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Admissions From practice to performance: Handuo’s Music Scholar journey
Handuo’s journey as a Music Scholar at Hallfield School showcases the extraordinary blend of talent, dedication, and opportunities that define the school’s Music Scholar Programme.
Published
18 December 2024
Category
#Special Feature
School
#Prep #Whole school
A skilled pianist and violinist, Handuo has flourished under expert guidance, gaining confidence and honing his artistry through countless performances and enriching experiences.
Here’s a closer look at Handuo’s remarkable musical achievements.
Personal journey in music
1. What inspired you to start learning your instruments, and what developed your passion for music?
I was inspired to start learning my instruments because I wanted to play music that makes people happy. More importantly, I enjoy the process of creating music and having fun while playing.
2. How did you feel when you were first awarded your Music Scholarship?
When I was awarded the Music Scholarship, I didn’t feel overwhelmed, but I was very proud. It felt great to be recognised for my hard work and passion for music.
3. What was the biggest challenge you faced as a music scholar, and how did you overcome it?
One big challenge was memorising my words for the Music Scholarship programme. To overcome this, I sat down and read them in my head several times until I could say them fluently. It taught me to stay focused and practice patiently.
Progress and achievements
4. How has your playing improved since joining the Music Scholar Programme?
Since joining the programme, I’ve become more confident playing. It has been a fantastic opportunity to perform in front of audiences and grow as a musician.
5. Have you participated in any competitions, concerts, or performances in the last two years? What was the most memorable experience?
I have participated in numerous competitions, concerts, and performances, but the most memorable was the New Talent Music Festival in London in July 2023. This event featured not only the competition itself but also a gala concert and masterclasses with esteemed professors. I felt incredibly proud to receive an honourable award for my piano performance.
Another highlight was performing with the Midland Chamber Orchestra (MCO), Hallfield School’s Orchestra in Residence, during the joint Peter and the Wolf concert before Christmas 2023. Since that event, I have been regularly playing the violin in the MCO.
Throughout 2024, I attended weekly rehearsals on Wednesday evenings and performed in all four of MCO’s annual concerts. The most recent performance, at the end of November 2024, was a collaboration with Notorious, a prestigious choir group based in Birmingham. Together, we performed the Duruflé Requiem, which was a resounding success and received an abundance of positive feedback.
Support and guidance
6. How has the Music Scholar Programme and guidance from Mrs Wu supported your growth as a musician?
The Music Scholar Programme has helped me gain confidence. Mrs Wu, who is also my piano teacher, has guided me from almost the beginning of my musical journey to where I am now. She has been a big part of my growth as a musician.
7. Can you share a moment when you felt supported or encouraged by the school?
One moment I felt truly supported was during the House Music Finals in 2023. The clapping and cheering from everyone were so loud and exciting. When I won, the celebration from everyone made me feel deeply appreciated.
I also want to take this opportunity to thank Mrs. Edgar for her constant encouragement. She has provided me with many opportunities to perform in front of audiences at school. Even as early as Year 1, I was allowed to play a piano piece I had learnt during music lessons. These experiences helped me build confidence at a very young age and have been instrumental in shaping my musical journey.
Future aspirations
8. How has your experience as a Music Scholar influenced your academic work or other areas of life?
Being a music scholar has significantly improved my focus and discipline. For example, my maths skills have greatly improved, and my enhanced finger dexterity has been beneficial in many other activities.
9. Who are your musical role models, and how have they inspired you?
My role models are Ray Chen as a violinist and Lang Lang as a pianist. Their extraordinary performances, masterful technique, and the beautiful sounds they create inspire me to work harder and aim higher in my musical journey.
10. What advice would you give to younger students who aspire to be music scholars?
My advice is to stay calm, practice consistently for reasonable amounts of time, and also focus on scales and sight-reading practice. Most importantly, enjoy the music you play and dedicate yourself to your instrument(s). If you truly enjoy what you’re doing, everything else will naturally fall into place.
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