Growing up with the piano keys

Ta Bao Khoa engrossed in the piano keys - Photo: NVCC

Piano is a friend

For nearly a month now, Ta Bao Khoa seems to be busier. In addition to his school schedule, Khoa also has to compete with practice and participate in large and small competitions. However, the smile on the lips of the 7th grader is still tireless. Because, accompanying Khoa in the competitions is always the piano. For a long time, he has considered the piano as his close friend.

The people who brought Khoa to the special friend named piano were his parents. Although both of them did not follow the path of art, they understood very well the meaning of music for a child. Therefore, since Khoa was 5 years old, his parents let him get acquainted and self-study on the iPad with Simply Piano software. What made Khoa's parents very happy was that their first son loved and seemed to have a talent for this subject. Without thinking much, his parents looked for a piano teacher for their son for a while, then sent him to study at the Piano Rondo Music Center in Ward 5, Dong Ha City.

Although they did not dare to put too much hope on their son, when they heard the teachers give many compliments about Khoa, his parents felt happy. That was also the motivation for them to focus more on their son's gifted learning. Following Khoa's progress, the instruments in the house were gradually replaced, from the organ, to the electric piano, then the acoustic piano. Although each time they replaced a new instrument, it was a great effort for the whole family, but his parents never regretted it.

Every day, in addition to the time at the center, despite his busy schedule, Khoa still takes time to practice at home. He does not force himself into a framework but always creates the most comfortable space and spirit for effective learning. Since the day the teachers at the center introduced and encouraged Khoa to participate in major piano competitions, his determination seemed to have multiplied. Khoa learned from the experiences of his seniors and piano teaching channels on Youtube, while practicing harder and setting goals for himself.

Win the awards

Talking about the competitions he participated in, Ta Bao Khoa said that to him, all of them were meaningful. Coming to each competition, Khoa had valuable experiences and felt more mature. However, the most unforgettable impression was still the first competition he participated in in Da Nang City. At that time, Khoa was only 7 years old.

Khoa took a souvenir photo with his teacher at the 2nd Piano - Guitar Festival - Photo: NVCC

Before this competition took place, he and his teachers spent a lot of time and effort practicing. However, at the time when he needed to shine the most, Khoa did not have a good performance. As a result, the boy did not own any prize. “The first time I played the piano in front of a large audience, I was quite pressured. That led to the result not being as expected by everyone. After the competition, I was sad and disappointed.

However, at that time, my parents encouraged me: The most important thing is that you did not give up but completed your exam. That sentence helped me overcome negative emotions and hope to soon have a second chance to conquer. I realized that, when entering a competition, in addition to musical technique, stage presence is very important because I will be affected by many external factors. Therefore, first of all, my spirit must be strong", Khoa shared.

However, failure is only a delayed success. Every time Khoa returns with disappointment, he focuses more on studying and practicing. Thanks to that, in 2020, when participating in the first Piano - Guitar Festival organized by Hue Academy of Music, Khoa excelled over many talented children and won the second prize. In 2023, returning to this competition, he showed the organizers and judges his own "transformation" and was honored to be awarded the first prize. Those were the happiest days for Khoa.

The road to success is not always straight. After this time, Khoa participated in piano competitions twice in Ho Chi Minh City and Hue but did not achieve the desired results. That is also the reason why the boy did not allow himself to "rest on his laurels".

With great efforts, most recently, Khoa entered the final round of the 2025 National Piano Talent Festival organized by the Vietnam Institute for Educational and Cultural Development. At the competition, Khoa was one of the contestants awarded the Silver Medal by the organizing committee.

In addition to the above awards, with the piano, Khoa also made his mark in many other competitions and playgrounds at the provincial and city levels. Up to now, the 7th grade student cannot remember all the awards he has received. However, Khoa does not take those results to mean that he is good. He is always aware that there are many more talented and capable friends, so he must try harder. That is also the reason why Khoa always arranges time to go to the center and cultivate his own talent.

When mentioning Ta Bao Khoa, many people often immediately think of the image of a young scholar sitting next to the piano, using his skillful fingers to ignite emotions. Few people know that at school, Khoa was also an excellent student. He won many high prizes in central, provincial and city level competitions such as: "Young Informatics"; "Young Creativity"; English speaking; "Vietnamese Champion" on the internet; Children's Fine Arts Award; English Olympiad on the internet...

For Khoa, each experience at the competitions is like a key in a grand symphony, helping his life become more joyful. Therefore, Khoa promises himself to continue to strive to achieve even greater achievements.

Tay Long

Source: https://baoquangtri.vn/lon-len-voi-nhung-phim-dan-193054.htm