A PLUCKY teeanger is striking all the right notes on an unusual instrument. 

Archway School student Rowan Hawker fell in love with the harp after seizing the opportunity to study it at school and earning the highest grade possible.

Rowan, 15, took his - Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music - pedal harp music exam on July 6 - and received a high distinction at grade eight.

Rowan who is currently studying his GCSEs started playing the harp aged 6 after seeing the instrument performed live at Woodcraft Folk camp. 

Kieron Smith, Archway School headteacher, said: “This is an exceptional achievement for a student currently studying for his GCSEs in year 10 at the age of 15.”

“Congratulations Rowan from all students and staff at Archway School, we are all incredibly proud of your achievements.” 

Rowan has already gone on to perform as part of the National Youth Orchestra, the National Youth Harp Orchestra and Bandit. 

He has also won several competitions, including first place in the Bristol Festival of Music intermediate class in 2019.

Rowan's current pedal harp was bought at an auction by his aunt; the instrument had been neglected in a basement for years, with half of the strings missing.

Rowan would like to thank Catherine White (professor of harp London School of Music) for teaching him for the past five years, Jonathan Golding for assisting with the aural section of the exam lessons, Matt Richardson for music theory lessons, and Archway School for financial support.

Rowan is looking forward to building up his repertoire for weddings or busking to explore the possible music performance avenues open to him. 

He will continue to study harp and hopes to complete his diploma while he studies for his A-Levels.