Merrifield Preparatory pianists, Leon Fricke, Zoe Holloway and Micah Coutts, have brought home top honours from the Eduplex Music Eisteddfod 2025 in Pretoria, each winning gold.
Merrifield’s music teacher Nathan Johannisen has been teaching the three piano, with Zoe also taking vocal lessons.
Johannisen said the results were a result of a supportive environment, careful preparation, and a focus on keeping music engaging for young pupils.
“The idea of winning a medal is a bonus,” he said. “Our focus is having fun in the skill being taught. Their formative training at such a young age needs to be fun and relatable. They bring their own performance quality, and this is where we see them blossoming.”
Each pupil impressed in their own way. Leon competed in the programme category for his age group, performing a grade 3 repertoire, lasting just under 10 minutes. His polished performance earned him the title of category winner, in addition to his medal.
For Zoe, this was her first opportunity to tackle a more advanced piano solo in a competitive setting. Johannisen praised her for rising to the moment and delivering her best performance.
Micah, the youngest of the trio, performed a pre-grade 1 piano piece. Making gold on his first public appearance at an Eisteddfod was a particularly special achievement.
Johannisen said: “Each pupil had a standout moment, which shapes their growth and love for music.”
All three pupils scored above 80%, with adjudicators praising their technique, rhythm, accuracy, interpretation, and overall performance factors.
While the medals were cause for celebration, Johannisen stressed that competitions are just one part of the broader learning journey. He incorporates games, achievable goals, and different styles of music into lessons, ensuring balance between discipline and enjoyment.
Parental and school support made a difference. Johannisen said the recent staging of Shrek, The Musical was a vibrant expression of the school’s arts programme, and gave pupils valuable experience.
“Parents play a huge role too,” Johannisen said. “We are blessed to work with families who value their child’s musical journey.”
The three pupils are now preparing for international music examinations as well as future performances.
Lessons are tailored to their interests, as they start exploring jazz, pop and gospel.
Johannisen said: “These musicians are very dedicated. They trust the process, work hard, and bring their own element to each performance. We are constantly reaching for new levels and cultivating a love for music in our daily lives.”
