By Audrey Kim and Maddie Pulliam, Staff Reporters

Playing the piano comes naturally to freshman Anwen Deng, who was featured on Little Big Shots when she was just 8 years old.

Deng started playing piano when she was 3 years old and has been taught by many teachers throughout her life. She was accepted to Juilliard Pre-College, a prestigious program for students ages 8-18 with exceptional talent and potential. Deng made history as the youngest performer to be accepted into the pre-college program at 6 years old. She now visits the Juilliard school every Saturday, taking several courses such as composition, music theory and ear training.

“I was told that Juilliard was this really great music school and I’ve always wanted to get into it. I was really happy,” Deng said.

Deng was featured on the popular show, Little Big Shots, at 8 years old. Little Big Shots showcases young talent from around the country and encourages young kids to pursue their dreams. 

“It was such a surreal experience because I grew up watching that show and wishing I could be on it,” Deng said. “One day they sent me an email asking me to be on it and we flew out to L.A., and I got to sit on the red couch. It was really cool.”

Some of the competitions Deng has been in include the 26th Chopin International Piano Competition, the Jacobs Music 2018 Steinway Piano Competition and recently, the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra National Young Artist Competition. The 26th Chopin International Piano Competition was held in Poland in 2018 and is an internationally known competition that takes place every five years. 

Deng has a specific regimen that she follows to continue to practice, while getting her homework finished. She sections out her day into a few categories: school, piano, homework and more piano. When she gets home from school she practices piano all the way until dinner, and afterward she starts her homework and practices again. 

“Sometimes I have to stay up really late, but it’s worth it,” Deng said.

Not only that, but Deng composes her own pieces in her free time. Many aspects, like styles and key signatures, go into her compositions. She hopes to perform her current composition for the Juilliard composition recital on April 1. Deng also has many inspirations behind her music, including her parents.

“My family or my mom is my biggest inspiration because they have supported me so much through my entire life and my piano life, too,” Deng said.

Additionally, on Jan. 21-22, Deng will perform in the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra’s 28th National Young Artist Competition’s final round along with eight other musicians. Deng was chosen from over 100 applicants for her remarkable talent and musical skill. She would advise her younger self to find happiness in her music and work hard at her craft.

“Just enjoy the music and not worry too much about the competitions or the people around you,” Deng said. “A lot of music is dependent on your own progress.”

Deng will perform in the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra’s 28th National Young Artist Competition’s final round.

Audrey Kim can be reached at [email protected].

Maddie Pulliam can be reached at [email protected].