Congratulations to siblings Dana and Denny for their recent 2nd and 4th place wins at the U.S. Open Music Competition! We are so proud of their hard work and continued musical growth. With the guidance of their dedicated teacher, Teacher Tram, they continue to inspire and motivate each other! Keep up the excellent work!
Read their full Q&A’s below to hear about their experience, favorite pieces, and what inspires them to keep playing!
Interview with Dana
How long have you been playing piano, and what made you want to start?
I started because my big brother Denny played piano. I saw him play and wanted to try it too.
You earned second place in the U.S. Open Music Competition! How did you feel when you found out you won?
I was really surprised! I didn’t expect it, but I was happy.
What did it feel like to play on stage during the competition? Were you nervous?
I was nervous. But I took deep breaths to help me feel calm.
How did you prepare for the competition? Did you practice more than usual?
Yes, I practiced a lot more than I usually do between lessons. I also got dressed up in a special dress for the competition.
What piece did you play for the competition, and why did you and your teacher choose it?
I played Cradle Song. We picked it because it reminded me of when I used to sleep in a cradle when I was little.
What do you like most about that song?
I really like the dynamics — Forte and Piano.
What does “dynamics” mean to you when you're playing piano?
It means playing forte (loud) and piano (soft), and changing between them in the song.
How did your family and teacher react when they found out you won second place?
They were really happy and said, “Congratulations!”
Did you do anything to celebrate?
I got to eat gummy treats!
Do you have a favorite memory from piano so far?
Probably the U.S. Open competition. I felt proud for doing that.
What is your favorite thing about learning piano at Opus 1?
Learning new songs. I love getting to play music I’ve never heard before.
Do you have a favorite song you have learned?
Yes — Forest Song. It makes me feel like I’m in a forest.
If another kid your age wanted to do a piano competition, what advice would you give them?
I would tell them to start at the beginning and keep going. Just practice a little every day.
What are your goals in music? Do you want to do more competitions or something new?
I want to play a duet again! Maybe with my brother Denny. We played Popcorn at the Spring Recital in 2023.
Are you working on the ABRSM exams?
Yes, I’m just starting to prepare for one now.
Do you have a dream song you want to learn someday?
Yes, The Swan Song from Level 2 in my book.
Is there a piece of advice from your teacher that you always remember?
Yes, “Curve your fingers!” I always think about that when I play.
Is there anything else you want people to know about you?
I want to learn more bird songs on the piano.
Interview with Denny
How long have you been learning piano, and what made you want to start?
I have been learning piano for six years. I started because I was really interested in how the piano looks and how it works — like the white keys, the black keys, and the pedals.
What do you enjoy most about taking piano lessons at Opus 1 with Teacher Tram?
I like working on fun songs.
Do you have a favorite piece you have learned?
I’m not sure I have a favorite — I like a lot of the songs I have played. But there are also some I really don’t like... especially jazz songs.
Why don’t you like jazz?
It’s hard to get the melody right. Jazz is less structured, and that makes it harder for me.
What is something important you have learned from your teacher?
To always keep the melody clear when I play.
You won 4th place at the U.S. Open Music Competition! How did that feel?
I was happy to get a medal, but I know I can do better next year. I usually try to earn a medal in my favorite color!
What piece did you perform for the competition, and why did you choose it?
I played Of Foreign Lands and Peoples by Schumann. It was the same song I performed at the Honors Recital. I chose it because I like the tone of it. It’s romantic and not jazzy.
How did you prepare for the competition?
My mom recorded me playing, and I did rehearsals where I practiced bowing and playing the whole performance. I also felt a little scared on stage.
Did you have a way to calm your nerves during the performance?
Not really. I didn’t take deep breaths or anything. I ended up rushing through the second half of the song.
Are you working on the ABRSM exams? Which grade are you preparing for?
I’m preparing for Grade 6. I already picked my songs:
List A: Invention No. 14 by J.S. Bach
List B: Bagatelle in F by Fanny Hensel
List C: Stomping Dance by Béla Bartók
What do you like about the ABRSM exams?
I like the song choices better than other exams. They are mostly classical music, and the pieces are beautiful.
What’s the hardest part of getting ready for ABRSM exams?
Definitely the jazz songs.
Do you have a special way you practice when you get a new piano piece?
Yes, I break the piece into sections. I practice one section at a time, and then put them together once I know them.
Do you have a goal for your Grade 6 exam?
Yes! I want to pass with merit or distinction. I plan to take it in 2026. Right now, I’m working on the theory part first before I start the pieces.
Do you like music theory?
It is a little hard and complicated. But I know it from playing, so I just have to show it on paper.
Have you set any other goals for the future in music?
I want to perform in the Honors Recital in September. I’m not sure yet if I will do the U.S. Open again. I’ll decide in August.
Has playing piano helped you with anything else in life?
Yes! Next year at school, I’m going to start learning a new instrument — the flute. Playing piano has helped me understand how instruments work together, and I already know how to read music.
What advice would you give to another student who wants to take piano exams or do competitions?
Practice once a day, maybe for about 20 minutes. And if a song is too hard, break it into chunks.