PIANO | TRAN TRI DUC

Improvisation on the keys....

Do you think a passion for music can emerge at any moment? My journey with the piano began entirely by chance. Back then, my home was constantly filled with music, thanks to my two older sisters who had been learning piano for years. Their piano melodies flowed through every corner of the house, slowly and naturally embedding themselves in my soul before I even realized it.

At the age of 3, I accompanied my mother to visit my sisters' piano teacher. While they were deep in conversation, my curiosity led me to an old piano in the corner of the room, and I couldn’t resist touching it. Noticing this, the teacher kindly encouraged me, saying, "Why don’t you try sitting at the piano?" Without hesitation, I sat down, and it felt as if my hands had an immediate connection with the keys. I played the piano with a casual, playful curiosity, much like a child discovering a new instrument for the very first time. Though the sounds I created didn’t form a clear melody, they felt unexpectedly natural and comforting.

The teacher was astonished, sensing my natural musical talent. My mother, equally surprised, decided that from that moment, I should start learning the piano. It wasn’t something carefully planned, but rather a path sparked by a spontaneous moment and instinct. And so, my musical journey began—just as smooth and effortless as that first time I sat down at the piano.

My story with Chau

From a young age, I’ve been surrounded by the sound of the piano filling our home, played by none other than my two older sisters, especially Chau, the middle sister. Chau is a true "musical prodigy," admired by everyone. Her musical talent became evident early on, and she quickly gained recognition as a young piano sensation across Vietnam. She frequently appeared on national television and was featured in the media, thanks to numerous prestigious international awards. Chau’s success has even inspired many families to nurture their children's artistic talents. Today, she continues to pursue her passion for music at Oberlin College, one of the most renowned institutions for musical talents in the US.

It was, without a doubt, Chau who inspired my love for the piano in the most natural and profound way. From a young age, I listened to her practice every day. Her piano melodies weren’t just sounds in the air, they seemed to seep into me, note by note. I vividly remember watching her, hands moving gracefully over the keys with such passion and dedication. It brought a sense of peace, and her music felt like a gentle stream flowing into my heart, allowing me to truly appreciate the elegance and beauty of music.

Initially, I lacked the motivation when I first started learning the piano, but thanks to her, my passion gradually took root. The joy I felt when I could play the same pieces I had once only heard from her was indescribable. She wasn’t just an inspiration; she became one of my first teachers, guiding me to explore the beauty of the piano, a world I now can’t imagine being without.

Enter the path of Professional Piano Learning

In 2016, I applied to the full-time program at the Vietnam National Academy of Music, driven by a deep passion for the piano. The exam was difficult, but I was fortunate to pass. This achievement marked a significant milestone in the start of my professional music journey and opened doors to opportunities I had never anticipated.

One of the greatest blessings in my life is being a student of Professor, Doctor, and People's Teacher Tran Thu Ha, a living legend in the Vietnamese piano world. As the former Director of the Hanoi Conservatory of Music, now known as the Vietnam National Academy of Music, she has personally mentored many of Vietnam's most renowned and accomplished pianists. Beyond her exceptional talent and influence in the music industry, she is a remarkable teacher, admired for both her vast knowledge and her deep compassion. She is not only a highly respected professor but also a mentor who inspires her students with unwavering love and dedication.

She has a very special way of teaching, never forcing or making her students stressed. Instead, she uses gentleness and tact to stimulate each person's potential.

She is more than just a teacher; she is like a second mother, always caring for and genuinely loving her students. She understands the pressures we face and is always there to listen and offer encouragement whenever I encounter challenges. Her guidance has not only imparted knowledge but also instilled in me a profound passion for music, helping me navigate through the toughest moments in both my learning and personal growth. I am deeply grateful to her, as without her support, wisdom, and affection, I would not have come this far on my musical journey.

- Flames Concour 2018 -

TET RECITAL

A meaningful series of fund raising piano performances for Operation Smile Vietnam Organization organized by our family

"Passion is the fire that lights up every effort"

My passion for the piano allowed me to discover a deep connection between myself and music, transforming daily practice from a mechanical routine into a journey of self-exploration. As I immersed myself in the world of great compositions, I learned not only how to play music but also how to truly understand and live with it. Each performance became more than just playing for an audience, it became a spiritual dialogue, an expression of my inner self through the music.

In the highly competitive world of piano competitions, this passion has been my driving force, motivating me to dedicate hours to daily practice and continuously push myself to improve by listening to and learning from the masters.

Consistent practice not only led to my success in competitions but also allowed me to grow and mature within the world of music.

Each day that I listen to music, I discover something new, not just from classical pieces but also from the vast range of modern music. It’s an ongoing journey where inspiration and knowledge continually pour into my soul, fueling my passion and deepening my desire to explore the world of sound. Through listening and experiencing, I gain a deeper understanding of both myself and the way music can connect with and move people's hearts.