A talented young musician at Bradford Grammar Junior School has been awarded a rare organ scholarship at just ten years old.
Year 6 pupil Jaycey L, who already plays the violin at Grade 7 and piano at Grade 4, and is one of the youngest members of the Bradford Youth Orchestra, was offered the scholarship both in recognition of her extraordinary musical potential and to give her a new challenge.
Chris Brook, Director of Junior School Music at Bradford Grammar School (BGS), said: “Jaycey is an exceptionally gifted musician. Her violin playing is already reaching diploma standard, and she’s a capable pianist and singer too. We wanted to introduce her to an instrument that would stretch her even further.”
Jaycey, who also sings with the Bradford Catholic Youth Choir and takes part in Yorchestra, an orchestral course in York held each summer and winter, said she was “really surprised” when she found out about the scholarship.
“The organ is an amazing instrument, but quite complex to play,” she said. “I love how it can produce different sounds of the orchestra, and how it’s unique from other instruments, as the music is sort of delayed because the pipes are so far away.”
BGS has a longstanding reputation for musical excellence, offering pupils opportunities to explore music across all levels and styles. Its programme includes choirs, orchestras and ensembles, as well as access to specialist tuition and performance spaces. Former pupils have gone on to achieve prestigious university music scholarships, including one alumnus who became an organ scholar at King’s College, Cambridge.
Mr Brook, himself a former BGS organist, said he hopes Jaycey’s success will inspire more young musicians to explore the instrument.
“The organ is a niche instrument, but we’re fortunate to have a superb one here at BGS. Having such a young girl learning it is really inspiring,” he said.
“We’d love to see more young people discovering the organ. It offers huge opportunities — not just musically, but in terms of confidence, performance and discipline. Jaycey has all the qualities to go far.”
Despite not coming from a musical family, Jaycey says her parents are her biggest supporters.
“My parents aren’t musicians, but they always encourage me,” she said. “When I’m older, I want to be a musician and I hope to help others through my music and make people happy when they listen to it.”
“We’d love to see more young people discovering the organ. It offers huge opportunities — not just musically, but in terms of confidence, performance and discipline. Jaycey has all the qualities to go far.”