2010 Senior and Alumni Reflection
Senior & Alumni Reflection
Summerlin Piano Studio
Aditya Bhatnagar
Fairfax HS, VA Governor School—University of Virginia
As a young kid, I would watch my older brother learning how to play the piano and taking lessons with Mrs. Kuo, and I remember being amazed at how such great melodies could be created by just pressing a few keys. I, too, wanted to be able to play the piano, and so I decided to take lessons with Mrs. Kuo as well, and I don’t regret it. The piano has become an important part of my life, and even after all these years of learning, the instrument’s ability to create such wonderful music continues to amaze me.
Music is an integral part of my life, whether I am playing the piano or listening to music. It helps me relax from the stress of schoolwork, and keeps me entertained when I am feeling bored. The piano is the only instrument I can truly play (besides the recorder we played in elementary school), and though I would eventually like to learn how to play other instruments such as the guitar, the piano will always be the instrument I will cherish the most. Although my lessons are over as I head to college, I will continue to play the piano whenever and wherever I can, and I am grateful to Mrs. Kuo for teaching me how to play this wonderful instrument for so many years. Being able to play the piano is certainly a gift that I will cherish for the rest of my life.
Anurag Bhatnagar
Fairfax HS, VA Governor School—University of Virginia
Piano has been a prominent part of my life for the last eight years, seven of which were with Mrs. Kuo. I remember listening as a child to my older brother practicing, and wishing I, too, could play, let alone as well as him. Having a twin learning at the same time has made the whole experience unique. Aditya and I helped each other while practicing (we played many of the same songs), we’ve been able to play more duets than the typical student, and we’ve fought over the piano on countless occasions at home.
I’d like to thank Mrs. Kuo not only for the knowledge she’s passed on to me, but also for her patience during my lessons. I was not always the most determined student, and many weeks it was obvious to both of us that I hadn’t practiced as much as I should have. From teaching me how to correctly place my hands on the piano to helping me recently play more difficult pieces, she has always encouraged me to try my best but also have fun at the same time. While I can’t say I’ll miss the many “B’s” and few “C’s” I received, I will definitely miss her as I head off to college.
Joanne Chiao
Oakton HS, VCU 4 years full scholarship to Dir. Medical Program
Music comes in all shapes in sizes whether it is the number of eight counts on the wooden sprung floors in a ballet class, the eighty-eight black and white keys or the eight counts held out in song as I sing along to the music playing on the radio. I have been a musician for 11 years and a dancer for 14. Music is something that I cannot do without.
I am honored to be attending the prestigious guaranteed admissions program at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia. I look forward to the multitudes of challenges ahead and I know that music will be with me all the way and I know that it will be playing through the Operating Room stereo in the midst of a long and backbreaking surgery. Unlimited thanks to Juliana for giving me the gift of music.
Finally, endless thanks for my family and friends for all of the support, help, and encouragement all these years. As William Shakespeare has once said, “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players: they have their exits and their entrances; and one man in his time plays many parts, his acts being seven ages.” I would have never made it without you all! Thanks for always believing in me!
Richard Li
Oakton HS---VA Governor School—University of Virginia
I have lived in 4 different countries, and moved around countless times. The one thing that I have always kept with me is my love for music and piano. It is something that I will never let go of, and will continue to practice and learn even in my college years.
I would like to thank Juliana for all she has done for me, including college recommendations and helping me increase my vocal accuracy and range in singing. I will be sad to go, but will remember my experiences here, and keep my passion for music alive forever.
Eric Tsai
Thomas Jefferson HS—University of Virginia (received $28,000 x 4 years scholarship)
My interest in piano started when I heard Beethoven’s Für Elise on the radio in first grade. I loved the melody so much that I wanted to play it myself. In second grade, I started piano lessons with the help of my parents. As a child, when I first started playing, I found myself impatient and could not stand playing the piano all day. If it weren’t for my parents, I would’ve quit after my first five lessons of piano.
Many times, I’ve heard my friends say they wish they had continued piano. They realize that the musical knowledge that comes with learning how to play piano is invaluable. It has helped me learn how to play the violin and er-hu, taught me how to sing decently, and exposed me to the lyrical art of music. For this, I’m really grateful to my parents for helping me continue my piano career.
Practicing the piano has also taught me important skills in public performance. Ever since third grade, I’ve had performances every year in festivals or recitals. At first, these performances stressed me out but eventually I learned not to think about what the audience thought of me. I had to focus on sharing my feelings with the audience through the piano. Thanks to these performances, I’ve discovered that I enjoy sharing my music with my family, friends, and other people.
The piano has become a sibling of mine over the eleven years that I’ve played it. Being an only child, I have no one to play with at home, but the piano has always been there for me like an older brother or sister. It has become a channel in which I express my most heart-felt feelings – feelings that I could not express in words. The piano has accompanied me through all the ups and downs in my life. It listens to me when I play it and tell it stories about my life. I am forever grateful to Mrs. Liang, Mrs. Kuo and my parents for providing for me and giving me the precious skill of piano-playing.