“Piano is really important to me, it helps me to find a voice because I’m quite shy but I don’t have to be shy when I play piano.”


Theodore and Arthur are 12 year old brothers who live in Wales. Playing piano is a massive part of both their lives. Theodore says:

“Piano is really important to me, it helps me to find a voice because I’m quite shy but I don’t have to be shy when I play piano. I would like to be a concert pianist. I really admire Daniil Trifinov and Evgeny Kissin.”

Arthur says:

“I started having piano lessons about two years ago. I love classical music and I wanted to study it seriously so in December 2022, I applied to the Junior Conservatoire at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, even though it’s nearly three hours’ drive away from home. I was delighted to get a place! I have an amazing teacher.”

Both boys gained a place at the Junior Conservatoire – a brilliant achievement! But this also created new challenges. Not only did the family have a very long journey to Cardiff each week – they also had to buy new equipment. As Arthur says:

“One of the requirements of the Conservatoire is that students must practice on an acoustic piano. We only had electric keyboards at home.”

Theodore and Arthur applied to our Awards programme to help with their studies. With their Award, the boys purchased a Steinway piano so they could both practice effectively at home. This has made a big difference to their playing. Arthur explains:

“With the help of our AYM, my brother and I were able to buy a beautiful acoustic piano. Now I’m able to properly play the pieces I love – I have a long list of pieces I want to learn and perform, currently I’m working towards Chopin’s Scherzi.”

Theodore continues:

“It has made a huge difference to me to have an acoustic piano – to how I play and to what I can achieve. I feel more confident in my learning and playing as a result.”

The boys’ mum, Emma, shares the impact of their Award on the whole family:

“Supporting two, talented young people on their musical journey is very exciting but also a huge responsibility and financial challenge. I am so glad we found out about AYM, most especially for the moral support it gives me, for the guidance we can receive and because it’s empowering and validating for Theodore and Arthur to know they are part of a young, classical music community. Thank you!”

AYM is only able to help young musicians like Theodore and Arthur fulfil their musical dreams because of the generosity of our supporters.

If you are, or if you know, a young musician aged 5-17, with bags of musical potential who needs support for musical costs, AYM could help.

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