It is not only talent but also hard work that leads one to great achievements, believes the young pianist Mike Zining Wang.
The Grade 11 learner of Paarl Boys’ High School took part in the National Youth Music Competition in December. Not only did Mike wow the judges with his passionate performance of “Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No 2 in C Minor”, he walked away the winner. The competition’s purpose was to identify and promote young classical musicians.
Ever since his big win many people have called the 16-year-old a prodigy (a reference to a young person with exceptional qualities and abilities). Yes, Mike admits he is a talented pianist but he feels, and knows all too well, that carving talent into success comes with hard work.
“Prodigy is a term to describe a young person who is extremely talented as having a certain quality or ability,” he pointed out, “however, people don’t see the hard work that takes place behind the scenes, which is actually the most important thing and that’s how prodigies are born. I just think that I do have talent, but it’s the hard work that makes me who I am today. I practise for about three to four hours every day and sometimes even more over weekends.”
According to Mike, he managed to master the piano through “efficient practice, really knowing your weaknesses and knowing how to fix them.”
He also thanks his music teacher, Prof Mario Nell, Director of the Conservatoire of Music at Stellenbosch University, for making him realise these things.
Born in China, Mike says he remembers starting to play piano when only five years old.
He and his family moved to South Africa three years later. Soon after, the Wang family settled in Paarl. He is the only person in his family ever to play the piano and make music.
Years of dedicated practice have moulded him into the veritable virtuoso he is today.
Mike said he wasn’t nervous at all during the National Youth Music Competition, because he had also taken part the year before. He felt more confident as a competitor and had fun. He describes the piano as an instrument that can stir up deep emotions, depending on what piece he plays.
“For me the piano is not just a solo instrument. It feels as if it’s a whole orchestra rolled into one, and I am the one conducting it. I don’t feel alone when playing the piano.”
Apart from the piano, he also plays in his school’s wind band, playing percussion instruments such as the marimba, xylophone and glockenspiel.
Being crowned winner of such a prestigious competition serves to bring home to Mike the fruits of his prodigious talent and hard work. “I was very thankful the judges picked me and feel very fortunate.”
The young man plans to continue studying music, specialising in the piano.
