Riley Greer - Brass

I am nominating Riley for Pupil of the Month for several reasons. He is a passionate musician, which he demonstrates both through his attitude towards his trombone lessons and his participation in the Cornwall Youth Choir. Trombone is a relatively new instrument to Riley, having only been playing it for around a year. In this time though, Riley has made great strides, almost entirely due to his focus and care both in and outside of lessons, meaning that we have recently been able to begin working towards his grade 2. He is a great listener, both during discussions in lesson and when playing, and always brings his best. For these reasons and more I'm pleased to nominate Riley for this award.

Suri Marshall - Keys

Suri walked into her first lesson a year ago with a huge smile, and from the start she has delighted in creating music in all its forms. Whether she’s singing, improvising or interpreting new repertoire, she enjoys the process deeply. I soon got an email from Mum saying: ""Suri absolutely loved her lesson yesterday! She wanted to show us what she'd done on our piano as soon as we got home and woke up this morning saying she wanted another piano lesson today!"

It’s hard to believe that Suri only started piano lessons twelve months ago, learning her first simple pieces using only Middle C in October 2023. Since then, she’s already gone on to achieve an “Excellent” classification in her MMA Level 1, performing ABRSM Initial Grade pieces. This progress has been grounded in the consistent nurturing support for her musical life at home from her parents.

Suri is a natural musician with an exceptional musical mind, an innate love of learning and a broad skill set. When learning repertoire, she has strong attention to detail and emotional expression, including dynamics, articulation and rhythmic feel. When singing, she delights in exploring her entire vocal range and mapping this to the keyboard. As an improviser, she is curious and playful. These performances are supported by her strong ear, and she is already mastering chord recognition and interval training. Most important is her deep love of music. This comes through in her independent learning, as she routinely self-reflects critically on each performance then sets an intention herself for the next step of her growth as an artist. Suri is exemplary of the sort of self-motivation that underpins a lifelong love of music.

It’s inspiring to be working with such a passionate musician and I look forward to listening to the music that Suri will create in the years to come.

Florence - Voice

Florence is an incredible, inspirational student. She works hard and is dedicated to her music and her love of performing. When I first met Florence, she came into school one morning a week due to her severe anxiety. She did progress to five mornings a week eventually, but only if Mum sat in the car park, which Mum did - for a year. Florence has now been in full time school for over a year and is doing magnificently well. She has a support dog, who is a joy to her, and works with her to help her stay in school when things become a little too much. Florence wanted to become a Performing Arts Scholar and so she taught herself her drama piece and her dance piece. We worked on her song together for her audition, and she was successfully accepted to the programme. She works hard at her singing and playing the ukulele. She is consistently curious about technique and always wants to go that extra mile: she practices at home, is always prepared for her lesson, she comes on time and learns her songs well in advance. Her breathing and support technique is improving greatly as is her projection and self-confidence. This term she wants to begin working on grades, for both instruments, as well as working for group exams in singing with Polwhele Arts Scholarship and choir. She will also be taking part in the Camborne Music Festival in the solo classes. She is kind and helpful and an asset to the school. I am very proud of everything that Florence achieves. It is down to her own hard work and strong personality that she has achieved so much in such a short space of time. I think that Florence would be a very worthy winner of POTMA.

Milly Churcher - Voice

Milly is an exceptional student. Not only has she continued to take on lead roles outside of school as vocalist in her community drama group, she was the lead in this year’s school show “High School Musical”. Her focus, determination and passion for practice allow her to operate at a higher level for her age (13)!  As well as this, she has competed and been awarded for her solo work in the Cornwall Music Festival held at Truro Cathedral back in March. Also, this May she will have completed her Grade 6 Rock & Pop Singing exam. I’ve been impressed by Milly's approach to lessons -  she has a lovely attitude. She is receptive to ongoing feedback, and stretch-and-challenge exercises, which have developed a strong confidence in her work as a young performer with a very promising career ahead of her in the creative industries.

Alex Moule - Brass

Alex has progressed really well this year with her music making. She passed her grade 6 trumpet exam, last December, with distinction and now she is working on Grade 7 and 8 materials, playing both the trumpet and cornet, changing instrument as and when the situation requires.

She has become a dependable member of CMST’s wind ensembles: Carrick Winds, Carrick Breeze and Cornwall Youth Wind Orchestra, as well as playing with the St Keverne Youth and Senior Bands. Alex's commitment is exemplary, very rarely missing rehearsals and the support from the family is amazing. At any event, rehearsal or concert the whole family is heartily involved in the setting up and packing down - all in addition to the music making! Alex also plays frequently at school. Once again, she has performed The Last Post in front of the whole school for the school's Remembrance Service. Ever evolving, she has started to broaden her musical horizons by playing the drums too! Besides this, Alex (and her sister) have also begun music theory lessons, so lots of progression is still happening! 

Oli Davidson - Drums

A dedicated student with an excellent work ethic, Oli often works further through set materials than taught in the lesson, working independently to improve faster. As a result, he passed his Grade 5 Drum Kit exam just after his 10th birthday in 2022.

 Oli is currently working through Grade 2 Timpani and Tuned Percussion repertoire in order to better support the percussion section of Carrick Winds which he attends each week.

 He was one of the percussionists who received an extra round of applause at Birmingham Symphony Hall in July last year, for playing so strongly without an adult Percussion Leader.

 In October 2023 he played for the end of season King Charles the Martyr concert performing 3 timpani pieces to piano accompaniment.

 Having joined Falmouth School in September, he played "Alive" by Pearl Jam in front of the whole of Year 7 Assembly and three pieces on Timpani for the Xmas concert. He is due to play "Here Comes the Sun" in February's showcase at school.

I can think of no better student to recommend than Oli, because he says yes to every opportunity and puts his heart into every event, thus making a massive contribution to concerts and ensembles in the Falmouth and Truro area.

Hazel Peacey - Grade 5

Hazel is an absolute star and has just put her life and soul into the Cornwall Youth Orchestra  performance during the Easter holiday. The CYO repertoire was a real challenge for all of us (staff included) this year but Hazel grasped it with both hands (as did all the young people and we are incredibly proud of them) and overcame a massive hurdle just the night before the concert. Hazel and I have online lessons; we have a great rapport and I am very pleased with her progress. Over the last couple of months, she has suddenly become a much more independent learner and her level of playing has really taken off. Add to this the fact that during the 4 days of CYO, she stepped up to being a true First horn player and set her heart on playing repertoire that was, just a few months ago, quite out of her reach. So, after 3 days of exhausting rehearsals, mentally and physically (playing the horn is like a sporting event!), we did a run through of the concert programme and the big horn solo in “Fatše La Heso” by Moerane still wasn't quite there... Unbeknownst to me, Hazel had gone home and practiced the solo along with recordings until well after 10pm. Her Dad said that when he went to bed at 10.30pm she was still singing along. She was so determined to play that solo!… In the actual evening performance, she absolutely nailed the solo and I really couldn't be prouder of her if I tried. It takes a lot of courage to play a French Horn and to play a solo but when it becomes such a hurdle as this, it takes real inner strength and determination to carry on. It is a rare thing and a real treat to see someone flourish like this… I am so proud of Hazel and will remember that moment for the rest of my life, as will Hazel, her parents and many others who were present in the Cathedral that night.

Poppy Livingstone - Voice

Poppy is an extraordinary student who works exceptionally hard and reaps the rewards. She won each of her three classes recently at the Cornwall Music Festival achieving 'outstanding' and marks of over 90 in each class. She is currently in “Carrie's War” at the Minack Theatre and will be playing the character Wednesday in the Polwhele House Summer Show - The Addam's Family. Recently, she was one of the Lost Boys in the pantomime at the Hall for Cornwall of Peter Pan. She performed the 'Young Eponine' in the 2022 UK Tour of Les Miserables and was in the Tesco Christmas advertising campaign last year. Poppy is a delight to teach. She works hard, at grade 4 level, and is always prepared for her lesson; she is eager to learn as much as she can and put it into practice. She is a Polwhele House Performing Arts Scholar as well as a member of many local performing clubs. Catch her now and get her autograph as this girl is going to set the world on fire!

Jojo Stobbs - Saxophone

Jojo has been learning the saxophone since September and has been working hard to free up her sound. Jojo has the potential to be a really good classical and jazz saxophonist. She is thoughtful and always keen to learn in lesson time, as well as at home. …In the last week Jojo was able to free up her jaw, giving an impressive flexibility of sound. Jojo is easy going and willing to try anything, even if it appears a bit silly. Jojo participates in extracurricular school ensembles and is an asset to her school.

Willow Finch - Violin

Willow has gone from strength to strength in her years of learning the violin. She has such a positive attitude and a really strong work ethic. She rises to every challenge set her so well and really listens to everything I suggest to help her improve, working at it until it makes a difference. Willow has undoubtably been one of the reasons why so many in her class have decided to learn the violin, along with her little sister. This term she is going to take part in her first Superstrings day in Truro and I am so very proud of her!

Ted Howard - Guitar

I started teaching Ted when he was in year 3 and he was already very knowledgeable of certain chords that beginners need to learn. He can play through the initial rock and pop syllabus from memory on certain songs, which I am very impressed with. He is always highly enthusiastic in lessons, and often sings whilst he plays, which is very hard to do at his age!

Luca Fogg - Piano

Luca is full of enthusiasm, he works hard and has achieved great results. He loves performing and loves nothing more than to learn a piece so well that he can play it at lighting speed!

Macaulay Kacorri - Brass

Macaulay has progressed fantastically since starting to learn the trumpet back in March of this year. He plays with a beautiful tone, and his control of both his embouchure and the instrument are continuing to improve. Recently we have been working on Macaulay's reading… I have been consistently impressed with his perseverance and enthusiasm. To go from a blank slate to beginning work towards Grade 1 in just 6 months is very impressive, and I hope that Macaulay feels proud of what he is achieving.

Edie Cook - Grade 3/4/5 student

An exceptional student! I cannot think of a more deserving candidate for the June 'Pupil of the Month Award'. Edie is 13 years old and is a polite, committed and conscientious pupil, working above and beyond every week. She is a very modest young lady and would not see herself as exceptional in any way, but the level of commitment she shows, her attitude and approach to learning, her reliability and loyalty to St. Austell Chamber Orchestra and the SuperStrings group is a special quality I have not come across in my 30
years of teaching. Having worked extremely hard towards her grade 4 examination on the violin this year I would dearly love for Edie to receive this award in recognition for her efforts and achievements.

Rosie K - Woodwind

Rosie started learning the Saxophone in Year 6, she is now year 7. She joined in with the Christmas concert at school, got stuck into Tros and Hellys band straight away and is not phased by anything. She is kind and supportive to her peers and will give anything a go. She has made so much progress, despite her incredibly busy schedule. I can't stress enough how proud I am of her.  She tries really hard and always does her best, without complaint.  She has signed up for Jazz band at Humphrey Davey School and would like to work towards becoming a music scholar; she is off to Paris with HDS band soon.  I think POTM recognition would really support her when she feels ready to apply. I have been going to her house to teach her or she has a lesson before Saturday band. My baby, Elowen is most welcome and Rosie does not mind playing her 'twinkle twinkle'. She really is a superstar and I am very proud of how hard she works and her amazing attitude! 

George Attison - Piano

Even though George is only 7, he has a fantastic attitude to learning to play the piano and his confidence and love of performing to others is wonderful to see. He has had full attendance for this year and in the 18 months that he's been learning has always been ready for his lessons with all the right books and a big smile! George practices effectively between lessons which gives him confidence and has enabled him to make great progress. He performed two pieces, beautifully, to a big audience at the end of the Spring Term. With such enthusiasm, talent and dedication, I'm sure that George is a great candidate for Pupil of the Month and will go forward to even greater achievements in the future.

Edie Newman - Pop and Rock Vocals

Edie has been committed to learning the Piano and Singing since lessons started in September 2021. Always well-prepared, on time and open to trying different warm-ups and song styles. Edie has never missed one lesson and so in a very short space of time, we are working on Grade 5 Trinity Rock and Pop Vocals. The perfect student!

Stanley Fletcher - Guitar

Stanley has worked consistently since the start of the academic year to build on skills and competencies, allowing him to make great strides in learning the Grade VIII repertoire for classical guitar.

Patrick Thurston - Percussion

Patrick is developing into a great young player. He is keen, enthusiastic and always well prepared. This year he has begun to make considerable progress and approaches his lessons with determination and energy. He practises extensively at home (no doubt helped by a new drum kit for Christmas!) and is supported by his parents. He is working towards his grade 1 exam, which he will hopefully take in the summer term.

Florence Judd - Woodwind

Florence is the model pupil!  Since September last year, when Florence was a grade 2 flute and beginner piano, she has worked her way up to grade 5 flute and grade 2 piano!  Besides this, since starting playing the saxophone not long ago, Florence  is now almost ready for her grade 4. She is currently a member of the CMST woodwind ensemble “Carrick Breeze” and about to join “CYWO” – the Cornwall Youth Wind Orchestra; she is also an active member of the music department at school.  It is very obvious she practices regularly and so pleasing that she won a CMST music award for her longer individual lessons.  Florence is an absolute pleasure to teach and a superstar.  One to keep an eye on for future stardom!

Holly Crompton - Strings

Holly is a year 11 student at Penrice Academy. Despite a heavy workload, and GCSE mocks looming, she has never wavered from her commitment to play the violin this term and has just passed ABRSM Grade 6.  For Holly to have put herself in an exam situation, on top of all her other commitments, this is absolutely tremendous!

 A more committed and conscientious pupil one couldn't wish for.  Holly is a dream student, totally reliable, and has never missed a lesson in 8 years.  She is a reliable member of a weekly string ensemble, ‘St. Austell Chamber Orchestra’ ( for pupils in the St. Austell/Roseland area), supporting every concert and festival appearance.  Holly is a result of CMST and the support she has received through the Award lesson scheme which has helped her enjoy playing and flourish on the violin.

Maisie Le Lacheur - Ukulele

Maisie is the pupil of the month for October 2022 and you can hear her story here in this interview with BBC Children in Need:

Olivia Thornhill - Brass

Olivia has only been learning the Cornet for the past year and she has already taken her Grade 1 exam. Olivia joined the St Keverne Youth band as a complete beginner alongside starting lessons and as well as home practice, Olivia takes her cornet down the road to her grandad and has regular practice sessions with him. Olivia is an extremely committed young lady who puts in a lot of work both at home, in lessons and in the St Keverne Youth band where she helps the other younger musicians during the rehearsal.

Jacob Parr

Jacob has gone from not practising very much at home to putting in lots more effort, and is also using his brass lessons as part of his Duke of Edinburgh Award. His dedication is paying off in that he is now producing a much clearer & consistent tone, with more ease in the higher register - and he is getting to grips with the rhythms of swing music! He always remembers his lesson time each week and takes on board any advice given. I think receiving this award will be a lovely recognition of his improved efforts, and help him to build confidence. Thank you! Jacob is a percussionist in Carrick Breeze, Carrick Winds, and CYWO. He recently performed the Xylophone solo - "Irish Washerwoman" in the Carrick Winds concert. He was absolutely outstanding. IN CYWO he's learning all of the really tricky tuned percussion parts, sometimes incorporating two split parts into one. He's so dedicated, so reliable, an absolute star.

Jennifer Hudson

Jennifer has worked so hard towards her ARSM for this term. All aspects of her Flute playing have significantly improved. She never misses a lesson and is always punctual. She recently performed with Bournemouth SO for school concerts in Truro and Launceston. She is the longest serving member of CYWO and Carrick Winds and there is no doubt as to her unfailing support for ensembles and Cornwall’s youth music. Currently in the process of finalising her programme for her ARSM performance examination, Jennifer has continued to work hard on all of her four chosen pieces, this intensity has developed her into a most accomplished flautist. She maintains a strict practice regime and is putting the final touches to her performance. She is most worthy of the 'Pupil of the Month' award.

Oliver Rudge

Oliver is now a year 11 student at Penrice Academy and he isn't the typical student one would think to put forward for an award like this, but he has impressed me so much in terms of his level of commitment and effort to learning the violin that I genuinely feel he deserves recognition for his efforts. He joined one of my violin groups when in year 4 at primary school, but at that time didn't really take to the violin and it wasn't long before he decided to drop out of the group. Then 7 years later approached me asking if he could have lessons again. Oliver had a violin at home which belonged to another family member and began to have lessons, starting completely from scratch. He really took to the instrument this time around, playing it daily at home and coming back week after week mastering each new piece of work and more. Within the space of 18 months he is playing repertoire from the grade 3 & 4 Associated Board syllabus. He is also a regular member of my string ensemble and although he has recently left school to go on study leave to concentrate on his GCSE exams, he comes in every Friday just to have his 20 minute violin lesson. You couldn't wish for a nicer, more committed student to teach and it has been a pleasure for me to see Oliver develop, achieve things he never thought he would be able to do in terms of technique and performance in such a short time. I wholeheartedly recommend you consider Oliver for a "Pupil of the Month Award".