I have been playing piano for about 6 years. What started as something that I was pushed into, where I felt like I didn’t belong, has now turned into one of my biggest outlets to escape all other stressors in my life. From some anxiety, including school work and sports, playing the piano has always been a supportive place where I let my emotions flow through each note. Piano has also shown me a more independent side of life. Compared to other group activities I am active in, the outcome of my performance is solely dependent on how much I practice and how much I want it, which encourages me more. It allows me to push myself in ways that only come from pressing the wrong note over and over again or not achieving the right tempo. Piano has also taught me patience, resulting in me not always rushing to be a perfectionist, and making me realize that success comes with steadiness.
Watch Saina Shah perform Etude in C Minor, Op. 100 No. 15 “Ballade” by F.Burgmuller on the piano for the 2026 Summer Music Competition as part of the Charleston International Music Competition.