New Steinway-Scholar ’24-25 announced

We are delighted to announce the new Trinity-Steinway Scholar for 2024-25, Upper Sixth student Caden.  

Two talented students progressed to the final stage of the competition: Caden and Lower Sixth student Isaac. Professor Vanessa Latarche, Head of Keyboard at the Royal College of Music, was in China for the final audition, so students performed live via video conferencing. Caden was the unanimous winner. 

Caden has dreamed of becoming the Steinway Scholar since he attended the Trinity Open Day ahead of joining in the First Year. He said, “I had no idea that piano could be taken to such a high level in a school environment, it was exciting.” 

Mr Evans, Head of Piano says, “When Caden first started, he was having piano lessons outside of school but transferred to one of our teachers, Mrs Fédérici, and started Trinity Music Academy in the Third Year. It was transformative for him. Caden has found a style of music [French] that he has connected to, that has become his voice and draws people in. He is now one of the best pianists in school.” 

Caden continues, “I have been influenced a lot by Mrs Fédérici; she passed her enjoyment of French music on to me. Originally, I just enjoyed making music for myself but as I’ve got older, I appreciate when my music affects people emotionally, I think it’s really special. The first time it happened was during a competition with the Trinity Music Academy when I performed Messiaen’s Prelude No. 8 – Un reflet dans le vent [reflections in the wind]. A parent told me my performance had been really moving and memorable. It took me by surprise, but I liked it. 

“I felt very, very happy to be named the Steinway Scholar, with a small sense of relief. Being able to tell my parents, who have been rooting for me since the First Year, was wonderful. I am hoping to use the scholarship grant to go to Paris for a masterclass with my piano teacher’s old teacher. 

“I am currently applying for degree apprenticeships in computer science and have found I can talk about my piano as part of the application process. There are many transferable skills, like having the confidence in my ability to perform under pressure, that make me stand out. 

Mr Evans agrees, “We don’t always produce students who want to be professional musicians, but the transferable skill set is enormous. Being a Trinity-Steinway Scholar makes your CV stand out, gives interviewers a point of discussion, and it shows you have multiple dimensions to what you can achieve.” Congratulations Caden!

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The annual Trinity-Steinway Scholarship is a unique award and collaboration between Trinity, Steinway & Sons and the Royal College of Music, supporting talented young pianists. Caden will attend lessons with Professor Latarche at the RCM, can use the grant to attend a masterclass of his choice and give recitals in the Trinity Piano Festival, will tour Venice in 2025 and a final performance at the Steinway Hall.   

Trinity became the first All Steinway School in London in 2012 and now benefits from an impressive fleet of 25 pianos, including two model D concert grand pianos and five further grand pianos. The Steinway Suite is the first teaching facility of its kind in the world, offering exceptional practice and research facilities.