Josef Wins Bronze in Int’l Piano Competition

I won the Bronze Prize for playing Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Piano Sonata No.16 in C major, K. 545, during the Thailand Semifinal round of the 30th PIARA International Piano Competition.

My first piano lesson was when I was 6 years old. After that, I practiced playing the piano on my own by listening to and watching other pianists play. I joined the Catholic Homeschooling Families’ Choir, and it helped me recognize my talent as a gift from God, meant to be shared and cherished.

My next music lessons were when I was 14. One day, the music school sent an invitation to join the competition, and my mother and grandmother encouraged me to join. It was then that I discovered the beauty of Classical-Romantic music.

Weeks after barely passing the preliminary round, I met the son of my mother’s friend, a pianist, who greatly improved my skills for the semifinal round.

What organization recognized the achievement?

PIARA (Piano Grade Certification Association) recognized my achievement.

How did homeschooling help you achieve your goal?

Homeschooling enabled me to practice every day and night during the final weeks before the semifinal round. I’m glad I brought my acoustic headphones along. Otherwise, the neighbors would hear the same song every day.

What are your interests?

I like composing songs, especially nocturnes and waltzes, biking, taking walks in safe places, and discussing theories. I also like looking at the stars, drawing, watercolor, and singing. I am really interested in research and the Scientific Method.

What are you inspired to do with your life?

I want to continue studying music at a university and continue composing and performing.

I am really inspired by St. Josemaria Escrivá’s message about sanctifying one’s work to love and serve God and other people.

What are your favorite subjects and why?

I like Literature and Composition, but I don’t know why. I just like it for what it is. I also like Physical Science because it is so detailed and informative. It teaches me how to conduct my experiments PROPERLY. I like Music and Gregorian Chant because it is beautiful. English is also one of my favorites.

The photo was taken at Yamaha Music Hall, Bangkok, Thailand.