The Royal Conservatory recently honoured Elora resident Zoe Clarke, winner of the 2012 gold medal for scoring the top mark in Ontario and Québec on the Grade 3 Guitar examination, during a ceremony in Toronto.
“It was very exciting knowing there would be other people there who were really great musicians,” said Clarke, a 15-year-old student at Centre Wellington District High School, where she plays tuba in the school’s concert band.
Clarke’s classical guitar teacher and mentor is Edward Szocinski, of Long and McQuade in Guelph, who has taken the student from the basics to a gold medal standard in just two years.
“I had no idea of the gold medal win,” said Clarke. “Ed mentioned the exam, so I started practicing. I had no idea what it was about before that.”
In her exam, Clarke performed five pieces including The Minuet from Cantata No. 26; Suite BWV822 Minuet; Allegretto and Allegretto Grazioso.
Regional gold medals are awarded each academic year to Conservatory examination candidates in Preparatory A and B and Grades 1 to 10 who achieve the highest mark in their respective province or designated region.
Eligible candidates must score at least 80 per cent on their practical examination and must have completed the co-requisite theory examinations for their respective grade and discipline.
Clarke’s final average was 96 per cent, a feat that amazed the young artist herself. But her passion for classical guitar is evident.
“I love how it is like a band all in one instrument. But the skill involved in it is such a challenge that once you can play a song, it becomes part of you,” Clarke said.
“When I look at the music, it looks so incredibly difficult. But once you get it into your fingers and into your head, it becomes almost intuitive. It flows very nicely.”
Having the right teacher inspires Clarke to continue her study of the guitar.
“My favorite classical guitarist would be Edward. I have no idea how he does what he does,” she said, of his talent.
Under his direction, Clarke dreams of completing her Grade 8 guitar level by the end of high school, which she admits is a big challenge.
“I’m hoping to continue to take the rest of my exams,” she said.
Then, she hopes to pack up her guitar and head to medical school.
The Royal Conservatory is one of the largest and most respected music and arts education institutions in the world. Providing the definitive standard of excellence in music education through its curriculum, assessment, performance, and teacher education programs globally. Over 47,000 examinations take place across Ontario and Québec.
For more information visit www.rcmusic.ca.
