By Michelle Liang
Ricky Chen, currently a grade seven student in Collingwood, captures the attention of many around him by his demonstrated proficiency in music.
He was first exposed to music at the age of five, when he started playing the piano. Ever since, he has been writing down simple melodies and constructing short music. With an increasing passion and interest in music, he learned guitar and furthered his skills and creativity in composing, which are expressed through the numerous hours he spent on writing songs and creating his own music albums. Although he may seem already skilled and brilliant in music to others, he considers his first two music albums as too “childish”. To further strengthen his musical abilities, he has also participated in several piano competitions.
He attributes his success and improvement over the years to his unquestionably accomplished guitar teacher, who is also a composer, recorder, performer and conductor. His teacher has taught Ricky ways of expressing different emotions through music: playing guitar and composing. Moreover, he acquires ideas and inspirations for his songs from the Billboard, a music platform.
Ricky Chen, currently a grade seven student in Collingwood, captures the attention of many around him by his demonstrated proficiency in music.
He was first exposed to music at the age of five, when he started playing the piano. Ever since, he has been writing down simple melodies and constructing short music. With an increasing passion and interest in music, he learned guitar and furthered his skills and creativity in composing, which are expressed through the numerous hours he spent on writing songs and creating his own music albums. Although he may seem already skilled and brilliant in music to others, he considers his first two music albums as too “childish”. To further strengthen his musical abilities, he has also participated in several piano competitions.
He attributes his success and improvement over the years to his unquestionably accomplished guitar teacher, who is also a composer, recorder, performer and conductor. His teacher has taught Ricky ways of expressing different emotions through music: playing guitar and composing. Moreover, he acquires ideas and inspirations for his songs from the Billboard, a music platform.
In addition to playing the piano and guitar and composing music, Ricky demonstrates ability in other extra-curricular activities. He likes to play video games, read books, and play sports. In fact, he is in the CAIS basketball tournament. However, art, and particularly music, to him is ultimately more than just a hobby or interest; it is his best friend. He states, “I like to listen to music when I am bored, sad or happy, and sometimes I like [to] draw how I feel.”
Moving forwards, he is currently in the process of making his third music album and will be performing with the school’s band. He will continue to shine and share his talent with everyone around him.