But for Patrick Chilvers, student at St Cecilia School of Music in Launceston, that patience is at another level.

It’s not uncommon for the classical guitarist to spend an entire lesson finding the purity of a single note.

Patrick was recently awarded the school’s Special Certificate of Merit with Higher Distinction, for his efforts in attaining 90 per cent or more in all his examinations, from grades one to eight – just one of three people who received the award this year.

“I fell in love with it, it’s something really unique – there’s not many classical guitarists in Launceston or maybe even Tasmania,” Patrick said.

“You’ve got to get both hands in tune together.”

St Cecilia director Matthews Tyson said that classical guitar is focused on “strict form and technique”.

“You’re playing music that is three, four, five hundred years old,” Mr Tyson said.

“Quite formal, but beautiful.”