For most people, the adults and people in their lives encourage them to challenge themselves, and to follow their dreams. Most teachers will try to push you forward so you’re doing the best that you possibly can. This, unfortunately, was not the case with my piano teacher.

It was a usual slow-paced lesson full of monotonous rhythms. I wanted to be ambitious and learn harder music. I had already requested to try more challenging works on numerous occasions but was always told that it was ‘too hard.’ I was already convinced that my teacher would refuse again, and she did. After pacing between thoughts, I decided to simply learn a piece and ask for advice afterwards.

I had no idea where to start. The process of learning an advanced piece completely on your own is tedious and frustrating. I couldn’t even play the first measure with both hands, and every single part of the music proved to be a challenge. Despite this, I felt like I had so much freedom instead of being enclosed in my teacher’s lifeless, straightforward assignments. Don’t get me wrong; I wanted to completely give up at times when the notes seemed like a foreign language, but by the end of the week, the first page had been learned.

I had been used to following everything my teacher instructed me to do. After failing to play with both hands simultaneously, I tried recalling what she typically had me do when starting a new piece, and turned to playing the music separately with each hand. In the beginning, this also was an immense challenge, and I spent at least one day practicing with just one hand. I felt so weak and powerless learning this way but slowly improved. Although there were still many mistakes and errors when I played, I was so proud that I had taught myself that one page.

I thought that simply learning the music was hard, but the most daunting part was going into the silent, echoing room with my teacher and performing for her. Every ounce of confidence and courage I had built throughout the week seemed to shrivel away in seconds. I took out the music hesitantly, handed it to her and held my breath as she read the title. She sighed and told me to play. As I placed my hands on the piano, I could feel her glaring eyes staring at me. I started to play, nervously at first, but when I got through the first few measures, I began to ignore my teacher’s glowering face and let the music guide me. When I finished, I could tell that she was impressed but still hid it when she talked in her usual stubborn way. Either way, I felt accomplished achieving something that I worked so hard for.

I’ve realized that in life, people will disagree with you and your ideas. But if you don’t listen to the people who doubt your ambitions and keep working hard, you’ll be able to reach your goal, no matter how far fetched it may seem. Sometimes you’ll feel like giving up, but just remember the reason you decided to pursue it.

-Ellen  Chaing