Click the link to view the full version: WASCZ | Thirteen Years at the Piano: He Earns a Place at the RNCM
Kevin Wang Scott House
WASCZ Class of 2026
Offers Received – Music Performance
Royal Northern College of Music
Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama
Royal Birmingham Conservatoire
Leeds Conservatoire (Classical Music)
A Level Courses
Music, Music Technology, Chinese
Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM)
Founded in 1973, the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) is a world-renowned institution and a member of the ABRSM. RNCM has been recognised by the UK Department of Education as one of the top performing music colleges in the country, offering both academic excellence and artistic development.
“My first dream had finally come true.”
When Kevin received his offer from the Royal Northern College of Music, he was watching a film with his parents. As the glow from the screen lingered, another light—one that had guided him since Grade 6 at WASCZ—quietly came into focus. What once felt distant had now become reality.
Kevin began learning the piano at the age of five, and by twelve, he had set his sights firmly on the Royal Northern College of Music. Looking back on his thirteen-year journey, he summarises it in three words: patience, passion, and confidence.
Patience in Practice Hearing the Soul of Music
“Emotion” is a word Kevin returned repeatedly during our conversation. For him, performance is not simply about reproducing a piece, but about expressing and releasing its emotional depth. In this sense, he approaches music as an expressive, immersive performer.
This sensitivity to emotion was shaped by the professional guidance he received at WASCZ. Under the mentorship of his piano teacher, Mr Chernov, Kevin was introduced to the dramatic and emotionally charged works of the the Russian School of Piano. Their intensity and expressive power resonated deeply with his own musical temperament, helping him to discover a direction that truly suited him.
This connection is most evident in his interpretation of The Suggestion Diabolique by Sergei Prokofiev, one of the standout pieces in his portfolio. Drawn to its complex emotional layers and underlying reflections on humanity and peace, Kevin immersed himself not only in performance but also in music history, seeking to understand the composer’s context. Encouraged to follow his instincts and choose repertoire he genuinely loved, he brought a depth of feeling to his playing that resonated with listeners and ultimately earned him a place at his dream conservatoire.
Beyond instrumental training, WASCZ’s rich performing arts curriculum opened up new avenues of expression. “Music Technology is one of the most exciting courses,” Kevin shared. “With my teacher’s support, I’ve been able to compose my own music using software.” This allowed him not only to interpret others’ works, but also to express his own ideas and emotions through original compositions. For Kevin, enabling audiences, near and far, to connect with his inner world through music is deeply meaningful.
Throughout his musical journey at WASCZ, one simple principle has guided him: “Slow down and practise patiently.” It is a lesson instilled by his teacher and one that has shaped his approach—refining each phrase, correcting each note, and, over time, transforming understanding into effortless expression on the keys.
A Passion That Burns on Stage
If patience laid the foundation for Kevin’ musical technique, it is his passion for the stage that has carried him towards a wider world.
Since beginning piano at the age of five, Kevin’s journey has always been intertwined with performance. After joining WASCZ at twelve, he began to stand out in competitions, winning First Prize in the East China regional round of the Steinway International Piano Competition. He later achieved an outstanding 47/50 in his Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) examination. Around Grade 9–10, he held his first solo recital at WASCZ, followed by a Second Prize in the piano solo category at the WASCZ Cultural Festival last year.
Now, his third solo recital is set to take place just before graduation.
“Through engaging with musicians from around the world, I’ve broadened both my understanding and perspective of music,” Kevin reflects. “I’ve come to realise that music is not only a form of self-expression, but also a bridge for communication.” With the wealth of performance opportunities at WASCZ, Kevin has repeatedly stepped into the spotlight, connecting with audiences and channeling emotion through music. On stage, he releases, refines, and rediscovers his passion, each performance adding new depth to his musical voice.
While piano performance is often a solitary pursuit, Kevin found a new dimension of music-making in WASCZ’s percussion ensemble. There, he was introduced to instruments such as the vibraphone, xylophone, and marimba, and learned the importance of listening, collaboration, and ensemble balance. “This experience has made my understanding of music far more diverse,” he says. “When I arrive at the Royal Northern College of Music, I’ll be joining the percussion ensemble straight away.
This sense of collective energy was most vividly felt during the annual House Unison competition. As a music leader, Kevin was responsible for unifying different interpretations, aligning pitch, and guiding the ensemble towards a cohesive performance. It was not only a musical challenge, but also a powerful exercise in leadership. When individual voices merged into a single harmony, and every spotlight reflected a shared rhythm, what emerged was a unique and electrifying sense of team spirit and artistic passion.
Confidence Grown in Warmth
When Kevin first arrived at WASCZ in Grade 6, he began his boarding journey with a sense of uncertainty. A new environment and unfamiliar challenges once left him feeling unsettled. Yet the warmth he encountered came sooner than expected.
“My roommate is an excellent cellist; we explored music together and played sports together.” Kevin recalls. His Housemaster also offered constant support, encouraging him to express himself with confidence. Ensemble performances, shared moments with friends, and small but meaningful gestures from teachers gradually lit up his world. Today, Kevin stands confident and assured.
A devoted fan of Manchester United Football Club, Kevin fully embraced the rich sporting life at WASCZ. Tennis, basketball, football, fencing, ultimate frisbee; looking back, he treasures the sense of belonging and camaraderie built on the field, memories that have become an essential part of his growth.
In 2023, during the DofE expedition, Kevin celebrated an unforgettable 16th birthday. After a long day of hiking, he was sharing a simple meal with classmates when his teacher surprised him with a large cake, quietly prepared in advance. By candlelight, he made a wish and blew out the candles, overwhelmed with emotion.
“Boarding life at WASCZ has made me more independent and disciplined,” Kevin says. “I know when to practice, when to exercise, and when to rest.” Over six years, he has watched himself grow stronger and more self-assured with each passing day.
From the moment he stepped through WASCZ’s doors, Kevin’s journey has been supported by a community that uplifted him—teachers’ guidance, friendships, pastoral care, and teamwork. What WASCZ’s holistic education has given him goes far beyond musical excellence and stage success: it has shaped a resilient, confident mindset and the courage to face the future.
Now, Kevin moves forward with confidence. He has set his sights on becoming not only a pianist, but also a music educator. “I want to share my understanding and passion for music with others,” he says, hoping more people will come to see that music is not merely an embellishment to life, but something essential to it.
Thirteen years at the piano have led him to open the door to his dreams. Beyond it lies a wider stage, and a resonance that will carry far into the future.
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