I've set myself a daunting musical challenge, to help more children access music lessons of their own. A couple of years ago, I heard about another music teacher taking eight music exams on one day (one of each grade) on eight different instruments! I thought that sounded like an amazing challenge and a lot of fun, and slowly decided that I would love to have a go. I'm using a different exam board and taking an Initial Grade as well as Grades 1-8 inclusive. The exam board says that this feat has never been attempted before. I will be taking:

Initial Grade Trumpet, Grade 1 Classical Guitar, Grade 2 Trombone, Grade 3 Cello. Grade 4 Xylophone, Grade 5 Singing. Grade 6 Bassoon, Grade 7 Piano and Grade 8 Soprano Saxophone!

I'm a professional musician and have been teaching for around 25 years; however, none of these instruments are my 'real' ones! With around six weeks to go, I need all the encouragement I can get!

My friends, colleagues and school governors have been enormously supportive with helping me to raise the exam fees, lending instruments and music, and offering to accompany me for my exams. I hope I can make everyone proud by raising a huge amount of money.

The Sidney Lawton Trust supports musicians by helping to fund lessons for those who would otherwise be unable to access them for financial reasons. The Trust also purchases all kinds of musical instruments which can be used by anyone in the school, and funds musical workshops/ opportunities for the benefit of all pupils.