Limassol’s Lev Nekhin earns ARSM diploma with Distinction at age 10

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.