[ot-caption title=” Clara Nguyen (via Rachel Rutstein, Junior)”]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9L7XRV73Vs

Whether it’s learning in the classroom or perfecting her skills in the music room, Clara Ngyuen always excels. This freshman at Pine Crest is known not only for her happy demeanor, but also for her multitude of talents–Ngyuen is gifted in math and speaks many languages. However, her most refined language emits from the piano. Clara opens up to Type One about her challenges, successes, and experiences as a pianist.

T1: How old were you when you started to play?

Clara: I’ve been playing for 9 years. I started when I was 6 years old.

T1: What’s your favorite type of music to perform?

Clara: Johann Sebastian Bach is my favorite composer so any of his pieces.

T1: Do you have anyone you consider a major influence?

Clara: My major influence is my piano teacher, Santiago Rodriguez, who is the Piano Department Chair at the University of Miami.

T1: What influenced this piece of work, and why did you choose this one to perform?

Clara: It is a work by my favorite composer. It’s more substantial than most of his other works. It’s in a minor key, which gives it more depth.

T1: Why do you enjoy piano?

Clara: I love being able to deliver the message of my music to the world…to convey the story.

T1: What is your favorite memory or piece?

Clara: One of my favorite pieces is an excerpt from the Bach Partita number 6 which I played at Carnegie Hall when I was six. Not only is it a beautiful piece but there are also a lot of great memories associated with it.

T1: What is your favorite quote?

Clara: From Japanese author, Haruki Murakami, “Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional.”

T1: Are you taking classes related to piano or music?

Clara: Not in high school but I am taking class at the University of Miami on a full scholarship.

T1: What is some important knowledge gained through playing the piano?

Clara: Not only have I learned about how to improve my technique and play music itself, I’ve learned that music is a performance art so it is important to know how to get your message across to the audience on stage.

T1: How will you use art for the rest of your high school/career?

Clara: I am giving performances pretty regularly, especially at the University of Miami. I also have a volunteer project called Music Therapy where I play for the patients every few weeks at Bethesda West Hospital. It is a great honor to have these people listen to me and know that it helps them feel better.

T1: Are you working on anything currently?

Clara: I’m about to do the Beethoven Concerto Number 2 with the school band.

T1: What is your biggest challenge?

Clara: As a concert pianist, I’ve often faced very short deadlines. I’ve had to memorize a concerto in less than five days and perform it in front of an audience.

T1: Biggest accomplishment?

Clara: In my opinion, getting accepted into my teacher’s piano program at the University of Miami because he has never taught a student who was not at the college before.

T1: How would you describe your creative process?

Clara: I am pretty spontaneous in the way I phrase my music.

T1: 3 words to describe yourself.

Clara: Creative, quick thinker… I would call myself a happy person.

T1: What do you hope people will take away from your work?

Clara: Music in itself is a language. I want to not only understand that language but help other people do the same.