Durban Girls’ College pupil hits high notes in piano exam

Playing music brings a sense of calm amid the chaos for Durban Girl’s College (DGC) Grade 11 pupil Alaya Singh.

Alaya, 16, recently earned a distinction pass in a Trinity College London Piano Grade 7 examination and scored 96%.

She lives in Essenwood with her mom, Mohini, father Nishal, and her cat, Misty.

She has an older brother who is currently studying computer science at Stellenbosch University.

The close-knit family enjoy spending a lot of time together, Alaya said.

“I entered the piano exam a few weeks ago. I have been playing piano with my amazing teacher, Julie Macilwaine, since I was in Grade 4 at school. She introduced me to Trinity College Exams and I started with the Trinity Grade 2 Piano Exam and I have entered them ever since. I was 6-years-old when I developed an interest in the piano, my mom introduced me to it,” said Alaya.

Alaya is currently preparing for her Trinity College Grade 7 Violin Exam. She was a member of the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Youth Orchestra for four years and was also part of the Durban Girls’ College senior primary orchestra and high school orchestra.

“I have participated in many eThekwini Eisteddfods and DGC music competitions. I have been invited over the years to participate in the South African Society of Music Teachers Young Music Makers and Senior Students Concerts,” she said.

Alaya’s mom, Mohini, played the piano when she was a teenager and introduced her daughter to the instrument. Alaya said her favourite composer Beethoven.

“My favourite piece is his Fifth Symphony in C minor. My mom always played classical music for me when I was younger and Beethoven’s music has always been my favourite. He was an inspiring musician and sparked my love for the piano. If I were given a chance to perform with any of the musical greats, I would choose to play with him,” said Alaya.

“Music gives me a sense of peace and stability in my daily life. My schedule is often busy with academics and co-curricular activities. The time that I spend playing music gives me a break amidst the chaos.”

While she loves music she said she intends to pursue a career in actuarial science or accounting when she matriculates. As they both have a heavy workload, she said she will probably just play music for fun and keep it as a hobby.

“Music is a passion of mine and I would like it to remain that way. I think if I were to pursue it professionally, I would maybe lose my passion for it as it would become more of a task,” she said.