“When we moved to the UK, Emily enrolled in the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme with a keen interest in psychology. During this period, she focused intently on her studies, and her piano practice became infrequent, serving more as a casual pastime. After completing her IB, she dedicated a year to volunteer work before attending University College London (UCL) to study psychology.

Upon graduation, a university professor advised her to follow her heart if she still had a passion for the piano. Despite a six-year hiatus from serious piano practice, Emily bravely auditioned for the Royal College of Music (RCM). The piano teacher we approached was initially sceptical about her chances of admission due to her prolonged break. However, with just over three months of dedicated preparation, Emily successfully secured a place at RCM.

Her time at RCM was the happiest period of her educational journey. She invested long hours in practice, but unlike her earlier years, this time it was driven by genuine love and passion. RCM opened a new world for her, and she truly found her calling.”