15-year-old Edward was nominated for TrinityTalent Class of 2021 in the Progress category. He completed his Drums ATCL Diploma with distinction and took his exam with a private music teacher. During his ATCL he learned a broad range of new music skills, studying technical drumming for jazz, latin, rock fusion and orchestral style, and spent many hours transcribing detailed scores on Sibelius. Edward has gone on to use his new skills in school bands, for his music GCSE, as part of his Duke of Edinburgh award, and has documented his rehearsals on Instagram at @eddiemarshalldrums.
Edward was nominated by his parents, who said:"He has ultimately progressed beyond belief and his confidence has grown enormously. He spent hours perfecting his technical and coordination skills, receiving online feedback through what was a really challenging period of homeschooling."
The Trinity panel said: “The standard Eddie is working at for his ATCL is impressive. He demonstrates a maturity in his playing that goes beyond his age. His skills in performance show real dedication. He presents a complete package as a young artist and has made drumming an intrinsic part of his everyday life.”
The Youth Choice panel said: “Eddie has shown a lot of skill as a drummer and we can see in his performance that he loves music. We can see his development as a musician and how often he practises and how he engages really well online.”
How do you feel about being selected to be part of TrinityTalent Class of 2021 and being recognised in this way?
I feel incredibly proud to be selected for TrinityTalent.
How do you feel you have developed creatively and artistically in 2021?
The ATCL Diploma repertoire covers a wide range of musical genres. Having learnt many new skills with my teacher I am now able to confidently play jazz, latin, orchestral, rock fusion and many more genres with authenticity.
What impact did your Trinity qualification have on your artistic development?
I have learnt that preparing for a Diploma is about developing my own musical style. I have studied many new techniques, musical genres and new repertoire, but my teacher always encouraged me to experiment with my own ideas. I now transcribe all my ideas and scores so I have an accurate log of my work for the future.
Has taking part in a Trinity qualification helped you to develop wider skills, such as communication skills, creativity or confidence?
I’m definitely a more confident performer. My teacher encouraged me to examine my own performances on video using the Trinity exam criteria. This helped me to be able to amend my technique, think about programme order and improve my musical communication. I have also developed great transcribing skills which are useful in GCSE and A Level music composition.
If you took a digital music exam, please tell us how you found the experience of recording your performance
Preparing for a digital Diploma meant that I became more aware of the exam criteria. I recorded several videos of the full Diploma and was able to examine myself and make improvements before the final film day. I also had two drum kits and an orchestral drum for my exam, so the digital exam meant that I didn’t have to transport all the kit!
What are the next steps for you artistically and creatively in 2022?
I’m already working on my Trinity LTCL Diploma and plan to take it in July this year. I’m using my new percussion skills in big band and in the symphony orchestra.
What are your longer term aims, for example for your future studies or work?
I’d really love to take my FTCL while I’m doing my A Levels. That’s my next goal. There are some very technical pieces in the syllabus that I want to be able to play.
Have you got any advice for other young people working towards a Trinity qualification?
Think about creating a performance that the examiner will really enjoy and show your own musical personality. Find a teacher who really inspires you!
Is there anything creative you’re currently working on you’d like to tell us about?
I’m currently working on my music GCSE compositions alongside my Trinity LTCL Drum Kit Diploma. I’m planning a live drum kit solo concert in March at school. I also study piano and orchestral percussion and I’m working with a friend on a piano duet which we are performing in a few weeks.
Read more about the talented young people selected to be featured as part of the TrinityTalent Class of 2021.
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