Meet Sophia, a confident and dedicated Opus 1 student whose passion for piano shines through her commitment to practice. Sophia finds joy in competing and winning awards, a journey she embarks on with the guidance of her teacher, Julia. Recently, her preparation and talent led her to win second place at the US Open Music Competition, showcasing not only her talent, but dedication and self-assurance. Check out our full interview with Sophia below!
What's your favorite thing about playing the piano?
My favorite thing about playing the piano is that I can participate in competitions and win awards. Also, playing the piano makes me feel happy and dream of the stuff I play.
Can you tell us a little bit about the US Open Competition? What did you have to do? What piece or pieces did you perform ?
The US Open Music Competition is in Oakland,California. It is a really popular music competition. Every year, there are many amazing kids attending the US Open Music Competition. So, I have to practice with the metronome and play along with it in the beginning. I increase the speed a bit by a bit. I competed in the Showcase Piano Solo Preparatory. I performed: Kuhlau: Vivace (2nd mvt) from Sonatina, Op. 55 #1 in C Major & Burgmüller: The Farewell, Op. 100 #1.
How did your piano teacher help you get ready for the competition?
My teacher Julia Kim helped me prepare 3 months before the US Open Music Competition. She helped me choose the piece Kuhlau:Vivace (2nd mvt) from Sonatina, Op.55 #1 in C Major & Burgmüller: The Farewell, Op. 100 #1. Julia Kim taught me the articulation, dynamic, and gestures for the pieces.
What's the most fun thing you've learned from your piano lessons?
The most fun thing I’ve learned from my piano lessons is when Teacher Julia shows me how to do the gestures to make the piece look better while performing.
Did you feel nervous before the competition? How did your teacher and parents help you feel better?
I was not nervous before the competition. My teacher told me that I would do very well. Mommy said that I could at least get 4th place. During the competition day, daddy accidently compared me with the kid after me. He said after I finished my turn that he thought I could win!
What's your favorite memory with your piano teacher?
My favorite memory with my piano teacher is from when she teaches me music history. She tells me many different stories about different composers that composed pieces that are famous now.
Can you share a practice tip your teacher taught you that helped you improve?
A practice tip is to use a metronome and increase a bit by bit. For example: start at 100. And increase to 106 as you improve.
How did you feel when you found out you won 2nd place in the competition?
I felt really happy when the judges called my name.
What's your favorite part of playing in front of an audience?
My favorite part of playing in front of an audience is that I can show my personality in my pieces.
What's something new you've learned from your teacher recently that you're excited about?
The new piece I am learning has many ornamentations that are fun. Some of them even have 16!
What lessons have you learned through studying piano that can help you in other parts of your life?
The lesson I learned is to always be patient, even if you think it is too hard.