Senior Reporter
anna-lisa.paul@guardian.co.tt
As the youngest student to achieve success in the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) Music exam, Azariah Stapleton entered the history books when he topped the region and also became the first student from his school to write the subject, which is not offered at the exam level.
Seated in front his piano and surrounded by several other musical instruments, including the guitar, violin and steelpan, as he played John Legend’s All Of Me yesterday, the 15-year-old musical prodigy remained in shock over the monumental accomplishment.
The Form Four Presentation College, Chaguanas student, whose first name means God Helps Me, beamed brightly as he revealed, “My music journey really started on my third birthday with a toy piano.”
Laughing as he admitted it was fun at the time, Stapleton said his interest grew from watching the organist at church playing.
He was enrolled in music classes at the Christ the King Church in Mt D’or, where he began playing the violin.
The humble teenager suggested to his parent that he write the music exam whilst in Form Three, in an attempt to reduce the number of subjects he would have to sit in Form Five. This, even though the school does not offer music as a formal subject and only on an extra-curricular basis.
Claiming music was something he wants to include in his career, Stapleton is also set to write the IT exam this year as part of his strategy to further lighten the workload—as he will also be writing eight subjects in Form Five.
Asked how his teachers initially reacted when the suggestion arose, Stapleton said it proved to a nerve-racking experience, as some people expressed disbelief that he could follow through on his plan.
“Certain teachers, while I was in the music room either learning or doing past papers, they would be criticising from afar, either thinking I am too young or they didn’t believe in music,” Stapleton said.
He also had to apologise several time along the way for arriving to some of his other classes late as a result of his extra activity.
However, he beamed, “The results have really paid off.”
He admitted he was relieved to have this weight off but encouraged others to pursue their dreams.
“Don’t let anyone who doesn’t know your situation tell you what to do, as you may know what’s best for yourself.”
He secured all A profiles in the music exam and believes a precedent has been set for the school to now ensure that music can be included in the formal syllabus.
While his future will include music therapy at some point, Stapleton said he intends to study locally and internationally.
Currently learning to play the trumpet and trombone, Stapleton credited God for his ability and overall success.
Counting his mother Elizabeth Paponette and his grandmother, as well as his music teachers at school and the church, among his biggest cheerleaders, Stapleton said he first learned of his success as he stood in line to buy a gyro.
Smiling broadly as she watched Stapleton play the guitar yesterday, Paponette could hardly contain her pride as she spoke of her son’s commitment to both academics and music.
Admitting to having to make numerous sacrifices, which included taking several loans, to ensure Stapleton had all that he needed to advance his musical path, Paponette encouraged parents to support their children and also for students to follow their dreams.