Opus 1 Music Studio is proud to spotlight one of its longest-standing piano students, Aidan, who has been under the mentorship of Teacher Marco since joining us in 2016. Aidan has been a dedicated student of the studio for nearly 10 years. Throughout his time at Opus 1, he has participated in a wide range of recitals and events, while also successfully completing his ABRSM exams through grade 8.
Now 20 years old and a student at UC Davis, Aidan remains dedicated to continuing his music education with Opus 1 online. Each week, he sets aside time to rent a practice room, practice, and have his lessons with Teacher Marco. “I use the practice rooms at our music center, and about an hour before my lesson, I begin practicing. It depends on what I'm learning, but I generally practice before the lesson and then have my online lesson afterward. It's just like when I was back home, except I no longer have access to my teacher in person,” he explained.
Even though Aidan no longer has the benefit of in-person lessons, his determination to continue his music education remains unwavering. He has found creative ways to maintain his piano studies, whether by practicing in the music center before his online lessons or reaching out for feedback on challenging pieces. This commitment highlights not only Teacher Marco’s exceptional teaching but also Aidan’s resilience and drive to grow as a musician. “I think it has been important being able to still keep up with my passion that I’ve had ever since I was a little kid, and still implementing it in my daily life here. It’s also been a joy to perform for different people throughout my life that have come and gone. And I just enjoy continuing a relationship with Marco, even after moving away, after all these years. Online lessons are not ideal, but through that, it also motivated me to practice even more to try to make up for what might be lost through the video. It also allowed me to be more adaptable to whatever situations come in real life,” he shared.
Aidan’s musical talents extend beyond his strong work ethic. He also possesses perfect pitch, which has been a unique asset throughout his journey, aiding him in his music studies and performances.
Majoring in Political Science and minoring in Music, Aidan views music as a tool for diplomacy, seeing it as a common and unifying language that can bridge the gap between differing cultures and viewpoints in his aspiration to become a diplomat for the Department of State. “A lot of diplomats working in cultural diplomacy advance American foreign policy through cultural activities. For me, I thought that would be through music. I think music is a really good way to connect people of different cultures, and it’s something that I think could be useful as I move forward in my career. By taking on a music minor, I’d be able to gain musical skills while still learning about how music interacts within different societies, and I thought that would be useful for my future,” he explained.
In addition to juggling a major, a minor, and continuing his music lessons online, Aidan has also been a part of the UC Davis Symphony Orchestra as the chamber pianist. “Last quarter and also the upcoming quarter, I’ll be part of the orchestra here, so I try to find time to practice, and sometimes if I need help, I still have my teacher as a resource for assistance with any pieces I’m struggling with in the orchestra. So, it is definitely harder than before because I’m constantly busy with schoolwork and orchestra commitments. But I always try to make time for practice,” he said.
As he works toward balancing his college studies and his musical pursuits, Aidan's involvement in the UC Davis Symphony Orchestra has offered him valuable performance experience. “I’m the designated pianist for the orchestra, and I’ve worked on repertoire like Sylvania by Chang and Symphony No. 3 in C Minor by Florence Price. It’s been exciting to bring these pieces to life in an orchestral setting and learn how to work as part of a larger ensemble,” he added.
In addition to his academic and musical commitments, Aidan is also planning on participating in the University of California Washington Program (UCDC). This program provides students with an opportunity to intern in Washington, D.C., gaining valuable experience in public policy and political affairs. Aidan views this as another important step in his journey toward a career in diplomacy.
Aidan’s future plans reflect his ongoing commitment to his lifelong pursuit of music, including continued involvement with the orchestra and the possibility of returning for adult recitals at Opus 1 after returning from Washington D.C. “I definitely plan on coming back for orchestra in the spring, and I hope to return for an Opus 1 adult recital sometime soon, probably in the spring next year,” he said. His dedication to his musical journey is evident as he balances both academic and musical goals. “Throughout the years, I’ve learned not to have a fixed mindset but to have more of a growth mindset and how to take constructive criticism. It’s also a way to be humble—to maintain humility. We’re all people, and we make mistakes, but it’s by learning from those mistakes that we become better. I realized that advice from my piano lessons can also translate to listening to criticism from other people, like teachers, friends, or family members. It helped me become more adaptable and shift my perspectives. Right after being accepted as his student after the trial lesson, Teacher Marco told me that anyone can just play a piece, but it takes a lot more practice and hard work to play a piece well, musically well, and I have always strived to do that,” he explained.
Looking ahead, Aidan’s experience at UC Davis, his participation in the UCDC program, and his continued lessons with Teacher Marco will undoubtedly shape his future success, whether it be in his musical endeavors or his future diplomatic career.