Examinations
Music examinations provide a nationally recognised musical achievement framework and Dr Mulcahy uses the syllabi provided by the three main United Kingdom examining boards:
The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music
TrinityGuildhall Examinations
London College of Music
These examination boards have all received full accreditation by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) and the corresponding regulatory authorities in Wales (ACCAC), and the examinations are recognised within the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).
Penarth Piano Academy is a registered specialist piano venue for TrinityGuildhall examinations.
The examination results of Penarth Piano Academy are regularly published and thus available for public scrutiny. From 1985 to the end of 2012 Dr Mulcahy's Academy has made a total of 2473 examination entries from initial to diploma level in pianoforte and theory of music, including:
287 Grade 1 piano candidates of whom 40% achieved distinction (above national average)
165 Grade 5 theory candidates of whom 68% achieved distinction (above national average)
68 Grade 8 piano candidates of whom 33% achieved distinction (above national average)
Several former students have continued their studies into higher education and are themselves now professional musicians, either teaching or performing. www.erinsawicka.co.uk
Some recent successful examination candidates:
Poppy Simpson-Wells awarded certificate of special merit from Trinity College London July 2008
Emily Groves, age 13, passed Grade 7 piano with distinction & Grade 5 theory with 100% July 2007
Byron Jones passed Grade 8 piano with distinction and Grade 8 theory with distinction and was awarded the Vale Adult Learners Trophy 2010
Lilwen Evans passed first examination with Distinction March 2013
Leanne Lirio passed Initial piano exam with 100% March 2013
Laura Soltys awarded a certificate of special merit from Trinity College London in 2012 after
passing Grade 8 Pianoforte, Grade 8 Theory and Grade 8 Pianoforte Duet.