Imagine walking through a busy train station and suddenly hearing the delicate notes of Debussy’s Clair de Lune. That’s exactly what happened when 15-year-old Jasmine stopped by a public piano on her way home from school. Her impromptu performance has captured the hearts of many, showcasing not only her incredible talent but also the power of music to transcend its surroundings. Despite the less-than-ideal condition of the piano and the hustle and bustle of the station, Jasmine’s skill shone through, turning an ordinary moment into something truly special.

The Allure of Debussy: A Young Pianist’s Perspective

Why Debussy? What is it about his music that captivates so many, especially a young, aspiring pianist like Jasmine? For her, it’s the lyrical sequences and harmonies that make Debussy’s work so appealing. She describes it as very atmospheric and mood-setting. Clair de Lune, in particular, is a piece known for its delicate beauty and emotional depth, making it a perfect choice for an unexpected public performance.

Playing on an Imperfect Instrument

Let’s be real, public pianos aren’t exactly known for being in pristine condition. Jasmine’s piano was no Steinway, that’s for sure. She said it “didn’t quite have the same booy effect.” She explained that older pianos lack the depth of sound you can get from more modern instruments. But, she managed to overcome these limitations. Despite the less-than-ideal condition of the public piano, Jasmine’s talent shone through.

From Lockdown Hobby to Concert Aspirations

It’s amazing to think that Jasmine only started playing piano about three years ago during lockdown. Yes, you heard that right. Three years! What’s even more impressive is that she’s self-taught. When asked if she considers herself a genius, Jasmine quickly brushes it off, attributing her skills to hard work and dedication.

Eight Hours a Day?!

Eight hours a day? That’s some serious dedication! While many young people are glued to their screens, Jasmine was spending her time honing her craft. She stayed up late watching videos of other pianists. “Lockdown almost gave you the opportunity to kind of take your piano playing to another level because you have that you have the time and the motivation,” she said. How many 15-year-olds do you know with that kind of discipline?

Dreaming of the Concert Hall

At just 12 years old, Jasmine decided she wanted to become a concert pianist. It was more of an “epiphany” moment. She wants her life to revolve around music. “I want to have that atmosphere of Music around me,” Jasmine said. “I know what I want and I know I need to work hard to get it and I’m prepared to do that.” She admires concert pianists like Valentina Lisitsa and Lang Lang. She even saw Lang Lang in concert twice. She names Valentina Lisitsa as an inspiration, admiring her unique musical interpretations. You can check out Valentina Lisitsa’s incredible performances on her YouTube channel.

The Makings of a Prodigy: Influences and Aspirations

Interestingly, Jasmine doesn’t come from a particularly musical family. Her grandma played up to grade six. However, there’s a connection to a concert pianist in her extended family. So, maybe there’s something in the genes after all.

The Life of a Concert Pianist

The life of a concert pianist isn’t easy. Constantly learning new concertos can be overwhelming. “Learning all those concertos off by heart…it kind of blows my head,” Jasmine admitted. But she’s drawn to the music industry. Jasmine finds it “welcoming” and “inspiring.”

Giving Back Through Music

Jasmine is already using her talent to make a difference. She’s done four concerts for charity, supporting a high cancer charity and a charity for a friend with cancer.

Advice from a Rising Star: Jasmine’s Tips for Young Musicians

Even though she’s young, Jasmine has wisdom to share. What advice does she have for young musicians?

Conquering Stage Fright

Jasmine admits to feeling nervous, but she didn’t let it show in her performance. She’s clearly comfortable in the spotlight.

Play What You Love

Jasmine’s biggest piece of advice? Play what you love. “You don’t really need to practice what your teacher is telling you to practice,” she said. “You just need to do the pieces that you love that will make you want to practice. You want to learn more.” If you want to practice more, you need to find your passion.

Finding Your Passion

“You seem to really be into obviously what you’re playing and that really comes across,” the interviewer said. And it’s true. Jasmine’s love for music is evident in every note she plays.

The interviewer admired her playing. He even said that we should have a public concert hall to honor her talent.

Conclusion

Jasmine’s impromptu performance is a reminder that talent can be found in the most unexpected places. Her dedication, passion, and skill are truly inspiring. Keep an eye on this young pianist, because she’s definitely going places!