Millfield Prep pupil achieves highest violin grade aged 12

A pupil at Millfield Prep School has achieved the highest grade possible in violin at just 12 years old.

Zachariah Hunter Dunn, from Somerset, gained a distinction in Grade 8 violin in a recent exam. He now has ambitions to gain a distinction in Grade 6 in piano this year as well.

Beginning his violin lessons at age four, Zachariah was inspired by his mother, an amateur viola player. He learned through the Suzuki method and guided by his longtime teacher Alison Sutton, earned a distinction in Grade 5 violin while at West Pennard Primary School. 

Following Sutton's advice, Zachariah moved to Millfield Prep School, securing a music scholarship and continuing his studies with the Head of Strings, Clive Hughes, who is based at Millfield School.

Zachariah said, "I feel honoured to have achieved this recognition. It's not always been easy, but it has equally been so rewarding when I have stuck to it and achieved what I have."

In recent weeks, Zachariah has begun his auditioning for a music scholarship at Millfield for Year 9 in September.

"Zachariah’s achievement in gaining a distinction in his Grade 8 violin exam is outstanding," said Elly Sturges, Director of Music at Millfield Prep School. "To reach such an advanced level at this stage is a testament to his dedication, talent, and countless hours of practice. We are incredibly proud of his hard work and commitment to music."

Zachariah played on stage during the finale of Millfield's Prep's production of Beauty and the Beast. The full scale production was performed at Millfield's Meyer Theatre to four sell-out audiences before February half term.

Learn more about music at Millfield Prep at our next Open Day, here.