Noah Lovold, a ninth grader, has been playing piano for six years. In the last year he has had many accomplishments with piano such as winning first in MTAC Sonata/Sonatina Festival Long Beach 2013 in the 8th-12th grade division; Theory Honor Roll for Certificate of Merit 2013, Level 6; and, Branch Honors for Certificate of Merit 2013, Level 6.

He was invited to play at the MTAC Annual State Convention in Santa Clara, in June 2013, and was selected as one of the winners for the MTAC Jr. Bach Festival Long Beach Branch.

Noah Lovold was asked 10 Questions about being a pianist and here are his responses:

1. Who’s your favorite composer?

I have many favorite composers, most being from the Romantic and Contemporary Periods. Picking one would be very difficult, but if I could narrow it down to just two composers they would have to be Frederic Chopin and Sergei Rachmaninov. I especially love these composers, not only because of their intense devotion to music, but because many of their pieces have a sweet sadness and darkness among them.  An example of this from Chopin would be Ballade no. 4, and from Rachmaninov, Elegie in e flat minor. Look them up!

2. What’s your favorite musical time period?

My favorite
musical time period would obviously be the time periods of my two favorite
composers, Chopin and Rachmaninov.  Although Rachmaninov lived during
the Contemporary Period of music history, he wrote in the Romantic
style like Chopin, so the Romantic musical time period would be my
favorite, again because of the sweet sadness and darkness that  many
of these pieces have.

3. Do you ever write your own music?

As of today, I do not write my own music. However, when I was twelve, I wrote a couple of short nocturnes mainly consisting of Major 7ths.

4. What’s your favorite kind of music to play when you’re
alone?

My favorite music to play when I’m alone varies. Basically whatever I’m in the mood to play, I play it. Sometimes when I’m especially cheerful I enjoy playing Mozart and at other times I’ll play from the Romantic Period.

5. Do you enjoy playing music with others? Why or why not?

I do enjoy playing music with others, especially my friends. We can share ideas of improvement, help each other out, etc. Plus showing off your new pieces is always fun!

6. What do you think is the most important thing music has taught
you?

If I had to sum up one important thing music has taught me, it’s dedication. You really have to love what you’re doing and stick with it, even when you’re burned out and discouraged. Although when I’m tired of practicing for the day, I’ll take a break and either speed-cube (the hobby of solving the Rubik’s cube very fast), practice for yoyo contests (It’s a
thing! There’s world yoyo contests, nationals, etc), and more.

7. Have you ever gotten tired/discouraged with your study of music? If yes, what kept you going?

As mentioned above I do indeed get tired with my study of music, yet simply taking breaks is what keeps me going.

8. How do you plan on using your talent later in life?

I’m definitely considering a career in music. I’m not sure what that will be yet though, whether it be a piano teacher or some day maybe, just maybe, a concert pianist.

9. What kind of music do you like to listen to?

When I’m not listening to professional pianists on Youtube, I’ll be listening to the exact opposite type of music: dubstep and techno. A nice contrast to classical music!

10. How do you make music a priority in your life while maintaining a healthy balance as well?

At the moment, music is not hard at all to make a priority; I love it. Besides music, speed-cubing and yo-yoing, I enjoy playing Minecraft, skateboarding, footbagging, juggling and contact juggling; and playing sports, especially dodge ball, basketball, and discgolf.