Twinkle, Twinkle, Prelude
Tiny hands, big dreams.
My very first stage.
The photo sure is blurry...
but by the grace of God, His vision for me was sharp.
And So It Began…
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been drawn to music—passionately so. In this post, I’d love to take you behind the scenes of my journey so far: from the first spark of inspiration I can recall to the exciting opportunities I’m grateful to pursue this summer. Whether you're a fellow musician, a classical music enthusiast, a lover of the sacred Psalms, or someone who simply enjoys a good story, I hope something here resonates with you.
Before I Could Speak, I Sang
Music has always been a language I understood—even before I had words. According to my parents, my first words weren’t spoken—they were sung. Before I could form sentences, I hummed melodies—the first of which was Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star, just as my mom often sang it.
When I was nearly two, I received a tiny toy piano and immediately became obsessed. Rather than bang on the keys as one might expect of a toddler, I tried to match the notes to songs my mom sang aloud, played on our CD player, or those I heard while out on a stroll. I began to build what I now think of as my “musical ABCs”—a library of sound filled with classical composers like Albéniz, Beethoven, and Chopin; operatic voices like Anderson, Bocelli, and Callas; and masters of sacred works like Adams, Bach, and Cherubini.
From the very beginning, music wasn’t just background noise—it was how I made sense of the world, expressed my imagination, and found joy. I suppose some things never change.
“From the very beginning, music wasn’t just background noise—it was how I made sense of the world, expressed my imagination, and found joy.”
Nerves, Notes, & New Beginnings
I’ll never forget my first real performance. I was six years old, preparing to play the tiny-hands arrangement of Beethoven’s Ode to Joy on the grand piano at our local Baptist church. I had practiced for weeks and felt confident—or at least, as confident as a six-year-old could feel.
But as the time approached, I experienced something new: clammy hands, a tummy full of knots, and stage lights that felt like they just might melt me. Still, as I’d been taught, I smiled and took my opening bow—certain I might fall over. Just then, I spotted my mom in the crowd. She blew me our customary kiss-kiss, her eyes filled with a smile that made everything shift. My nerves gave way to a rush of excitement. I could barely reach the pedal, but I was determined to play just as my teacher and I had practiced.
When I finished, there was a brief pause… then, as I took my closing bow, a wave of applause swept over me—and I felt like I was floating. My mom and I locked eyes again, and another kiss-kiss sealed the moment:
I did it. And I loved it.
I remembered missing a dynamic marking, but I kept going. Still, the audience responded with enthusiastic ovation—an experience that taught me something I’ll never forget: music is about connection, not perfection. Over time, I would come to learn that in music, excellence is expected—but connection is essential.
To Vienna and Beyond
I’m taking that small beginning all the way to Vienna this summer, which promises to be one of the most exciting chapters in my musical journey. I am both thrilled and humbled to have been invited to join a European concert tour for young classical pianists, with performances and masterclasses in the hallowed halls of Vienna, Salzburg, Prague, Dresden, and more. I’ll be performing pieces like Janáček’s In the Mists and Schumann’s Aufschwung, and more, studying with incredible musicians and pedagogues, and participating in open-keyboard sessions and workshops—not to mention the joy of playing the many public pianos along the way!
Upon returning to the U.S., I’ll continue my studies through piano intensives, recitals, masterclasses, and performance examinations. These opportunities are part of a dream I’ve carried for years—to pursue a future in classical and sacred music, beginning with studies in piano performance and musicology.
I give all the glory to God—for the gift of music, for the privilege of sharing it with others, and for the people He’s placed in my life who continue to inspire, guide, and support me. As a student-pianist, I know this is only the beginning—and I am deeply humbled to walk this path surrounded by such wonderful encouragement.
Thank you for taking the time to read this edition of Grace Notes, and for your support—it truly means more than words can express.
Lastly…
Coming (Very) Soon: I’ll be sharing more details about a special recital right here in the San Francisco Bay Area. I would love to celebrate this milestone with you in person—stay tuned for the official announcement!
I hope to see you there.
🎶 With love + gratitude,
Grace
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