12 year old, youngest pianist to pass Piano Performance Diploma (Dip ABRSM)?

Pianist Michael Ng featured in the Oxford Mail

In my search for youngest pianists to attain particular grades, such as Grade 1,  Grade 8, I've come across a 12 year old Michael Ng, from Bicester, UK who might be the youngest to attain the Diploma (Piano Performance) from the Associated Board, Royal Schools of Music.


Michael started piano at the age of 5, and reached grade 8 piano at age 10, earning a distinction. Attaining the next level - this 1st level diploma of the Royal Schools of Music, equates to the first year piano undergraduate performance level at the Royal College of Music or Royal Academy of Music. Example pieces you could play at this level include the entire Moonlight Sonata, or Pathetique Sonata. The total recital time required for the diploma is 30 minutes.


The Piano Sage has researched Michael's piano youtube page and is pleased to present Michael Ng', in his preparation for his Diploma exam performing Scarlatti and Beethoven in Nov 2011.


Scarlatti K208 & K209



Beethoven Sonata in F Op10 No2 1st Movement


Beethoven Sonata in F Op10 No2 2nd Movement


 Beethoven Sonata in F Op10 No2 3rd movement


Further Reading: 

• Young Pianist Makes Grade (Oxford Mail, 8 March,  2012)
  http://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/9575895.Young_pianist_makes_grade/
• Young pianist hits the high notes with exam success (2010)
  http://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/8312002.Young_pianist_hits_the_high_notes_with_exam_success/