Max was always quite a shy student who fell in love with the drums immediately. He plays everyday and often comes in to show me something new he's learnt by himself or made up. From a shy 10-year-old who found it hard to sometimes communicate well with me, and who certainly didn't want to perform in front of others initially, drums has turned him around.

He's found something he can be really proud of sharing and he is now playing in an upcoming performance in front of over 200 people, adults and children. This is an amazing achievement, as are his exam results, gaining a Distinction at Grades 3 and 4 in a very short time. 

The confidence he's gained from learning the instrument and the exam grades confirming his ability is hugely important as he moves up into secondary school. He now is looking to join every performance opportunity offered by the secondary school, whereas a year ago I don't think he'd have had the confidence to do this at all.