Kirsty was nominated by her tutor for her achievements with singing and playing the bass guitar in her Rock and Pop qualification. They said Kirsty is an 'all rounder who is passionate about all aspects of music. Working on her vocal grades has introduced Kirsty to many different skills and techniques, including how to use a microphone and has given her the confidence to write her own songs and perform at open mic nights. Her first vocal exam was in 2015 and in 2017 her song ’Road to home’ was played on BFBS radio and she performed it to over 4,000 people at the 10th anniversary at the Armed Forces memorial service in Alrewas. In 2018 she has won a Shooting Roots singing competition (Sidmouth Folkweek) and was a New Roots finalist (2018), a national competition for young folk performers. This year alongside her grade 4 vocal and grade 6 musical theatre in production she also earned two solo appearances at the Whitby Folk Festival (August) and was invited to open the show at ‘The Witham’, our local arts venue for Katie Doherty and the navigators (September).
In what ways would you say your Rock and Pop qualification has influenced your artistic achievement, creativity, leadership or progress?
I really enjoyed working through the grade books as they introduced me to music styles and techniques that I may not have encountered otherwise. For example, in vocals I learnt about show tunes from ‘Sparkling Diamonds’ and in bass I explored a Blues style in ‘I shot the Sheriff’.
How has participating in a Rock and Pop qualification impacted your artistic skills or career development?
The experience has given me confidence to compose and perform my own songs using different techniques. It has also given me the confidence to join and play in a rock band, called ‘Feedback’. Another benefit is I have gained UCAS points for my university application.
What's next for you?
I am continuing to work towards grade 8 in bass guitar and my Gold Arts Award. Next year I plan to study music A-Level to then go on to a music degree.
What are your career aims?
I want to compose for stage and screen, as well as write and perform my own songs.
Have you got any advice for other young people working towards a Rock and Pop qualification?
Don’t always choose songs that you know – choose songs that you can learn a lot from. Try to play with other musicians or play in front of an audience as this can help you control your nerves, which is really helpful when taking the exams. Have fun and just enjoy making music!
Watch Kirsty perform or listen to her original work on SoundCloud.
Read more about the talented young people selected to be featured as part of the TrinityTalent Class of 2019.
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