Little Chopin

Jeremy
Williamstown, NJ
ninja rocker

Jeremy started banging on the keys of the piano as a toddler, when he had not even learned to walk completely on his own yet.  He would crawl on his father’s keyboard, his tiny feet and hands pummeling the black and white keys, a cacophony of haphazard notes blaring around their living room.

Now, thirteen years later, this 8th grader has mastered the beautiful and magical craft of playing the piano with such finesse and artistry that nothing could sound more poignant and haunting as the immortal tunes of Liszt, Rachmaninoff, Schubert, and all of the classical greats he belts out with this dazzling instrument.

Jeremy actually started having formal lessons when he turned 7, but even before that, this virtuoso had already showed signs of extreme talent with the piano.  Turning 13 in a few days, Jeremy admits that it can be challenging to juggle schoolwork, playtime, and piano practice all at the same time, but thanks to the full support and careful guidance of his Mom and Dad, Jeremy has managed to accelerate his talent while maintaining his honor status at school.

And of course, in between practices and homework, Jeremy always finds time to have a little fun in between…well maybe, a little too much fun (or so his Mom thinks) especially when he gets his hands on his video game consoles and that indispensable faux-music instrument phenomenon also known as “Guitar Hero.”

But with all the hardwork and dedication he exerts for his piano playing, it’s only but natural that Jeremy finds other avenues of unwinding his mind through the different activities he also enjoys, namely reading books and magazines, watching cartoons and sport matches, and sketching.  From the onset, his parents had encouraged that Jeremy cultivate his artistic side, thus, they sent him to one of the more prestigious music schools in Philadelphia, where, with the conduction of a solid piano teacher, Jeremy has honed not just his skill but also his showmanship.

In May of this year, Jeremy was handpicked by his teacher among all her students to perform in the school’s annual certification concert where after a rigorous performance, he would earn a certificate to advance to the next level.  His performance was nothing short of extaordinary, and Jeremy recalls that it was to date, his most important event ever.

“I have one more year to go then I’m going to be in high school.  It will be busier than ever,” Jeremy remarks.  “The aim starting now is to get more experience with going to competitions and more recitals, and with a life like this, you might think I’d be tired.  But, actually, I’m not.  I love playing the piano.  I like having this.  It makes me feel like a star, maybe.”

A star, indeed, he is to those who have seen and heard him play the regal instrument with the ease and passion of modern day concert pianists such as Lang Lang or Vladimir Ashkenazy, who are two of Jeremy’s idols.  But on a regular day such as this, you’ll most likely find this really special kid enjoying what any average adolescent boy would — frolicking with his Wii while blasting The All-American Rejects on his headphones.

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A note from *the storyteller:

Jeremy does Chopin (and how!) in this beautiful rendition of Etude Op. 10, No. 3 in E Major… or more famously known as “Tristesse” (read: “Sorrow” in French)