Renz Raven Domingo
What inspired you to play piano? When I was young, I listened to music and then composed songs randomly. When I turned eleven, I started learning to play the guitar by myself as I find it cool and exciting.
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Most of my friends in church and school know how to play the guitar, so I explored it myself. I can remember the first time I ever played the guitar. My fingers were so sore after just a few minutes of playing. But I kept at it because I loved the sound of the guitar and the way it made me feel. Years later, my fingers don't even get sore when I play. And I've become pretty good at it too! I feel so fulfilled that I learned how to play the guitar on my own, and I decided to start learning how to play the piano.
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At what age did you start playing? I started playing instruments when I was eleven.
What memories/stories do you have of piano lessons?
The challenge of doing it myself, for me, was memorable.
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Before I knew how to play the piano, I found the sound through my guitar chords. And so, I began to learn and study the piano by finding the sound first. What I mean by "finding the sound" is that I would find a particular note or chord on the guitar and then try to find its equivalent on the piano. Once I found the notes or chords that matched up, I would start to play them together. This way, I could begin learning the piano without having to read music.
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Of course, this method is not foolproof, and sometimes I would get lost or confused. But overall, I found it to be a helpful way to start learning the piano. And as I continued to learn and practice, I gradually improved my skills and understanding of music theory. Today, I can play the piano quite well, and I am grateful that I took the time to learn it this way.
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Another fantastic thing about my journey in learning how to play the piano is that I had no piano, so I had to come early to church every Sunday to practice. I also recall drawing a piece of piano and marking off the placement of my fingers, so I won't forget what chords I learned. When I have extra money, I also visit piano studios and pay the shop so I can play the piano for many hours until my money is used up.
Do you have a favorite piece/style of music to play? My favorite piece is Chopin - Nocturne op. 9 no. 2
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As an adult, why do you still enjoy playing piano? There are many reasons why I enjoy playing the piano as an adult. For one, it is a great way to relax and unwind after a long day. Playing the piano also allows me to express my creativity and emotions positively. Additionally, I find that playing the piano helps keep my mind sharp and focused. Finally, I simply enjoy playing the piano as it's my way of worshiping God. By the way, I am a part of a worship team in His Life Ministries, Philippines.
Do you have a favorite experience that involves the piano? My favorite experiences are always the ones where there's a challenging piece or passage to play, and hearing it finally come together. It feels like your fingers are working some magic!
If you teach piano, what has been your most memorable teaching experience? I teach piano, but I am not a piano teacher yet. What I mean is that I just share my knowledge and skills with individuals my age, especially if they are too eager to learn to play the piano.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not playing piano? I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, reading, watching movies, and exploring new places. I also love learning new things, so I’m always trying to find new hobbies or activities to keep myself busy. When it comes to music, I enjoy listening to all genres – from classical to pop – and attending live concerts whenever I can.
What do you/or have you done for a living? I am still a student, but I want to be a professional painter and graphic artist.
Where do you live? I live in Bacolod City, Philippines.
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What advice can you give those who want to learn how to play the piano?
Always be thankful to God for your talents. If you want to learn how to play the piano, find a way to practice. Practice makes perfect! Also, don’t stop believing; keep trying, keep learning, and always be grateful. A grateful person ends up being blessed! And also, do not waste your time doing things that will not benefit you.
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