Age: 14

1. When and how did you get started practicing your art form?

I entered the world of music at the age of 5 when I started taking basic piano lessons from my cousin. At the time, I would always listen to my sister and my cousins playing piano. I fell in love with the sound and I really wanted to learn how to play. My parents then decided to sign me up for piano when I was 6.

2. Who is your role model and why?

My role model is Wayne Gretzky, not only because he is a great hockey player, but because of his famous philosophy, “you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” In a musical sense, I like to remember this quote before I perform as it makes me less nervous and reassures me. It reminds me that when performing, I will definitely get more than 0% of my desired success. In the bigger picture, I like to take my shots and see where it takes me, which is what I did with applying for this scholarship. I doubted whether or not I should, but then I remembered Gretzky’s quote and thought to myself “if I don’t try, I 100% won’t get it”. I am so thankful and honoured that things worked out and that I am the recipient of the scholarship.

3. What motivates you to continue to learn this art form?

My parents motivate me to continue to play piano with their constant words of support. My favourite thing they say to encourage me is “do your best”. Though it is quite cliché, it relaxes me as there is not a required standard for me, just that I try my hardest. Also, they remind me of the hardships they endured back in their hometown and how much they sacrificed to get me here. This inspires me to work harder to make them proud.

4. How does winning this scholarship help you achieve your goals?

This is a very big step toward my goal to become a junior teacher because the scholarship allows my parents to extend my lesson times. This small extension is actually massive in the long run as it comes to over 600 extra minutes with Marjory Purdy, an excellent role model for teaching. Through her, I can learn teaching styles and techniques to teach younger children.

5. How has your teacher helped you achieve your goals?

Marjory has helped me every step of the way during my time at Place Des Arts. Last year I received gold and silver at the North Fraser Festival, which I couldn’t have done without her. She continues to prepare me for my level 10 exam and she pushes me with tasks every week to keep me working hard. That is truly my main goal in music.

6. Tell us your favourite memory of Place des Arts. 

My favourite memory of Place des Arts was around 6 years ago when I attended summer camp. I did Animation and I got the opportunity to make my own video clip using clay. I remember dropping my clay figure on the ground and crying because of it. When I think back to it, I find it very funny how the little things made me so mad.

7. How has studying at Place des Arts inspired you? 

Place des Arts has inspired me by having frequent recitals so I can perform regularly and become a better musician. These performances remind me of where I am with my piece and lets me know how much harder I need to work to achieve my goal. Moreover, when something does not go well during the recital, I know exactly what needs to be done to fix it and this is exactly the type of inspiration that keeps me practicing.

8. Describe how you feel when you come to Place des Arts. 

When I go to Place des Arts, it feels like a very safe place dedicated to music. It is relatively quiet with the faint sound of piano. Also, there is some wonderful art scattered around the entire building and it calms me down for my piano lesson, especially if I had a basketball or hockey game beforehand. Simply walking in is all the preparation I need to focus on music for the next hour.