“What I have achieved by industry and practice, anyone else with tolerable natural gift and ability can also achieve.”- Johann Sebastian Bach
The story of my musical career resembles Bach’s words. Music has been a major part of my life ever since I was young, though my relationship with it was not always smooth. At first, I disliked playing the piano, and I gave up in early childhood. But as I transitioned into elementary, I realized that I had a love for music that I could not deny. I rediscovered my passion for piano at age nine, feeling as if the keys spoke to me.
This passion made me realize that I wanted to seek more challenges. Since 2020, I have taken the Certificate of Merit® tests annually, achieving high scores consistently. In 2020, during Level 3, I was awarded with State Honors and Branch Honors, and in 2023, during Level 6, I received State Honors again. Every year, I also dedicate myself to perform two times for a year for recitals to deliver my best memorization and interpretation of my pieces in front of a large audience.
Though I have achieved high scores and honors, my journey was not quite smooth. Procrastination, little motivation, and the challenges of bringing myself to practice, were all factors that tested my commitment. These obstacles were difficult, but they taught me resilience and self discipline. My teacher has also been a key part to my success because she is one of the main people that influence me to not give up. I have come to see that my success in piano depends on my own drive and dedication; only I can push myself to reach my full potential. With each obstacle, I have learned to overcome and grow, pushing myself to put forth my best efforts.
Through dedication, I have realized that practice does truly make perfect. I am committed to showing the best side of myself with my musical career, knowing that each time that I practice, I am closer and closer to reaching my full potential.
You can find Justine’s 2024 Romantic Music Competition piano performance here.