Latest news with #RoyalAcademyOfMusic
Daily Mail
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Myleene Klass admits she broke down in tears during 'feisty and fearless' daughter Ava's graduation ceremony as she recalls her 'lonely and fearful' journey as a single mother
Myleene Klass has revealed she broke down in tears during her daughter's graduation ceremony after viewing it as the culmination of a long and difficult journey through single parenthood. The presenter, 47, beamed with pride as talented pianist Ava, 17, graduated from the prestigious Royal Academy Of Music over the weekend. Myleene raises Ava and daughter Hero, 13, from her former marriage to Graham Quinn and son Apollo, five, with her fiancé Simon Motson. She was initially forced to raise her two eldest children alone after Quinn walked out on the presenter on her 35th birthday in 2013, just two years after their wedding. Recalling her early struggles in a lengthy Instagram tribute to Ava, Myleene admitted she felt 'lonely, fearful and as though the world was against her' as she adapted to life on her own. Accompanying her post with a handful of graduation photos, Myleene stunned in a black gown which featured cream fabric pleats - a dress she reused from her appearance at the Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning global film premiere in London in May. Meanwhile Ava, who attended the Royal Academy Of Music, cut a classic display in a red fitted floor-length gown which featured a meter long train. 'My daughter Ava has finally graduated high school,' she wrote. 'I haven't cried so much in ages. It's because I know our journey. 'And because of this, I wanted to acknowledge today in particular, the single Mamas (I know there are single dads but I can only speak from my own experience). 'Like you, there were days bringing up Ava (and Hero) where it felt the world was fighting against us and I was very much on my own. 'We have an amazing community around us but as a single mum when they were so young, the fear, the loneliness, the decision making, the mental load before everything else is considered, can really overwhelm. 'There were people who wanted to see me fail and to them as well as the majority who wanted to see us win, thank you for spurring me on.' She added: 'Today is recognition of what we have achieved, I had no intention of failing my children. Ava, I have single handedly grafted so that you might have the best I could give you and you have in turn risen up and grabbed everything with gusto, determination and resilience. 'You are fiesty, fearless and stronger than I could have ever imagined yet soft, loving and kind in equal measure. 'In the days I wondered where I would get the strength, it came from my girls. When they worry about me and how much I take on, I remind them, I'm forged from the fire. Single Mamas, I see you and so do our babies. Well done, keep on keeping on x 'And to my eldest daughter, my Ava bear, my day one, my forever love, thank you for choosing me to be your Mama. 'You are talented, smart, intuitive and an exceptional human being. My sun rises and sets with you. Go out and see the world on your terms babygirl. Just remember to come home every once in a while to tell Mama all about it. X 'Klass of 2025, Dismissed' Ava has previously showcased her incredible musical abilities as she appeared alongside her mother on Good Morning Britain to play the cello in 2023. Myleene explained she was 'so proud' of her daughter as they delivered a stunning piano performance of The Pogues' Fairytale Of New York on the breakfast show. Showing that she's inherited her mother's classical talents, Ava impressed with the moving cello performance, with Myleene admitting it made her feel 'emotional.' Ava said: 'I always wanted to be like her [Myleene] I'd dress like her and want to play like her. I am getting emotional; I am so proud.' The pair's performance was praised by viewers, with one posting: 'Is it only me that gets emotional watching parents performing with their kids awww. I think it's priceless (heart melting).' A second added: 'Absolutely beautiful and heartwarming.' The star previously shared that Ava sat her cello diploma at the age of 14, and earned herself a place at the prestigious Royal Academy of Music. Writing on Instagram, she said: 'Proud Mum alert. Today @pianos_our_forte took her Cello Diploma exam. (She'll kill me for saying this, but for context, muso's usually take their Grade 8's at 16 (she took 2 at 12) and Diplomas at 17/18, she's taking two at 14),' Myleene wrote alongside snaps of her and Ava outside the examination room. 'She is phenomenally dedicated, super talented and conscientious, but ultimately, this girl is kind.' 'I couldn't be more proud of her and cheering her on, driving her to her exams and sobbing as I sit in the waiting room hearing her play her heart out is nothing short of a privilege,' the proud mum gushed. Myleene then revealed that 'Ava's joining @royalacademyofmusic in a few weeks and we'll be there cheering her on every step of the way.' Myleene explained she was 'so proud' of her daughter as they delivered a stunning piano performance of The Pogues' Fairytale Of New York on the breakfast show The pair's performance was praised by viewers, with one posting: 'Is it only me that gets emotional watching parents performing with their kids awww' Myleene previously shared that Ava sat her cello diploma at the age of 14 , and earned herself a place at the prestigious Royal Academy of Music 'To the people who think Ava's amazing because I can play the piano, I can only help, I can't play it for her! This is her achievement. 'To the kids out there sacrificing their time in practice rooms, feeling the frustration, the worry of extra exams the blisters on their fingers and the mums ferrying them around, I see you.' 'You are part of the best tribe ever. You've taken the harder route but we're here for the Marathon, not the sprint. Muso's rock.' In March 2023, Myleene also shared her pride as Ava performed at her 'first official concert' with Martin Clunes. The proud mum captured parts of the talented teens rehearsals and the show for the Royal Academy of Music which included the Doc Martin actor, 61. Myleene said Ava 'absolutely smashed' her performance and 'forgets she is only 15' as the dedicated teenager took her Grade 8 piano exam when she was only 12-years-old. She penned: 'My babygirl @pianos_our_forte played her first official concert for the @royalacademyofmusic this weekend.' The presenter joked she got to play 'momager' for the weekend as she steamed her daughters dress for the occasion and took her to rehearsals. She continued: 'I got to play 'Momager' sticking music together, driving Ava to rehearsals and steaming her dress. 'She absolutely smashed it playing one of two monster pianos with #MiaWepener, #DorsetChamberOrchestra and #MartinClunes narrating. Musical Director of pianos, @duncanhoneybourne 'Watching her play, it's easy to forget she's still only 15. Most take grade 8 in their late teens. She took two at 12 and then a diploma.'
BBC News
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Royal Academy of Music to open new campus in Docklands
The Royal Academy of Music (RAM) is planning to open a new east London campus which it says will provide "endless possibilities".The London City Island development in Docklands will include four large studios, 10 teaching and practice rooms alongside a grand piano and in-built recording will continue to be based on Marylebone Road in central London for the majority of its teaching, practice and rehearsal sessions, as well as all public principal Jonathan Freeman-Attwood said: "This acquisition is a game changer for the Royal Academy of Music and integral to our future as we take our already world-class facilities to a new level and to a new place." Work on London City Island should start in spring 2026 after designs are completed this hopes the 22-minute journey time from its main base "will provide additional opportunities for students, relieve pressure on the main building".It added that there were "no plans to increase the intake of students, and these new facilities are designed solely to improve the student experience".The building is close to English National Ballet's headquarters and will be designed by AOC Architecture whose recent work includes Young V&A in Bethnal Green, the National Archives in Kew and Somerset House Studios.
Irish Times
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Times
‘Lia's journey encouraged me to further my own education'
I am delighted to share my journey alongside my sister, Lia Gogarty, as we navigate the world of performance, education, and inclusion . My passion for acting began at the age of three, nurtured by encouraging teachers and parents. I completed all grades in drama and speech with the Royal Academy of Music before pursuing a degree in Drama at Sligo University. During my studies, I took on the rewarding challenge of teaching Lia and her friends with Down syndrome in Louth for four years, including during the pandemic via Zoom. Their creativity and resilience inspired my thesis, which explored teaching young adults with disabilities through the Chekhov technique. This involves a psychophysical approach to acting. Chekhov's technique encourages actors to keep their emotions grounded in physical gestures – it is guided by principles like movement, radiating and improvisation. My research led me to engage with innovative acting schools and theatre companies dedicated to inclusive performance, shaping my perspective on the power of artistic expression for all. READ MORE Lia, in turn, was inspired by my path and pursued a degree in acting, recently completing her studies. Her journey encouraged me to further my education, leading me to a postgraduate degree in primary education. I specialised in special educational needs and worked within Special Education Needs and Disabilities units while continuing to integrate drama into my teaching. Committed to deepening my expertise, I later completed a postgraduate qualification to become a special educational needs co-ordinator. This year, I have had the privilege of working in a primary school for children with speech and language difficulties – a role that has allowed me to combine my love for acting with my passion for education. Now, as I prepare to return to Ireland this summer, I look forward to bringing the knowledge and experiences I have gained back home, championing inclusivity and creative learning for future generations.
BBC News
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Harvey, 11, learned to play piano by watching YouTube videos
Do you ever watch baking, dance or gaming tutorials online, and did it help you learn a new skill? Well, that is exactly what 11-year-old Harvey from Norfolk did. He picked up the skills to teach himself piano in just five months by watching YouTube tutorials. "I wanted to learn because I found it therapeutic and it was really satisfying playing music like this" he told BBC Radio Norfolk. He now says he practises around two to three hours per day. Harvey says he plays what he wants to, and enjoys classical music like Ludwig van Beethoven. He has performed at a residential homes for the elderly where his Mum works and in public spaces like at train stations. "It is really nice when you get applause from people. It makes you feel like your performance has been accepted," he that practise has paid off and Harvey's new piano teacher says he is now playing at the top Grade Eight level. He has recently started learning how to read sheet music and says he is even "starting to tinker with composing my own music". He has even been invited to visit the prestigious Royal Academy of Music in London. He will spend time with professionals and music experts to see where his new-found talent can take him.
