I started piano at 5 years old—not entirely by choice. My mom signed me up, and at first, I didn’t see why it mattered. But over time, something changed. I started feeling the music—not just playing it—and that’s when everything clicked. Since then, it’s been everything to me.
A huge turning point was failing the CM Level 8 exam the first time. It lit something in me. Maybe it wasn’t the healthiest motivation, but it made me relentless. I went on to pass CM Level 10 in 6th grade with State Honors and flying colors, and in 2023, I placed 2nd at the Pacific Star International Competition.
But beyond awards, I’ve built my life around this. I practice 5+ hours a day—while other kids were out in the grass playing, I was inside grinding, crying, bleeding at the piano. I’ve sacrificed a lot, but music always gave me more in return.
Now, I’m entering the next chapter. I collaborate with professional musicians, including one from Juilliard. I’m also building a platform as a social media creator, combining classical performance with modern content to reach younger audiences. As of now, my work has accumulated tens of thousands of views, and I’ve begun turning that passion into opportunity—with real momentum, real network connections, and real jobs.
I’m a musician, a creator, and a business-minded artist—and I’m just getting started.
Watch Peter Dukang Chen perform Moonlight Sonata – 3rd Movement by Ludwig Van Beethoven on the piano for the 19th Century Music Competition 2025 as part of the Charleston International Music Competition.