Grade 5 piano pupil Murray-John Boonzaier, 11, has played his way into Trinity College London’s music hall of fame, scooping a spot on the international exam board’s Eastern Cape list of top achievers.

He is one of just over 100 provincial candidates awarded 90% or above in the annual music assessment, which took place at Nelson Mandela University in Gqeberha in November last year.

The Trinity exams attract over 850 000 candidates each year, in more than 60 countries, and cover several disciplines, including music, drama and combined arts.

“I’m super-proud of maestro Murray-John,” said piano teacher Natasha Brown. “He has a natural talent and every song that he plays, he does with great enthusiasm and love.

“It is such a pleasure teaching this young boy and an honour for our school to have a representative like him!”

Murray-John’s mother, Saskia, said that the family was very grateful to Mrs Brown for her encouragement and dedication.

“She is just the most inspiring and creative teacher you could ever meet. She has endless patience and love for music and her pupils.

“Murray-John can’t wait for his lessons each week and we are so honoured to have someone of Natasha’s expertise and capabilities in the village and school.”

He had also been inspired by local musician, piano tuner and instrument expert Christo Nel, from whom the Boonzaiers bought a Knight piano for Murray-John at the beginning of this year, she said.

“Having his very own piano has meant that he can practise his pieces in his bedroom last thing at night, in order to relax before bed.”

Trinity College London local area representative (Eastern Cape) Dawn Spence said that she was very proud of all the pupils who had participated – many of whom achieved distinctions in the high eighties.

“I really am very proud of the successes in 2022. Keep it up – we have a wonderful music tradition in our province and that is very uplifting.”