Limassol, Cyprus. Ten-year-old pianist Lev Nekhin has passed the Associate of the Royal Schools of Music diploma, known as the ARSM, with Distinction after performing a recital of classical works from memory.
Diploma recital
Lev performed works by Bach, Beethoven, Debussy and Chopin during a half-hour recital. He said the result exceeded his expectations.
“I felt shocked and proud at the same time,” he said. “I never thought I would get a Distinction. I thought I would get below pass.”
The ARSM is a professional-level qualification for young pianists.
Beginning during the pandemic
Lev began learning piano during the Covid-19 pandemic, when he spent more time at home and started using an electronic piano in the house.
“My babysitter played the piano,” he said. “I thought, ‘Why don’t I learn it too?’”
His father listens to classical music while driving and at home, and Lev said the melodies had become familiar to him before he began playing.
