While musical achievements are impressive and can be mentioned in your personal statement, they are not a deciding factor for admission. They might be beneficial in the following ways:
* Strengthening your application: Demonstrating dedication, discipline, and a commitment to extracurricular activities can make your application more appealing, especially if you're applying for courses related to music or a subject requiring similar skills (e.g., showing commitment and perseverance).
* Helping you stand out: If your application is otherwise strong, your musical achievements could help you stand out from other applicants with similar academic profiles.
* Relevant to specific courses: If you're applying for music-related courses (music, music technology, music therapy, etc.), Grade 8 piano will obviously be highly relevant and a significant part of your application.
In summary, it's a helpful addition to a strong application, but not a replacement for strong academic qualifications.