By Nicole Thompson
Basketball player, piano accompanist, and two time Carnegie Hall performer. You could call the multitalented Daisy Li all of these things. Daisy was born in Hang Zhou, China. At the humble age of three, Daisy had already begun learning piano. It was her older sister by three years who first introduced her to the instrument. “Honestly, I just thought it was so fascinating how music could be created by tapping your fingers on a keyboard. So I convinced my mom to start taking lessons, and I’ve been playing ever since.”
Soon, after picking up the piano, she and her family moved to Vancouver. Daisy began to attend Collingwood in Grade 3, and she learnt to play the clarinet in Grade 6. Daisy’s older sister, who was the one to pave her interest, also began playing the flute in Grade 6 herself. As an active member of so many activities, it’s hard to believe Daisy would be able to pick her favourite genre of music. Daisy’s music taste ranges from alternative to hip hop. When playing the piano, she holds the same mentality. “I have a weird taste in music, I feel like my playlist only caters to me,” she explained. “I don’t really have a favourite genre but I love playing nocturnes and waltzes. I also really like playing modern pieces that don’t seem like they make sense. I love being able to decipher those pieces, figure out what the message the composer is trying to convey, and deliver it to the audience.”
Music means something different to everyone. From a medium of self-expression to a form of relaxation. For Daisy, “music can be anything you want it to be.” She shares her perspective, saying that “even though it's just a physical act all of your emotions and feelings can truly be reflected through the music you create.” Daisy further explained that “I love how flexible it is, and how you can manipulate and shape it into what you want it to be.”
Music can be a form to express yourself; anything you feel can be heard through music. Even if you aren’t musically inclined, it's a form of art that - no matter how different - is able to allow the audience to feel and sense what the performers aim to express. “It is ‘a tool of expression’ and a way to escape reality.”
As a gifted pianist and clarinettist, it's safe to say, however, that Daisy's heart belongs to the piano. She explained why she would pick the piano because she’s had so many great memories with it. Daisy shares that she is also more skilled in piano, so it allows her to express herself more fluently. In spite of her love for piano, Daisy is up for more challenges and hopes to learn the saxophone or cello in the future. She shares “I love the way the saxophone sounds,” she quotes. “It’s a very rich sounding instrument and gives off this drunk, blue vibe that I adore. The cello is such an elegant instrument and I would love to learn it someday.”
Over many years of playing music, Daisy’s perspective has grown and never ceased to change. She’s realized how much more music can be interpreted, rather than just perceived as sound waves. All of these philosophies and opinions have come to shape Daisy over time. These serve as factors that have also changed her personal way of playing music.
To people who are hoping to start learning an instrument, Daisy’s advice for them is to not rush, take it slow and know that practice is always worth spending time on. Hard work definitely won’t come overnight, so don’t be afraid to slow it down and take things step by step. It's most satisfying, in the end, when you see all the hard work has paid off. Looking ahead to the future, Daisy doesn’t think she’ll pursue a career in music. However, she tells us that she’ll always keep music as an essential hobby. She said that “I’m now able to make connections with people that have similar music backgrounds.”
“I have learned a lot through music. The qualities I've gained through my years will definitely help in this adventure of mine, as I think music will always play a prominent role in my life.” - Daisy Lee
We are very grateful to have Daisy as a part of our Collingwood community, and are very excited to see what she does next !
Basketball player, piano accompanist, and two time Carnegie Hall performer. You could call the multitalented Daisy Li all of these things. Daisy was born in Hang Zhou, China. At the humble age of three, Daisy had already begun learning piano. It was her older sister by three years who first introduced her to the instrument. “Honestly, I just thought it was so fascinating how music could be created by tapping your fingers on a keyboard. So I convinced my mom to start taking lessons, and I’ve been playing ever since.”
Soon, after picking up the piano, she and her family moved to Vancouver. Daisy began to attend Collingwood in Grade 3, and she learnt to play the clarinet in Grade 6. Daisy’s older sister, who was the one to pave her interest, also began playing the flute in Grade 6 herself. As an active member of so many activities, it’s hard to believe Daisy would be able to pick her favourite genre of music. Daisy’s music taste ranges from alternative to hip hop. When playing the piano, she holds the same mentality. “I have a weird taste in music, I feel like my playlist only caters to me,” she explained. “I don’t really have a favourite genre but I love playing nocturnes and waltzes. I also really like playing modern pieces that don’t seem like they make sense. I love being able to decipher those pieces, figure out what the message the composer is trying to convey, and deliver it to the audience.”
Music means something different to everyone. From a medium of self-expression to a form of relaxation. For Daisy, “music can be anything you want it to be.” She shares her perspective, saying that “even though it's just a physical act all of your emotions and feelings can truly be reflected through the music you create.” Daisy further explained that “I love how flexible it is, and how you can manipulate and shape it into what you want it to be.”
Music can be a form to express yourself; anything you feel can be heard through music. Even if you aren’t musically inclined, it's a form of art that - no matter how different - is able to allow the audience to feel and sense what the performers aim to express. “It is ‘a tool of expression’ and a way to escape reality.”
As a gifted pianist and clarinettist, it's safe to say, however, that Daisy's heart belongs to the piano. She explained why she would pick the piano because she’s had so many great memories with it. Daisy shares that she is also more skilled in piano, so it allows her to express herself more fluently. In spite of her love for piano, Daisy is up for more challenges and hopes to learn the saxophone or cello in the future. She shares “I love the way the saxophone sounds,” she quotes. “It’s a very rich sounding instrument and gives off this drunk, blue vibe that I adore. The cello is such an elegant instrument and I would love to learn it someday.”
Over many years of playing music, Daisy’s perspective has grown and never ceased to change. She’s realized how much more music can be interpreted, rather than just perceived as sound waves. All of these philosophies and opinions have come to shape Daisy over time. These serve as factors that have also changed her personal way of playing music.
To people who are hoping to start learning an instrument, Daisy’s advice for them is to not rush, take it slow and know that practice is always worth spending time on. Hard work definitely won’t come overnight, so don’t be afraid to slow it down and take things step by step. It's most satisfying, in the end, when you see all the hard work has paid off. Looking ahead to the future, Daisy doesn’t think she’ll pursue a career in music. However, she tells us that she’ll always keep music as an essential hobby. She said that “I’m now able to make connections with people that have similar music backgrounds.”
“I have learned a lot through music. The qualities I've gained through my years will definitely help in this adventure of mine, as I think music will always play a prominent role in my life.” - Daisy Lee
We are very grateful to have Daisy as a part of our Collingwood community, and are very excited to see what she does next !
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