Thirteen-year-old Grace Hu fell in love with the violin when she was just 5.
Over the past eight years, she has achieved many of her goals but the talented teenager has plenty more in mind.
“I have placed third in two violin competitions, I am currently working on grade 7 violin, and I am now a Sydney Youth Orchestra ambassador,” says the young Redfern resident.
“I would love to be in a prestigious orchestra or win a large violin competition. I’m currently completing the Australian Music Examinations Board (AMEB) so another goal is to complete the AMUS (Associate in Music) and LMUS (Licentiate in Music) in future years.”
Grace credits her mum with introducing her to the violin and her love of music.
“When my mum was a young girl, she didn’t have the opportunity to play the violin or any instrument at all. She has always loved the violin and believes playing an instrument is good for children’s brain development. I’m very lucky to have been introduced to the violin at such a young age, which created a strong foundation towards my future playing.”
Grace has faced a number of challenges in her playing journey and is grateful for the support she has received along the way.
“There have been times where I have felt like I should give up or take a break, but all roads have ups and downs and, in the end, I have always continued with the violin as it has been such a special part of my life.
“I have had six tutors throughout the years, and all have been such a great help with whatever I was working on at that moment. My family has also been a large motivation for me. They have pushed me at the times I felt discouraged, particularly my mum. They have helped me travel to competitions, helped me practice when I was younger and have always been such a big support.”
Grace is in Year 8 at St George Girls High School and her current violin tutor is Jonathan Hendl who teaches in Waterloo.
She was thrilled to receive a Variety Heart Scholarship in 2021.
“The scholarship will enable me to attend violin competitions, concerts and auditions in order to further my skill and my passion overall. I am extremely passionate about violin and I am so happy to experience the journey without hardships or financial problems to block my dreams and goals.”
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https://www.variety.org.au/nsw/variety-heart-scholarships/
