Making the Grade

Making the Grade is a 2017 Irish documentary directed by Ken Wardrop, renowned for his innovative narrative technique that explores human experiences in a unique, intimate and profoundly heartwarming way. Making the Grade is a delightful exploration of the bond between students and their piano teachers in Ireland, using gentle comedy and deep emotion to tap into universal themes of education, discipline, passion, growth, and the mentor-mentee relationship.

The documentary presents a high-definition patchwork quilt of Ireland's piano teaching tradition. There are over 30,000 students attending piano classes in Ireland, and this film offers a collage-like glimpse into the intimate coaching sessions that occur between these students and their teachers. Using a series of vignettes consistently capturing this magical dynamic between an eclectic range of students and their teachers—each scenario provides a unique contribution to the overall narrative of the film.

Through his nuanced storytelling, Wardrop draws out the particularities of these diverse relationships through humorous anecdotes, tender moments, and the universal language of music. From initial clumsy plinks at the piano keys by beginners to accomplished young musicians, the film captures the progression that individuals undergo when learning to express themselves through music.

Set against a backdrop of various Irish landscapes, interiors, and seasons, the director incorporates the quaint charm of Ireland into the narrative. The social context reflects the contrasts and idiosyncrasies of the canvas of homes, lifestyles, and personalities framed within the context of their musical journey.

Particular attention is paid to the relationship between the teachers and their pupils. The inherent dynamics of roles, the exchange of knowledge, the shared emotions, and occasional frustrations provide the primary framework for the film to explore the emotional weight that music education carries. The enthusiasm, dedication, and patience of the teachers are commendable as they nudge their students towards the realisation of their potential. On the flip side, the journey of the students, propelled by patience, passion and perseverance is brought to life with a deeply empathetic lens.

Despite its specific focus on piano playing and teaching, Making the Grade transcends the specifics to highlight the broader spectrum of human endeavours, learning, and connections. It’s a film about people: their dreams, hopes, successes and failures. Whether it's a child looking perturbed after a faltering attempt at a simple tune, a young man mastering complex arpeggios, or an older lady rediscovering her passion for music, the film has a way of engaging the audience emotionally, drawing them into the personal narratives it presents.

Wardrop manages to capture the magical moments of joy, frustration, discipline and discovery that come with learning an instrument. The touching moments of triumph when a tricky piece is finally mastered or the raw vulnerability of a student fumbling through their early lessons become universal symbols for any person's learning journey.

One of the standout strengths of Making the Grade is its simplicity. The documentary doesn't burden its viewer with heavy subtext, controversial themes or polarising characters. Instead, it's a soothing visual essay that unfolds over the hour and a half. There is no drastic, sweeping story arc, no villains, no suspense, just sweet, unassuming and honest portraits of individuals united by a love for music.

Making the Grade, with its insightful moments and poignant performances, is a cinematic tribute to the profound impact a teacher can have on a student's life and conversely, the lessons teachers can glean from their students. It's a film that will strike a chord with audiences who have experienced the pursuit of mastering a skill, the dedication it requires, and the relationships fostered along the way.

In its essence, Making the Grade is a warm, graceful and universally appealing study on the art of learning and teaching, a journey that is replete with struggle, satisfaction, and an immense sense of personal accomplishment. The film scores equally high on the human sentiment and artistic fronts, making it a piece that effortlessly captures the heart of its viewers.