Grade 11 pianist Qden Blaauw has snagged first place in the prestigious Yamaha Scholarship programme for 2020/2021. He has also walked away with a R14 000 cash prize after participating in the programme, which this year focused on piano as the instrument category of choice.
The piano prodigy is a student at the Shane Goodall Piano Studio and Reddam House Durbanville and states that he will use this money to further his studies.
Blaauw started playing the piano when he was eight, after listening to the sweet melodies of pianists playing “give it a try.” According to IOL, Blaauw joined Reddam House in Grade 8 on a partial scholarship, which was presented to him according to the school’s philosophy to nurture arts and culture talent in their students.
#concernPianist Qden Blaauw of Reddam House Durbanville takes top spot in Yamaha Scholarship competition https://t.co/ExxWd02k3F
— Clint Peters (@ClintPeters14) May 18, 2021
Shane Goodall reflected on his musical journey with Blaauw, which began at the tender age of nine.
“His enthusiasm and passion for music, in particular the piano, was striking from the start. It’s been an enormous pleasure and, at the same time, a huge responsibility guiding and nurturing his musical talent.
“I was delighted that Reddam House Durbanville has been so supportive of Qden and his achievements and goals, allowing him the freedom and space to develop his talent, and as a result, I have a deep appreciation for the music staff and the leadership of the school.”
The 2020 Yamaha Scholarship programme was conducted online for the first time due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The programme saw entries from the Middle East, West Asia and Africa.
Picture: Unsplash