Beyond the Piano Keys
Like many Singaporean kids, Charmaine Low, 18, began playing the piano at a young age, but her passion, grit and tenacity for the instrument has stood the test of time.
When she steps onto the stage, her fingers glide effortlessly across the keys, immediately catching the audience’s attention. Yet what many don’t see is the struggle behind the spotlight – years of frustration and moments she almost gave it up.
Now, as she prepares to complete her diploma while awaiting university admission, Charmaine reflects on how far she has come, from nearly quitting to pursuing a diploma in music.
Like many Singaporean kids, she began piano lessons at the young age of three when her mother signed her up. “Obviously, I didn’t have a say in that, considering I couldn’t think for myself at such an early age,” she joked. Since then, she has been playing the piano for 15 years.
Charmaine performing at the Concert Extravaganza.
At first, piano was something she looked forward to. She enjoyed discovering new songs and felt proud hearing herself improve.
However, the joy slowly faded.
Each lesson followed a rigid routine: “Play the exam pieces during class, take the exam, receive your certificate, then learn the pieces for your next grade,” Charmaine shared. “I didn’t have much fun during lessons because, in my head, I was doing it for the sake of exams.”
While she still found moments of joy learning songs on her own accord at home, the repetitive grind left her feeling detached.
About three years ago, the routine became too overwhelming. She dreaded playing, as if she was going through the motions without purpose. “It felt like I was doing it because I had to, not because I wanted to,” she recounted. That was when she sat her mother down and asked if she could quit piano lessons altogether.
“It began to feel like a chore… not something I did out of love.”
Her mother listened but didn’t let her give up entirely. Instead, offered an alternative which was to try a different piano teacher. “I agreed on the condition that my new teacher would bring me to at least one piano competition before I quit after finishing my Grade 8 exam.”
That decision changed everything.
“I really have to give credit to my current piano teacher,” Charmaine said with a smile. “She helped me rediscover my passion.”
Unlike previous lessons, this teacher emphasised piano wasn’t just about hitting the right notes, but about interpreting each song and making it hers. “You have control as to how you want to present your piece. Each song is like a story you tell your audience.”
This fresh perspective transformed the way she approached music. Instead of drilling scales and memorising finger positions, Charmaine began to imagine each piece as a flowing story. “Everytime I play a piece, I will think of it as a story and how it unfolds… That’s what makes it so fun.”
Her rekindled passion came at a perfect time, in 2023. Her teacher came across a competition called “The Happy Music Festival” and encouraged her to participate. “I was terrified,” she admitted. “It was something new to me.”
The nerves hit hard during her first performance. “I remember feeling like my heart was going to pound out of my chest. It just kept beating faster and faster throughout the entire song.”
Charmaine during her performance at the Happy Music Festival in 2023.
Yet, amidst the anxiety, something grounded her. “I’m not just up there to press keys and get through a song,” she said. “I’m there to share something I love.”
She walked away with the “Promising Award”.
Charmaine performing at the CRISTOFORI Star Student Award 2023.
Each piece she performed was carefully chosen, often after hours of searching for one that truly spoke to her. Then came months of practice, refining every note and nuance to perfect it for her audience.
“Being on stage and showing them why I love what I do… that’s a big reassurance,” she shared. “It reminds me of my passion, and why I chose to step on stage in the first place.”
Despite her packed schedule, Charmaine never let her love for piano fade. “I don’t really see it as a commitment, it’s more of a de-stresser. I make sure to practice for at least an hour every day, sometimes two during competition season. It never feels stressful since I genuinely love playing.”
All those quiet hours at the piano eventually led to something bigger.
Determined to push herself further, she returned to the same competition the next year. This time, she placed second. “That meant I got to perform at the gala concert at the Esplanade!” she said excitedly.
Charmaine took 2nd place at the following Happy Music Festival in 2024.
Charmaine at the prize presentation receiving her award from a VIP.
It filled her with pride. Not just because she placed among the top three, but because it meant playing on a Steinway Grand Piano. “For non-pianists, you might not get it,” she said with a laugh. “But it’s such an honour, Steinways are absolutely amazing.”
This competition made her realise how much she has improved. From someone who didn’t participate in competitions, to winning awards in the next. “It showed me how far I’ve come and how my efforts paid off,” she said while beaming.
When asked what advice she would give to someone on the verge of giving up, she shared, “Feeling like giving up usually means you’ve lost sight of why you started. So instead of quitting, try to rediscover that purpose. Remember what made you love it in the first place.”
This advice comes from her own evolving relationship with the piano. “Actually, I planned to quit after finishing my Grade 8 exam because I thought that was the end of the road,” she shared.
“Feeling like giving up usually means you’ve lost sight of why you started. So instead of quitting, try to rediscover that purpose. Remember what made you love it in the first place.”
However, her passion ran deeper than she’d expected. “I realised I love piano so much I want to study it on a professional level.” Now, as she prepares to complete her diploma, she aims to keep growing and improving.
Charmaine receiving her awards at the Oxygen Music Festival (main picture) and at the 2024 Amason Pop Piano Finals.
“I plan to participate in as many competitions as I can because they keep me motivated,” she explained. “As a pianist, I always strive to do better by refining my technique and sharing my music with as many people as possible.”
“It’s not just about winning, but about growing and sharing my love for piano with others.”
