Aged only 7, piano playing is not Sophie Walls’ only talent; she also takes singing and recorder classes alongside her piano lessons every week. She had even shown a natural flair for playing the guitar but sadly due to her family’s financial situation, her guitar lessons had to be cancelled.
When the family got in touch with us, Sophie only had a small keyboard to practise on at home but it was starting to restrict her progress as her skill level increased. Her piano tutor had also advised that in order to advance further it would be helpful to have a real piano with full size keys to practise on.
Although Sophie had not been playing for long (almost a year) she showed a real talent and commitment to her piano playing. Her piano tutor said that most children Sophie’s age usually take 2 years to attain the same level/standard of playing as Sophie was achieving.
As a new piano could cost anything from £1000 upwards and taking into account Sophie’s age and the length of time she had been playing, her parents and piano teacher agreed it may be best to purchase a second hand one which would be much cheaper. Sophie was so committed that she even gave up her savings to help her parents afford the cost. But with both parents working part time and another child on the way, the chances of affording a real piano for Sophie were becoming slimmer by the day.
Thanks to a contribution of £350 Young People and Education
Bursary Fund towards the cost of buying a second hand piano to develop her
skills, Sophie is continuing to show real promise and talent as a pianist.