Elysia | Piano
Piano student Elysia is just about to take her grade 1 classical piano exam. We chat to her about what learning the piano is like!
What kind of music (songs or exercises) do you enjoy playing on the piano and why?
I like to play both energetic and calm music; the music full of energy needs more dynamic and makes me want to dance. The piece, A Rainy Saturday, makes me calm and I enjoy the moment when I am playing.
What made you start learning the piano and what do you enjoy about playing it?
At beginning I went to my teacher’s home with my sister who had been learning the piano and I became interested in this lovely instrument. So, my mum let me have a trial lesson and I started the journey of playing the piano. I find it enjoyable to compose some little pieces on my own.
What do you find are the easiest and hardest things about learning piano?
The easiest thing about learning the piano is to do the dynamics and the hardest thing is to keep patient to practise the same piece.
What is your favourite thing about piano lessons?
I like when we play games during lessons and when we learn new pieces.
You also play the flute. What are some similarities and differences between the two instruments?
The similarities between these two instruments are to read the notes, to count the beats and to do the dynamics. The difference is the way to play them: when I play the flute, I have to control the breathing to make the sound nice and smooth. It’s much easier to use both hands to play the piano.
You are almost done preparing for your grade 1 exam. Can you tell us how many pieces, scales and exercises you have had to learn?
I have learned 3 pieces and 6 scales for preparing the Grade 1 Exam.
What is your proudest moment or achievement as a pianist?
When I try to learn new pieces on my own and sing while playing the piano.
