Percussionist celebrates specialist music success in England

Kieran C (Upper Sixth) left Malaysia to pursue an English education in Specialist Music at Wells Cathedral School when he was 16 years old. After a remarkable year at Wells, he has flourished immeasurably and now sets his sights on a career as a professional musician.

Speaking to Kieran about his experience at the 1,115 year old school, one of the oldest schools in the world, he describes how he has been enabled to thrive at the prestigious British institution:

“I’ve always known I’ve wanted to do music. Joining Wells in the Sixth Form was an amazing decision offering so many opportunities to study different genres of music and areas of percussion which I wasn’t exposed to before. Everything I experience here has helped me grow and become a better musician and person.”

Kieran studies under Jayne Obradovic, the School’s Head of Percussion, as well as Tom Highnam and Matt Hardy. Jayne has taught at Wells for 32 years and will be remembered fondly by a number of School alumni.

Kieran was effusive about the way Wells Cathedral School has helped him to develop as a musician, saying:

“Wells has given me a lot of tools to develop as a musician and these skills will really help me with future auditions. Wells does an amazing job at providing me with both the opportunity to perform whilst also providing an academic education off the stage.”

And it shows: last year Kieran auditioned to be part of the highly competitive National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain (NYO). Despite only studying Specialist Percussion for a year, he was awarded a place in the orchestra, spending early January on tour across the country, with concerts in prestigious UK venues including the Barbican Hall, London.

Kieran credits the way in which his education has helped him to reach this level:

“NYO is a group where orchestral playing is a lot about teamwork. I think a lot of young musicians in particular overlook that aspect of orchestral playing. At Wells you’re always working with different people and I think that helps you grow your leadership skills and the way you communicate with others.”

But it’s not all about music for Kieran. One of the special things about Wells Cathedral School is that pupils take part in normal lessons and sports to ensure a well-rounded education and a balanced lifestyle.

“I was privileged to be named both Percussion and Volleyball captain this year. It’s important for me to balance everything.”

Asked about his move from Malaysia to the UK, he said:

“At first it was scary because I’d been at the same school for almost my entire life. But I soon realised there was nothing to be scared of because it’s a nice place with lovely people. Plus, you’re so busy with the Music and academics that you don’t have time to think about anything else!”

On top of his NYO selection, Kieran has been applying for higher education at the UK’s top conservatoires. He has received offers from three choices, including the Royal Academy of Music, where he plans to study after Wells, in London. 

Jayne Obradovic commented:

“We were thrilled that Kieran chose to come to the UK and delighted he appreciates the well-rounded experience our School offers. As he transitions from Wells to The Royal Academy of Music he carries with him the rich experience and lessons from his time at our School.”


To find out more about Specialist Music at Wells, visit https://wells.cathedral.school/music/