Making the Grade

Why are more and more older people taking up instruments and putting themselves through music exams?

Presenter and terrible musician James Peak follows the stories of several candidates as they try for their ABRSM piano exam.

James is aiming for Grade 1 piano and discovers that everyone has their own reasons for trying to make the grade.

Along the way he meets Carroll who has Parkinson’s Disease and Nicola who suffers from stage fright.

Written and presented by James Peak.

Producer: Lucinda Mason Brown

A Goldhawk Essential production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in January 2017.