Connecting with music
Churen sharing a tender moment with her mother while preparing for Commencement
Nineteen-year-old award-winning pianist Churen Li holds the distinction of being the youngest graduate for undergraduate programmes at Commencement this year, graduating with a Bachelor of Music with Honours in Piano Performance on 13 July.
Churen began her musical journey at the age of five, composing tunes on a digital piano at home. At the tender age of 15, she knew she wanted to be a concert pianist. Speaking of her decision, she said, "I got more connected with the stories behind the music, such as the history of composers, history of compositions…I found that a lot could be said through music and I could delve deeply into the meaning.
Not one to let the grass grow under her feet, Churen gained a place at the NUS Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music (YSTCM) the following year, and embarked on a four-year degree programme, studying and working alongside older schoolmates. She admitted that the initial period was challenging, as she felt she did not match up to her peers. However, they proved to be very encouraging. "I really looked up to them because they were great musicians. They challenged me to persevere, to work harder so that I could prove myself, she shared. Work hard she does, practising for two to four hours a day during her self-professed "down period. During the run-up to an event, Churen would practise for at least six hours a day. Her diligence paid off, and at the Main Commencement Ceremony on 6 July, Churen was the soloist during the performance by YSTCM.
Churen was the soloist for the performance by YSTCM students, past and present, during the Main Commencement Ceremony on 6 July
The young pianist is grateful for the opportunities she had at NUS, particularly the mentorship received from her teachers and the YSTCM Director, Professor Bernard Lanskey, as well as support in participating in local and international competitions. Recent competitions which Churen won include the 2nd International Barlassina Young Talents Competition in May 2014 where she swept both the First and Public Prizes; the 17th International Piano Competition "Pietro Argento" in 2014 where she was one of two winners in Category D and also secured the Critics Prize; and the YSTCM-organised Conservatory Concerto Competition 2014 where she won first prize in the piano category.
Churen won first prize in the piano category at the YSTCM-organised Conservatory Concerto Competition 2014
Churen said that she had learnt much more than music during her time at NUS; the personalised attention and care she received from the faculty have helped her to develop as an individual.
In a few months, Churen will be pursuing a two-year master's degree in music fully funded by Yale University in the US. Upon graduation, she hopes to "contribute music of artistic and intellectual excellence in Singapore. Believing that exciting times lie ahead for Singapore's arts scene, she said simply with utmost sincerity, "I want to serve the nation through my music.
Commencement 2015 takes place from 6 to 24 July 2015, with a total of 10,219 graduates receiving their degrees over 23 ceremonies. Click here for more on Commencement 2015, including a live webcast of each ceremony.
