Kevin Musgrave

On first impression, there is nothing remarkable about Kevin Musgrave. Like many other 14-year-old boys, Kevin enjoys athletics such as basketball and bicycling. Strike up a conversation, and you will discover a polite young man with a sense of humor. As the topic turns to school, you may learn that Kevin earned the highest score in BC on his grade 10 provincial math exam - an achievement matched by few of his peers.

Impressive as that is, it is when Kevin sits at the piano and starts to play, that you will discover what is truly remarkable about this extraordinarily talented young man. Classical music flows from his fingers with the refined touch of a pianist far beyond his years. Close your eyes and savor his singing tone, subtle shading, and precise technique, and you will realize that you are listening to an exceptionally gifted young pianist.

The music of Chopin and Debussy are among his favorites, and Kevin performed selections from these great composers to a standing ovation at The Old Schoolhouse in Qualicum in September, 2006, and in subsequent concerts with the Parksville Community Choir before Christmas. Here is what he played:

Program
Prelude in A Major Op 28 - Chopin
Impromptu in F Sharp Major Op 36 - Chopin
Reflets dans l'eau (Reflections in the Water) - Debussy
Waltz in D Flat Major Op 64 No. 1 (Minute Waltz) - Chopin
Etude in F Minor Op 25 No. 2 - Chopin
Grande Valse Brillante in E Flat Major Op 18 - Chopin

Watch Kevin's performance at left.

Kevin Musgrave learned to play the piano through many hours of dedicated practice, and by studying music with his parents, Paul Christopher Musgrave, and Machiko Yamane.

2011 Update
Kevin is now enrolled in the University of Toronto electrical engineering program. Did his many years of piano education help him excel academically? Numerous scientific studies support that conclusion, showing that music education improves general academic achievement in children.