88-year-old retired reverend gets distinction in grade 8 piano after 67 years of ga

Ray Eveleigh, an 88-year-old retired reverend from Kilham, East Yorkshire, has passed the Grade 8 piano exam with distinction, 67 years after taking his grade 7. Grade 8, the highest level of graded practical music exams in the UK, tests advanced technical skills, musical interpretation, and performance ability.
Eveleigh first studied piano as a child. In a conversation with The Guardian, Eveleigh admitted he was not always committed to practising. His dedication to music grew during his university years in Cardiff, where he met his wife Brenda, a soprano at the Royal college of music and drama. Brenda’s need for an accompanist motivated Eveleigh to improve his skills and take music more seriously.
Decades later, Eveleigh was encouraged by his daughter, Jenny Bray, a musician, to challenge himself with the grade 8 exam. He spent six months preparing, taking weekly lessons over zoom with his teacher, Ann Martin-Davis. His practice sessions focused on perfecting complex pieces by classical composers such as Bach and Beethoven.
Eveleigh’s efforts paid off when he achieved a distinction in the exam earlier this year. Reflecting on his experience, he acknowledged the discipline required but found the process rewarding. “It’s a privilege to play music by some of the world’s greatest composers,” he said to The Guradian.
He also stressed the importance of staying creative, especially for older adults. While his focus was piano, he encouraged others to pursue any form of artistic expression, noting its potential to keep the mind active and provide lasting satisfaction. “Creativity can enrich life at any stage,” he added.