University News Last updated 12 November
BMus alumna Sarah Potjewijd has been appointed as Ballet Pianist at Elmhurst Ballet School.
Sarah graduated in July 2025 with First Class Honours, winning both the BMus Course Prize and the Marjorie Hazlehurst Piano Award. In her third year, she gained a place on the RBC Ballet Piano Placement Scheme.
The scheme – run in collaboration with Elmhurst Ballet School, an independent boarding school for professional classical ballet – offers a rare opportunity for piano students to explore the specialised artistry of ballet pianism and to experience first-hand the collaboration between music and dance.
Students selected for the scheme observe ballet classes, learn how to select and play repertoire for the many exercises that make up a ballet class, and receive invaluable mentoring from full time pianists at Elmhurst.
Alongside her new role at Elmhurst, Sarah freelances as a Ballet Pianist for organisations such as Birmingham Royal Ballet and the British Ballet Organisation, while also teaching young piano pupils across Birmingham. She travels around the UK performing and competing as a solo pianist too.
Senior Lecturer in Piano Katharine Lam, who is also RBC’s Ballet Piano Placement Scheme Co-ordinator, said: “It was clear, quite early on during her time on the RBC scheme, just how well Sarah was taking to and enjoying the unique work of ballet piano collaboration.
“Sarah’s high-level of piano playing and her instinctive ability to understand the blend of skills and versatility required for this work, meant it was no surprise to me how quickly she excelled at the role which ultimately led to her well-deserved success in gaining this full time post. Very many congratulations Sarah!”
Sarah commented: “I am very grateful to have been able to train and gain so much insight about working as a Ballet Pianist during my time on the RBC scheme. My studies taught me so much about being a well-rounded solo and collaborative musician.
“I am excited to be continuing work from my final project, Piano en Pointe, which showcased the collaboration between RBC and Elmhurst. Work is underway for a new performance in 2026, adapting and expanding the project to shine a brighter spotlight on musical and artistic talent from both institutions.”