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By: Tommy Sneider <tsneider@hilite.org>

How many years have you been playing the piano?
I’ve now been playing it for 10 years.

What do you consider your greatest accomplishment as a pianist?
Probably my perseverance throughout the years.

Why did you start playing the piano?
Truthfully, because it was really big. I know it’s a lame reason, but that’s why.

Who do you consider your biggest inspiration?
Probably my parents because they really have helped support me throughout the years and I wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for them.

What competitions have you competed in?
I’ve competed in the World Piano Competition, the IU Concerto Competition and other local ones.

What was it like playing in front of so many people at Carnegie Hall?
It was definitely exciting with adrenaline—a lot of it—running through my blood.

What do you plan to do with your talents as a musician?
I really would want to become a concert pianist; that’s my goal.

If you could play the piano in any place in the world, where would you play it and why?
I would play (the piano) in Beijing because I was born over there and it would be really cool to go back.

What goals would you like to achieve musically in your lifetime?
I want to understand music better, which is much easier said than done.

What’s the most exciting part about playing the piano?
It is when you are on stage with everyone in the audience staring at you.

Describe your most exciting performance.
Words couldn’t even describe it, (there are) so many emotions involved. It’s just an amazing experience.

What’s the most difficult part about it all?
It is to communicate music to listeners. Music in itself is a language that not everyone can understand.

What instruments have you considered playing?
I played string bass in orchestra, since I didn’t want to play violin.

What pushes you to keep playing the piano at this high level?
The desire to be (at an even) higher level than I am right now and just to keep improving however I can.

How do you balance piano with all of your other school activities and homework?
I rush. I finish as much as I can in school and then practice in quality, not quantity.

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PERFECT PRACTICE: Freshman Jeff Hou watches freshman Ray Qian practice on the piano in the orchestra room on Dec. 12 during 7th period. They frequently practice in preparation for future playing tests and performances. ARJUNA CAPULONG / PHOTO

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