Musical Journey
Developing technical and expressive skills across multiple instruments
Current Musical Training
Music has been an integral part of my education, providing both creative expression and technical challenge. I'm actively pursuing examinations across three disciplines:
Piano - Grade 5 (Merit)
Current Level: Grade 5 examination completed with Merit
Focus Areas:
- Technical exercises: scales, arpeggios, contrary motion
- Repertoire spanning Baroque to Contemporary periods
- Sight-reading and aural skills development
- Musical interpretation and expression
Skills Developed: Hand independence, rhythm coordination, dynamic control, pedaling technique
French Horn - Grade 4
Current Level: Grade 4 examination completed, preparing for Grade 5 this term
Focus Areas:
- Brass embouchure and breath control
- Tone production across three-octave range
- Transposition and reading in F
- Orchestra and ensemble playing
- Advanced technical passages for Grade 5 preparation
Skills Developed: Breathing technique, pitch accuracy, endurance, blend and balance in ensemble settings
Singing - Grade 5 (Distinction)
Current Level: Grade 5 examination completed with Distinction, working towards Grade 8 by June 2026
Focus Areas:
- Vocal technique and breath support
- Diction in English and other languages
- Interpretation and stage presence
- Solo and choral repertoire
- Advanced vocal exercises for Grade 8 preparation
- Performance confidence and emotional communication
Skills Developed: Breath control, resonance, articulation, emotional expression through voice
Connection Between Music and STEM
My musical training complements my technical interests in several ways:
Physics of Sound
Understanding how instruments produce sound involves physics concepts:
- Piano: Hammers strike strings causing vibration; string length and tension determine pitch
- French Horn: Lip vibration creates standing waves in brass tubing; valve combinations change tube length and therefore pitch
- Voice: Vocal cords vibrate at specific frequencies; resonance in vocal tract amplifies certain overtones
These same principles apply to pipe organs (my brother Łukasz's focus) and electronic sound synthesis
Mathematics in Music
Music is fundamentally mathematical:
- Rhythm: Division of time into beats, measures, and subdivisions
- Intervals: Frequency ratios (octave = 2:1, perfect fifth = 3:2)
- Scales: Patterns of whole and half steps following specific formulas
- Harmony: Mathematical relationships between simultaneous pitches
Performance Experience
Beyond examinations, I've gained performance experience through:
- School Concerts: Regular performances as part of school music programme
- Ensemble Playing: Collaborating with other musicians in orchestra and chamber groups
- Church Services: Contributing to worship through music alongside family
- Family Music Sessions: Informal performances with my brother Łukasz, who plays organ and piano
Skills Transferable to STEM
Musical training has developed abilities that strengthen my technical work:
| Musical Skill |
STEM Application |
| Pattern Recognition |
Identifying patterns in code, circuits, and data |
| Attention to Detail |
Debugging code, checking circuit connections, verifying measurements |
| Discipline & Practice |
Persistent problem-solving when projects don't work initially |
| Reading Complex Notation |
Understanding circuit diagrams, flowcharts, and technical documentation |
| Timing & Coordination |
Synchronizing multiple components in electronic projects |
| Memory & Recall |
Remembering syntax, commands, and component specifications |
| Performance Under Pressure |
Presenting projects, troubleshooting live demos, meeting deadlines |
Academic Recognition: Oxford German Olympiad
Runner-Up Award - June 2024
In June 2024, I was awarded the "Runner-up" prize at the Oxford German Olympiad, held at Oxford University. With a record number of entries received this year, this achievement demonstrates:
- Language proficiency and creative expression in German
- Cultural understanding and cross-disciplinary thinking
- Ability to compete at national level among talented peers
- Commitment to learning beyond core curriculum subjects
This accomplishment shows how diverse skills—language, music, and STEM—work together to create a well-rounded education.
Musical Goals
Looking forward, I plan to:
- Piano: Continue advancing through grade examinations, expanding repertoire
- French Horn: Complete Grade 5 examination this term, pursue orchestral opportunities
- Singing: Achieve Grade 8 by June 2026, continue developing advanced vocal technique
- Composition: Begin exploring music composition, combining technical and creative skills
- Music Technology: Learn about electronic music production and sound engineering
Why Music Matters for King's Ely
King's Ely's strong music programme would provide:
- Expert tuition across multiple instruments to support Grade 5 horn preparation and Grade 8 singing goal
- Ensemble opportunities (orchestra, chamber music, choirs)
- Performance venues and regular concert series
- Integration of music with academic studies
- Community of talented musicians to learn from and collaborate with
Balanced Excellence
Music isn't separate from my STEM interests—it's complementary. The discipline of musical practice mirrors the patience required for debugging code. The mathematical patterns in harmony echo the logic of programming. The creativity of musical interpretation parallels the innovation needed for engineering solutions. Together, these pursuits create a foundation for well-rounded problem-solving and lifelong learning.