Main content
Sorry, this episode is not currently available

Making the Grade

Why do older people take up instruments and put themselves through music exams? James Peak tries for Grade 1 piano alongside candidates with stage fright and Parkinson's disease.

Why are more and more older people taking up instruments and putting themselves through music exams? Presenter and terrible musician James Peak follows the stories of several candidates as they try for their ABRSM piano exam.

James is aiming for Grade 1 piano and discovers that everyone has their own reasons for trying to make the grade. Along the way he meets Carroll who has Parkinson's Disease and Nicola who suffers from stage fright.

Written and presented by James Peak
Produced by Lucinda Mason Brown

A Goldhawk Essential production for 大象传媒 Radio 4.

31 minutes

Nazanin and the mystery of a decades old tank debt

Nazanin and the mystery of a decades old tank debt

Has an old tank debt with Iran cost Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe her freedom?

Seriously... Archive

Even more seriously interesting documentaries from Radio 4.

Seriously... Reads

Read more about some of the amazing stories in Seriously...

Podcast