Playing Piano: The Core of My Life

As I stare down at my very fresh piece of music lit by my lamp, the piano lamp that was given to me by my grandmother, I reflected what I went through with my life years back. Back then, when I was young, music and arts have always been my interest. Other subjects such as Mathematics never really caught my attention. There was no way for you to interpret things and there is a lack in creativity. On the other hand, music lets you do whatever you wish. There is no correct and incorrect. There is only the melody and the notes. I started learning to play the piano at a very early age. We are not rich, but my mom work so hard just to pay my piano teacher which is an old lady who lives across the street. When I had my first lesson, I could say that I am no good. I tried to practice constantly but it never seemed to work.

On one blessed day, everything seems to fall into place. Suddenly I understood everything, the notes, the tone and all things related to music. I was inspired. Since then onwards, I played the piano every single day and adores every moment of it. In high school, I joined the concert band and the strings at school. I was even given a chance to play a solo. When my teacher saw my potential, he encouraged me to learn to compose songs. It was very difficult the first time I did it. I can’t seem to finish it and I am often left in midair not knowing what to write.

For the next two years, I started to gain more confidence in my music. Until it came to a point, that I was given the chance to become a main performer at a particular concert at my school. I played classical pieces such as Beethoven and given a chance to play my own songs. I was thrilled especially when the audience gave me a standing ovation. When I went to college, everything seems like a blur to me. I practiced constantly, write my own composition and study at the same time. When I got my degree, I decided to join the Cincinnati Orchestra. I was able to practice well but never got a chance to play my own music. However, I continued writing my own piece. I started playing more solos this time.

My big break came when I wrote a piece for an upcoming movie which won as Oscar award. I became famous. It seems everyone wants me to compose songs for commercials, record deals, and movies. I wasn’t able to take it all in. Fame never seems to appeal to me. I went back home and stayed out of publicity. I brought my grand piano home with me so that I can practice more. It was my grandmother who gave me a grand piano light. The piano light seems to be the most meaningful thing that I possess.

After six months since after I got my grand piano light, my grandmother died. It was the most painful experience in my life. When I wrote songs, pain is evident there. I started to write melancholic pieces and eventually released a CD with all the songs in it. It didn’t become a hit or a bestseller however, I was able to take out all I felt in my music. I may not be popular like I used to be, but I am happy. Fame just doesn’t work for everyone. Sometimes, the spotlight messes with your thinking and you’ll end up realizing that it’s not all worth it.