Notes from the UK: My Journey as the 2025 Gibden Strings Scholar

When I found out that I had received the scholarship, it was a moment I will remember for the rest of my life. At first, I could hardly process what I was seeing—it felt almost unreal, like a dream come true. Then, when it sank in, this overwhelming wave of happiness hit me all at once. I jumped up, ran to my dad, and the tears just came on their own. They weren’t just tears of joy, but also of relief and gratitude, because in that moment I thought of every practice session, every challenge, and every doubt I had faced along the way. To know that all of it had led to something so meaningful felt incredible. Winning the scholarship wasn’t just about recognition; it felt like proof that hard work, passion, and persistence truly matter. It gave me a renewed confidence in myself. None of this would have been possible without Euroasia. They opened the door to this experience, and I am endlessly grateful for the opportunity they have given me. From the competitions to the camp, from the teachers who guided me to the friends I shared it all with—every memory was made possible because Euroasia created this path for me. I will always carry this moment, and this gift, as a reminder of why I love music and why I want to keep growing in it.

I woke up at 7:00am to shower and get ready for the day. By 7:55, my friends and I were downstairs in the common room, where Ms. Françoise checked our attendance before we all walked together to the cafeteria for breakfast. At 8:45, we had a warm-up session led by Mr. Nick—it was energetic and fun, and it really helped shake off my sleepiness. It set a positive mood for the morning, and I felt ready to play.

Our first block of the day was string orchestra, from 9:15 to 10:45. I could already feel myself adjusting a little better compared to yesterday, though I still had to stay really focused to keep up. It felt less scary and more like a challenge I wanted to face.

After a short break, we went into Block 3, solo string classes, from 11:15 to 12:30. This part was nerve-wracking at first, since playing solo always makes me self-conscious, but it was also really helpful. I could feel myself learning from both the teacher’s comments and from listening to others.

Once that was done, it was time for lunch and some free time. My friends and I decided to use it to practice together and then stroll around the school grounds to enjoy the fresh air. Walking around after practice gave me a small sense of peace—I liked seeing the school outside of the classrooms and rehearsal spaces. It made the whole experience feel less intimidating.

In the afternoon, we continued with Block 2, chamber music, from 4:00 to 5:55. Chamber music was starting to feel more enjoyable since we were slowly blending better as a group. It made me happy to hear the piece come together little by little.

Afterwards, we headed straight to supper at 6:00. The evening session was Block 4 from 7:00 to 8:30, where I played in a chamber group with Aaron, Isabel, Layla, Mamoon, Jolene, Dolphin, and Livia. We worked on the first movement of Albinoni’s Double Concerto, and I loved how beautiful the piece sounded. Even though rehearsals were tiring, playing something so lovely made it worth it.

Later that night, we had a 30-minute break before another concert, this time performed by Mr. Angus on violin, Mr. Peter on cello, and Ms. Madoka Maxwell on piano. Their performance was breathtaking—it made me admire how much emotion they put into their playing. Watching them reminded me again why I love music.

The concert ended at around 10:00pm, and afterwards everyone headed back to the boarding house to get ready for bed. Lights were out by 10:30, wrapping up another full and exciting day.

Today felt smoother than yesterday. I was still nervous in some parts, but I could feel myself slowly adjusting to the routine and the intensity of the camp. The solo string class pushed me out of my comfort zone, but it also gave me a chance to grow more confident in performing. Chamber music was another highlight—getting to know the piece better and blending with my group made me feel like part of something bigger than myself. And once again, the evening concert was a source of inspiration—it reminded me of the standard I want to reach one day. Even though I ended the day really tired, it was the good kind of tired, the kind that comes from doing something meaningful. 

I woke up at 7:00am to shower and get ready for the day. By 7:55, my friends and I went down to the common room, where Ms. Françoise ticked our attendance, and then we all walked to the cafeteria for breakfast. At 8:45, we had our usual warm-up session with Mr. Nick, and I really liked how it always gave me a boost of energy. It felt like the perfect way to get into the right mindset for another long day of music.

From 9:15 to 10:45, we had Block 1, string orchestra. I noticed myself getting a little more comfortable compared to the first few days—it wasn’t easy, but I didn’t feel as lost anymore. That small improvement gave me motivation to keep working harder.

After a short break, Block 5 began at 11:15, where my ensemble rehearsed La La Land again. Our group was Layla, Chinta, Isabel, Mamoon, Dolphin, and me on the violins, with Clara on cello. It felt so good to build on yesterday’s rehearsal. The music was lighthearted, and it made me genuinely happy to play with everyone. The more we practiced, the more connected I felt to the group.

After lunch at 12:30, I spent Block 6 (1:00–3:00) with Livia and Dolphin in town again. Walking around Wells has become one of my favorite breaks. The town feels so peaceful compared to the intensity of rehearsals, and it helped me breathe and reset. And of course, I couldn’t resist getting another matcha—it’s like my little comfort ritual now.

At 3:00, we had Block 2, which was Mozart Concertos with Orchestra, running until 4:45. This session was challenging, but also so rewarding. Playing Mozart with an orchestra felt like a privilege—I could hear how every part came together, and it made me want to rise to the level of the people around me.

Afterwards, we walked over to the cathedral at 5:00 to watch the choir sing. That moment felt almost magical. The sound of the choir in such a beautiful space gave me chills, and I just stood there taking it in. It reminded me of how powerful music can be, not just technically but spiritually too.

Supper was at 6:00, and then from 7:00 to 8:30, we had Block 1 again, string orchestra. I was already tired, but being part of such a big group always reminded me that I wasn’t alone in the work.

Finally, the day ended with a concert at 9:00pm. The first half featured Mr. Michael and Ms. Angel on violin, Mr. Angus on viola, Mr. Peter on cello, Mr. Matthew on double bass, and Mr. Nick singing. The second half brought together Mr. Michael and Ms. Zhi Hsuan on violin, Sophie and Mr. Angus on viola, Mr. Peter on cello, Mr. Matthew on double bass, and Ms. Helen on piano. The performances were incredible. I was amazed by how effortlessly they seemed to communicate with one another on stage, and it really made me think about how much deeper music becomes when you connect with the people you’re playing with.

By the time it ended at 10:00, we were all ready to head back to the boarding house and get ready for bed. Lights were out by 10:30, wrapping up another full and unforgettable day.

Today was one of the most memorable so far. Between rehearsals, exploring the town, and listening to both the cathedral choir and the evening concert, I felt like I was experiencing music in so many different forms. Each moment taught me something new—whether it was discipline, connection, or just remembering to enjoy the beauty of it all. I realized that growing as a musician isn’t just about practicing harder, but also about opening myself up to inspiration around me. 

I woke up at 7:00am, showered, and got ready for the day. By 7:55, I was downstairs in the common room where Ms. Françoise ticked our attendance, and then we all walked together to the cafeteria for breakfast. At 8:30, we had a warm-up session with Ms. Reese, which was a gentle but refreshing way to start the morning. I could feel my body loosen up, which helped me relax before another packed day.

At 10:00, we walked to the music school for the Euroasia Piano Competition to support our friends who were competing. The judges were Ms. Helen and Ms. Julia, and I actually really enjoyed being on the other side for once—just listening, clapping, and cheering for others without the pressure of performing myself. It made me appreciate how talented everyone was in their own way. The competition wrapped up around 12:30.

In the afternoon, from 2:00 to 2:30, Dolphin and I each did our solo recordings at the music school with Ms. Madoka as our accompanist. I played the first movement of Vivaldi’s Concerto in G major, and although I was a little nervous, I felt a sense of relief once it was finally recorded. It wasn’t perfect, but I felt satisfied knowing I had done my best.

From 4:00 to 4:50, we had a rehearsal for the evening’s chamber music concert. I was playing in three pieces: the Albinoni Concerto for Violin and Oboe, La La Land, and the Vivaldi Concerto for Four Violins. It was intense juggling all of them, but also exciting—I loved having the chance to perform different styles in the same concert. Supper was at 6:00, and then from 6:30 to 7:00, we had a final rehearsal before the concert began.

At 7:00, everyone changed into concert black and gathered for the student concert. I was nervous at first, but as soon as I walked on stage with my friends, the nerves melted away. There was this strong sense of support and teamwork that carried me through each piece.

Performing La La Land was lighthearted and fun—it made me smile while playing and reminded me that music can be playful too.
The Albinoni Concerto was deeper and more emotional, and I loved how the oboe blended with the strings—it felt so meaningful to share that kind of sound.Finally, the Vivaldi Concerto for Four Violins was full of energy, and performing it alongside everyone made me feel truly connected. It was the kind of performance where I wished the music wouldn’t end.

At the end of the concert, they announced the winners of both the Euroasia Strings Competition and the Piano Competition. When they called my name for the Silver Award, I was shocked. I didn’t expect it, but I felt this huge wave of pride and relief. All the hours of practicing, the nerves, and the doubts—it suddenly felt worth it. It was such a validating and unforgettable moment for me.

Everything wrapped up around 9:00, but instead of heading straight back to bed, we all changed into comfy clothes and went downstairs to the common room for a party! It was honestly the perfect way to celebrate after such a big day. We laughed, danced, played cards, and just enjoyed each other’s company. Taking pictures and making silly memories together felt so special—I didn’t want the night to end. The party ended at 10:30, and by 11:00, we were all upstairs, ready for bed after such a full and unforgettable day.

Today was one of the most important days of the entire camp for me. Performing in three different pieces taught me so much about versatility and teamwork, and being able to let go of my nerves on stage showed me how far I’ve come since the first day. Winning the Silver Award was something I’ll carry with me for a long time—it gave me confidence in myself and showed me that hard work really does pay off. The celebrations afterwards reminded me that beyond all the rehearsals and competitions, what makes this experience meaningful are the people I’ve shared it with. This day had everything—music, achievement, and friendship—and I know I’ll never forget it. 

I woke up a little earlier today, around 6:30, to finish packing and get ready. By 7:15, we were all downstairs with our luggage, and then we had breakfast together at 7:30. At 8:00, everyone was ready, so we loaded our bags onto the bus and set off for London and the Royal College of Music.

The bus ride felt long, but it was fun. I sat at the back with Camille, Amelie, Maria, and Hana. I slept through the first hour, but after that, we spent the rest of the journey playing cards and laughing together. It was the kind of silly, carefree fun that made time disappear, and even though I knew today would be the last, I tried to just stay in the moment and soak it all in.

We arrived at the Royal College of Music around 11:30am, and immediately began rehearsal for the first concert with the string orchestra at 12:00. The concert itself started at 1:30 and finished at 2:30, and performing in such a legendary place already felt surreal—like all the practice and nerves from the past week had led us here.

Afterwards, we had lunch, and at 3:30, the Mozart Orchestra had their rehearsal. Since I wasn’t part of it, a few of us decided to explore the Royal College of Music Museum instead. Walking through the exhibits was fascinating—there were instruments from centuries ago, each carrying its own story. It made me realize that when we play music, we’re not just making sound—we’re continuing something much bigger, something that connects us to generations before us.

At 7:00, it was time for the grand finale concert. The Mozart Orchestra opened the evening, and I watched from the audience, completely immersed in the music. Later, I joined in with the string orchestra for the final part of the concert. The atmosphere was magical—the whole hall seemed to glow with sound, and in that moment, it felt like the music wrapped around us, weaving together everything we had worked for. It wasn’t just a performance—it was a memory being created right in front of us.

The concert ended around 8:30, and then came the hardest part. Everyone gathered for final goodbyes. We hugged, laughed, and took endless photos, trying to hold onto the moment for as long as we could. There was so much joy in the air, but also a heaviness—because we all knew this was it. The week that felt endless just days ago had suddenly collapsed into this single goodbye.

Saying farewell to friends, teachers, and everyone who had made this week so special was honestly heartbreaking. I kept wishing I could freeze time, to stretch those last minutes into hours. But eventually, we had to let go.

By the time I left, I felt a swirl of pride, gratitude, and sadness. This camp gave me more than just rehearsals and concerts—it gave me moments of laughter, inspiration, and friendships that I know will stay with me long after the music fades. Even though the week ended tonight, what we created together will always live inside me, like a song I’ll never forget.