that Freya is the first known candidate to succeed in this examination with a repertoire entirely designed for the left hand. Her journey to this accomplishment began two years prior when a serious injury and subsequent surgery left her unable to play with her right hand.
Initially, Freya believed that the pain in her right hand would be temporary and decided to explore music composed specifically for the left hand. With the guidance of her teacher, she progressively developed her left-hand technique, which was previously undeveloped to the level now required. As time passed and another operation loomed, she realized there was a possibility she might never again play with both hands. Motivated by a desire to complete her Grade 8 certification, Freya reached out to ABRSM to inquire about accommodations, leading to a tailored exam featuring pieces designated for the left hand.
Despite the challenges, Freya’s persistence never waned. She reflected on moments of frustration where she missed playing the two-handed repertoire she once enjoyed. At times, she took breaks to rekindle her passion for the piano, likening the experience to “throwing myself at a brick wall.” Her teacher, Rory Dowse, approached her situation with creativity, researching other renowned one-handed pianists like Nicholas McCarthy and Leon Fleisher to provide perspective and encouragement. This helped Freya understand that she was not alone in her journey.
Freya’s success has not only brought pride to her and her supporters but has also influenced wider changes at ABRSM. The board had already been considering one-handed options for lower grade exams but, inspired by Freya’s case, expanded these to cover all grades up to Grade 8. Their 2027–28 syllabus now includes a dedicated repertoire for one-handed pianists, making qualifications accessible across the board’s 93 countries of operation. For Freya, this development is especially meaningful, as it opens doors for others facing similar challenges. Having twice been a finalist in the Young Musician competition—with both two-handed and left-hand repertoires—Freya plans to continue her studies in music at university after completing her final year at Friends’ School in Lisburn
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
Auto Amazon Links: No products found.