Age: 9

1. When and how did you get started practicing your art form?
   I got really excited to learn piano after listening to lots of songs and music. I always thought it was super cool how people could play instruments, and I wanted to try it too! A few times, I played on a little toy piano just for fun. Then, when I was 7 years old, I decided to actually learn how to play the real piano. Once I started, I loved it so much that I didn’t want to stop!
2. How does winning this scholarship help you achieve your goals?
   Winning this scholarship makes me feel super proud and happy! Sometimes, when piano gets really tricky and I feel like I’m not good enough, this reminds me that someone believes in me. That gives me a big confidence boost! It also helps me keep going, even when the songs get harder and my fingers get tired. I feel more grown-up too, because I’m helping my parents by taking care of some of the cost. That makes me want to try even harder and practice more, so I can get better and better!
   
3. How has your teacher helped you achieve your goals?
   My piano teacher, Isaac, has helped me so much! He was my very first teacher, and he’s still the one who teaches me today. He always gives me songs that are a little hard, but he believes I can do it—even when I’m not sure. That makes me want to try harder. He’s really patient and explains things in a way that makes learning fun, not stressful. Because of him, I’ve gotten better and more confident, and I still love playing piano every day!
4. Share a story about your time at Place des Arts. It can be about an inspiring moment, an impactful relationship or your fondest memory.
   One of the best memories I have from Place des Arts is my first concert when I was nervous and excited but confident about making no mistakes. After I finished playing, I couldn’t believe I had just played in front of so many people. I felt so proud of everything I had learned in just a few months. It was such a special moment, and I’ll always remember how happy I felt that day.
   
5. Who is your role model and why?
   My role model is my piano teacher, Isaac. He plays a variety of songs so beautifully and with ease, even the really hard ones. I’m always amazed when I watch him play. I hope that one day I’ll be able to play like him too. He knows so much about music, and I feel really lucky to be taught by him. He inspires me to keep practicing and never give up.