Competitions, part II: Don't Age Me, Bro!

This week, I'll celebrate my 29th birthday. Not old at all by typical standards, but as an aspiring concert pianist, every year older means "aging-out" of more competitions! Some competitions I may not quite be aged-out of yet, but for the quadrennial competitions such as the Van Cliburn, I'll be over the age limit by the time the next chance comes around.

There's something exciting about young talent that audiences really love. I'll never forget my first big, paid solo concert that I gave when I was in my mid-teens: the room was completley packed full of over 500 people, all wanting to see this young, talented pianist! Yet by the time I'm in my late 20s, I am no longer a teenager who can wear a big bow in her hair and wow the audience with my ability at a young age. However, I offer something so much more now. As I've gotten older, I have matured so much in my interpretations and musicality. I think about more than just playing the right notes...For instance, I think about the inner turmoil Beethoven must have experienced toward the end of his life with his deafness when I'm performing his late Sonatas; I focus on creating a beautiful, cushioned sound by the way I touch and approach the keys; I offer something that is not just technically fluid, but something that is heartfelt and (hopefully) memorable.

So 29, here I come, completely aware that I'm on the brink of getting too old for many competitions, but not givin' up at all!