Year 12 student Jai Valabjee recently wrote an article published on Medium (an online writing platform) to inspire young people, among others, to embark on the rewarding path of music. Read the article below:
Hi. I’m Jai Valabjee, a Year 12 student and multi-instrumentalist from NSW, Australia. I have completed various music certificates across my musical lifespan, leading up to my AMEB Grade 8 Trumpet Repertoire Examination, AMEB Grade 4 Musicianship Exam and Trinity College London’s Grade 8 Piano Exam. I currently play in my K-12 school’s Senior Symphonic Wind’s Ensemble and Amadeus Academy spanning from Classical, Contemporary and Jazz music genres, and have also participated in the school theatrical productions of “Matilda the Musical” and “Annie” in my senior years. In 2020, I received a prize for Most Improved Musician in the College and a year ago was awarded the Most Improved Musician in the Amadeus Academy.
As I reflect on my journey as a musician, it all came down to persistence and embracement. Superficially, music can certainly seem like a daunting endeavour (and I can definitely relate to that). However, I strongly believe that music has shaped my life tremendously (in a positive manner), equipping me with vital and human skills beyond the scope of rapidly-evolving technology of the 21st century, such as self-discipline, creativity and collaboration skills. When I initially expressed interest in learning an instrument in primary school, my parents and I visited the local music conservatorium to trial a range of instruments and their intricacies, and I so vividly remember how overwhelmed and uncertain I felt after experimenting with all the instruments under the teacher’s guidance that day. Importantly, the path of music has allowed me to network with like-minded musicians and professionals and express myself in a way unparalleled by any other, whether it is through rehearsing together, composing collaboratively with a teacher’s support or performing in front of a live audience, there are vast opportunities to excel in what you enjoy the most in the venture of music.
Music has taught me the importance of perseverance and dedication, an all-rounding lifelong skill. Regardless if you play the right notes or master a challenging piece, it’s primarily about the journey of consistent growth fostered by a sense of enjoyment and self-fulfilment. I am fortunate enough to have a private tutor who plays a pivotal role in fostering my engagement and ambition to learn the piano and trumpet. Their personalised guidance, encouragement, and constructive feedback not only hone my technical skills but also nurture my creativity and passion for music. I have also witnessed how instrumental (no pun intended) fellow musicians are to support each other’s growth, creating a mutually inspirational and creative environment. Through countless hours of practice over 9 years (since I started my first instrument, the piano in Year 4), myself and my fellow musicians have collectively recognised the power of music to shape your resilience and purpose.
Embarking on my musical journey, I’ve consistently encountered challenges that have tested my ability to grow and extend myself, for example, playing high-pitched notes on the trumpet, sight-reading a difficult piece for the first time, or playing a solo in an ensemble. Essentially, Challenges create resilient people.
As someone who is navigating the complexities of music, I recognise the initially uneasy nature of setting forth, and the occasional feelings of stagnated progress. To anyone considering embarking on their musical journey, I strongly recommend you to take the leap. Embrace the hurdles, cherish the triumphs and allow the endless playground of music to lead you on a fulfilling and joyous voyage!
While I’m discussing music, I recently came across the classical violin prodigies, TwoSet Violin on YouTube, which have previously featured on ABC’s Australian Story, the BBC and the Straits Times. I am particularly fascinated by the manner in which they convey music education with humour, and their mission to expand the realm of classical music enthusiasts and musicians around the world.
May your musical journey be a symphony of joy!
Jai Valabjee, 14 March 2024
