This week, we wanted to dedicate our blog to celebrating Manni Geng who has just been awarded a place with the Junior RNCM! Junior RNCM is a community of musically gifted students, aged 8-18, who meet every Saturday to develop their skills at the Royal Northern College of Music. The Junior RNCM is very prestigious and gaining a place involves a rigorous application and audition process so we’re super excited for Manni and very proud of her achievement, especially since she’s only 9 years old! She kindly agreed to answer a few interview questions for us so here’s what she had to say:-

What instruments do you play and how long have you been playing them?

I play the piano and flute. I have played the piano for 3 years and 10 months and have played the flute for 10 months.

Why did you first want to learn an instrument?

I wanted to learn the piano because I thought that it was a beautiful instrument and its sound was amazing; and I wanted to learn the flute because one of my friends inspired me and I thought that I wanted a challenge.

What was applying for the junior RNCM like? Did you enjoy it?

All candidates applying for Junior RNCM need to go through an audition. When I was sitting in the waiting room waiting for my turn, this was the peak of anxiety but when I started the audition and began to play my instruments, all anxiety disappeared, and I forgot my surrounding; I was no longer nervous. Yes, I did enjoy the audition.

Which instrument do you like playing the most and why?

Well, that is a hard question, but I have to say, I like both a lot. The piano is hard because of the coordination between the two hands, but when you get the finished product, it is extremely satisfying. With the flute, directing the airway correctly is challenging but when you get a good, clear sound the overall piece sounds brilliant!

Do you have a favourite piece of music?

I like Fur Elise by Beethoven, and Alla Turca by Mozart. In jazz piano, I like quite a moderate jazzy kind of style of music, such as Entertainer by Scott Joplin, but not too much of the modern style.

What are you most looking forward to about being involved with the Junior RNCM?

At Junior RNCM, I not only learn the instruments, I also get to learn musicianship/improvisation and theory/harmony composition. I will also have chance to be involved in different ensembles and orchestras, and it will be great to be able to make friends with like-minded children who love music as me!

What have you liked most about learning at The Music Place?

I began my piano learning with Jonni at The Music Place when I was 6. What I have liked most is to learn how to play my music pieces with my teachers. The teachers are friendly AND helpful, especially Jonni and Jo.

 

Manni will be taking her Grade 6 piano and Grade 4 Flute exams at the end of the month and we wish her all the best! Congratulations on your amazing achievement.

Have a lovely week everyone!