Now, I am gutted...

[CURIOUSMIND]

I was planning to apply for a fund for Ds1 after his Grade 5 piano exam.(I know he needs to be 8 years old.)Now he is 8 and got the exam result, I just realized that applying for the fund ,you need to get distinction, but Ds1 got 128 only.(Mainly blame to our Great Grandma piano with various impairable illness due to her age.Partly down to his speech is not as good as his piano playing)

I was warned by his teachers that this is going to be a problem from grade 3.
So,to be honest, the musical feeling Ds1 got ,considering he has being practiced on our poor piano, is truly remarkable. I actully felt many times that he is listening in his mind how the sound SHOULD be.

The fund I wanted to apply for is AWARDS FOR YOUNG MUSICIANS. I dreamed to get some support towards the cost of a much better piano.

Anybody had experience on this subject?Is distinction an absolutely must?

[Hulababy]

Have you spoken to his piano teacher?

[CURIOUSMIND]

No,Our teacher didn't have any sorts of plan for us.It's more like pay as you go. But, I know I need reference.

[mouldyironingboard]

I think achieving 128 in Grade 5 piano at 8 is remarkable.

I don't have experience of this but believe that you should apply anyway as your DS clearly has musical ability and (hopefully) they will take his age into consideration. The worst that they can say is 'no' isn't it? You have nothing to lose by trying.

[DeWe]

I think I'd apply, making sure you mention his age and his (I assume) speech impediment.

I don't think I'd blame the lack of a distinction on the piano, because it sounds rather "poor workman who blames his tools". I'd put it as something like "I will be putting the award towards a new piano as the one he currently used is X years old and the piano tuner said last time that it cannot hold the tune etc. (or whatever the problem with the piano is)" If they think that the piano may have made the difference between a merit and distinction it is probably better they make the decision themselves rather than it sounding like you giving an excuse.

The difference between 128 and a distinction is the day/the examiner/other factors etc.

[CURIOUSMIND]

Thank you guys for your support,Ironing board and Dewe. I will go for it definitley, just, like you said,need to be careful about the wording.
Our piano's illness includes: Damping noise here and there ,different from time to time;Some keys could hold the sound for minutes without padellling, while some others' gone when your finger lifted up;Squeeky padel noise;Several left hand keys won't make sound unless you put more pressure than you should.Right hand keys are not exactly in tune .

[ImNotaCelebrity]

Presumably you've read the guidance notes? It only says 'ideally' should have distinction in their most recent exam. Remember, some children won't have actually done exams, but will be of a standard equivalent to grade 'x'.
I should think, given his age, that the teacher's report will have a big influence. It will be their job to 'big him up' as well as they can!

[CURIOUSMIND]

Celebrity,thank you, making me super confident.We will definitely apply for it.

[BrigitBigKnickers]

Have you thought about getting a piano technician (not just a tuner) in to get the piano regulated?

I had mine done recently and the difference in the tone and resposiveness of the instrument is astounding. I also had all the hammers replaced but it is the regulation that made the biggest difference.

[CURIOUSMIND]

Bigknickers,
I got the piano from a charity shop, cost £80. It is tuned regularly to get its best. But it's still like a 100 years old lady in her best condition.

[BrigitBigKnickers]

My piano is100 years old too- tuning alone will not keep a piano at its best- regulation will even out the keys, and action of the hammers and pedals- get a quote- it might not be as much as you think and be cheaper than getting a new piano.

My piano had many of the problems you mentioned yours having and now it plays a dream. But if you do go down this route- make sure you get a qualified and experienced piano technician.