Submitted by Jenny Luo
Published on 4/17/2026
Kevin’s connection with music began long before he formally studied
piano. As a toddler, he was naturally drawn to children’s songs,
listening with surprising focus and attentiveness. Music seemed to
capture him in a quiet but powerful way.
As he grew older, his curiosity expanded across different styles. At
one point, he became fascinated with Michael Jackson. He would watch
performances repeatedly and eagerly imitate the rhythm and movement.
Even then, music was not something he simply listened to — it was
something he felt and expressed physically. That early sense of rhythm
and energy later became part of how he approached the piano.
When we brought home an electronic keyboard, he began experimenting on
his own. Seeing his growing interest, we eventually enrolled him in
formal piano lessons.
After studying piano for some time, we began to notice something
remarkable. As his training progressed, his listening became
increasingly precise. When he heard a melody, he could often identify
the exact pitch of individual notes without touching the keyboard.
Over time, he began recreating some melodies by ear with striking
accuracy. It became clear that he was not only learning to play music,
but learning to truly hear it.
As his technical foundation strengthened, his appreciation for
classical repertoire grew significantly. He became especially
fascinated by works such as Liszt’s La Campanella and many of Chopin’s
nocturnes. What moves us most is not simply that he enjoys these
pieces, but that he tries to understand their emotional character.
When playing Chopin, he often reflects on the delicate, nuanced
feelings within the music and attempts to communicate that sensitivity
through phrasing and dynamics. We have watched him grow more
thoughtful and expressive with each new piece.
The journey, however, has not always been smooth.
There have been moments of frustration when progress felt slow. Kevin
is sensitive and reflective; when a passage proves difficult, he
sometimes becomes deeply discouraged. Sometimes he has stepped away
from the piano in tears. As parents, those moments have not been easy
to witness.
Yet what stands out most is what follows.
After the frustration, he returns to the piano on his own, ready to
try again. That quiet determination — choosing to persist — has meant
more to us than any single accomplishment. Through music, we have seen
him develop resilience, patience, and emotional maturity.
Ethan’s journey has unfolded naturally alongside his older brother’s.
From a young age, he loved to sing and hum melodies around the house,
listening closely whenever Kevin practiced. Inspired by his brother’s
dedication, he too developed a genuine interest in learning the piano.
Music has become part of the rhythm of our family life.
For us, the most meaningful part of this journey is not awards, but
growth — seeing curiosity develop into discipline, sensitivity deepen
into expression, and practice transform into confidence. Music
continues to shape not only their skills, but their character.