Uploaded August 2019 | Updated September 2026, 2 days ago
Making The Grade invites us into the world of the piano lesson. Every year teachers and students throughout Ireland prepare for graded musical exams. These exams can be pleasing for some but daunting for others. Each student has their own particular goal but reaching Grade Eight is considered a pinnacle.
This endearing and uplifting documentary explores the bond between piano teachers and their pupils as they struggle through these grades. This is a story of the transformative power of music and the pride and happiness it provides both the students and teachers. It may inspire us all to keep making the grade.
Ireland 2018 | Ken Wardrop | 83 min | English | Genre: Art & Culture, Music, Education, Youth
Festivals
"World Premiere" SXSW, USA (2018)
Seattle International Film Festival, USA (2018)
Newport Beach Film Festival, USA (2018)
Hamptons International Film Festival, USA (2018)
Theatrical release in Ireland & UK via Element Pictures Distribution (April 2018)
Quotes & Other
"Ken Wardrop's documentary is a love letter to piano teaching" The Hollywood Reporter
★ ★ ★ ★ "The Ultimate Feel Good Film" Sunday World
100% Rotten Tomatoes
More Infos: bit.ly/making-the-grade-film
World Sales & Licensing: magnetfilm.de
Rent/Buy Movie: vimeo.com/ondemand/makingthegrade2
Making The Grade invites us into the world of the piano lesson. Every year teachers and students throughout Ireland prepare for graded musical exams. These exams can be pleasing for some but daunting for others. Each student has their own particular goal but reaching Grade Eight is considered a pinnacle.
This endearing and uplifting documentary explores the bond between piano teachers and their pupils as they struggle through these grades. This is a story of the transformative power of music and the pride and happiness it provides both the students and teachers. It may inspire us all to keep making the grade.
Ireland 2018 | Ken Wardrop | 83 min | English | Genre: Art & Culture, Music, Education, Youth
Festivals
"World Premiere" SXSW, USA (2018)
Seattle International Film Festival, USA (2018)
Newport Beach Film Festival, USA (2018)
Hamptons International Film Festival, USA (2018)
Theatrical release in Ireland & UK via Element Pictures Distribution (April 2018)
Quotes & Other
"Ken Wardrop's documentary is a love letter to piano teaching" The Hollywood Reporter
★ ★ ★ ★ "The Ultimate Feel Good Film" Sunday World
100% Rotten Tomatoes
More Infos: bit.ly/making-the-grade-film
World Sales & Licensing: magnetfilm.de
Rent/Buy Movie: vimeo.com/ondemand/makingthegrade2
