Name: Benjamin
Age: 13
Amber Service: Amber Music Awards
Instrument: Piano
Benjamin joined The Amber Trust at the age of 8, already playing piano at Grade 3 level. By Spring 2025, he had impressively completed his Grade 8, performing all his pieces entirely from memory — a truly remarkable achievement.
Since 2022, Benjamin has been a regular performer at The Amber Trust Annual Concert and has also taken part in the Chelmsford Music Festival every year, often returning home with the winner’s cup.
Benjamin’s mum Ruth tells us about his journey with Amber: ‘I can still remember when we sat down with Professor Adam Ockelford to talk about how we could best support Benjamin’s musical development. We had so many questions and worries — but Adam answered every one of them with such understanding and reassurance that our concerns simply melted away.
‘We came to realise that Benjamin could take the musical lead, and that our role was to support and nurture his journey. His exceptional ear for music became his greatest strength, and we learned that reading music and all the theory could follow in time — and it certainly has, as he’s now completed Grade 5 Theory too! With tools such as his iPad’s enlargement feature and other accessible methods, he’s continued to grow and thrive musically’.
‘Since that meeting, we’ve felt incredibly proud to be part of The Amber Trust family and always look forward to seeing how all the young people are progressing. The support, inspiration, and sense of community we’ve found through the Trust have been truly invaluable’.
‘I cannot understate the value of the work of the Amber Trust’ Ruth tells us. ‘It helps everyone to think creatively about inclusion, resources, and access. The support they offer and the encouragement they give is exceptional’.
Benjamin’s Award is supported by The Rockspring Charitable Trust.
*Age correct at time of publishing
To support other children like Benjamin on their musical journey, please donate to The Amber Trust. Your support enables us to provide music opportunities to vision impaired children across the UK, including those with additional needs.