Freya Terris is 17 years old and lives in Lisburn, County Antrim. She passed her Grade 8 piano exam with a very high mark. She played every piece with only her left hand. The exam group, ABRSM, says she is the first known person to do this in its Grade 8 piano exam.

Two years before the exam, Freya hurt her right hand and had an operation. She could not use that hand to play the piano. Her teacher, Rory Dowse, helped her learn music for the left hand. Freya worked hard for two years. ABRSM gave her a list of left-hand pieces for the exam. Her family, teacher, and the exam staff supported her.

Freya’s work may help other piano players. In June 2026, ABRSM added one-hand music for Grades 1 to 8 to its 2027–28 course list. Players in 93 countries can now take these exams. Freya is also a two-time Young Musician finalist. She plans to study music at university after her last year at Friends’ School in Lisburn.