When I was just 5 years old, my parents had put me into piano classes. At the time, I hated it. I didn’t get what was happening, and it seemed that whatever I learned would go in through one ear and out the other. However, during COVID, an obsession for music struck me seemingly out of nowhere. I couldn’t stop listening to music, and finally, my previously untouched piano was warming up to me. I started practicing on it more and more, and grew to really love playing the piano. Now, looking back, it seems silly that I used to hate something that is so important to me now. I plan on continuing music throughout my life, and seeing how far I can really go.
Watch Ishaan Subodh Salwekar perform Nocturne Op. 9 No. 2 by Chopin on the piano for the 19th Century Music Competition 2025 as part of the Charleston International Music Competition.