Most people imagine their sixties as a time to slow down. Yet Joanna Borrett chose a different path. Instead of retiring quietly, she began writing music. Today, her pieces appear on the Joanna Borrett Trinity syllabus, right beside legendary names such as Bach, Mozart, and Elgar.
This achievement means that students preparing for GCSE and A Level exams will now discover her music in the same way they study the classics.
How Joanna Found Her Way Back to Music
Joanna’s return to music was not planned. For twenty years, she stayed away from the stage. Then, little by little, she began to improvise. Soon after, she composed Morning Prelude for her newborn twin grandsons. That moment changed everything. Because of it, she discovered the joy of writing music and never looked back.
Her progress has been inspiring. In fact:
- Three of her string pieces are now part of the Trinity syllabus.
- BBC Radio 3 and Magic Classical featured her works.
- Gramophone highlighted her as Video of the Day.
- Scala Radio praised her orchestral piece Clan and it was even played at Holyrood Palace.
Why the Joanna Borrett Trinity Syllabus Is Special
Usually, the Trinity syllabus features world-famous names. However, Joanna’s inclusion shows that new voices can also earn their place. For example, her piece Ceilidh appears in the Grade 4 viola list. In addition, both One Morning and Ceilidh feature in the Grade 5 and 6 cello lists.
“When I saw my name next to those legendary composers, I felt amazed,” Joanna explains. “More importantly, I hope my story shows that age should never limit creativity.”
Inspiration Beyond the Exams
Joanna’s success with the Trinity syllabus is only one part of her journey. This autumn, she will release her debut album Moments of Freedom. As a result, she continues to prove that music and ambition thrive at every stage of life.
Her story is a reminder for students, teachers, and fellow musicians: it’s never too late to follow a dream.
