Two years ago, a three-year-old Leanne Loh watched a YouTube video of a girl playing the violin and declared, “That’s me!” From that moment, her remarkable journey with the string instrument began.
Her parents, Jaclyn Ho and Ling-Kai Loh, avoided pressuring Leanne with strict “Tiger parenting,” opting instead for a balanced approach of practice and play. “After dinner, she knew it was violin time, but we always ensured she enjoyed the process,” said the couple, both in their late 30s. Ms. Ho, a law firm employee, and Mr. Loh, a bank director, remained dedicated to their daughter’s musical progress by attending her practice sessions daily and offering their support.
Leanne’s journey started with simple pieces like Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star and evolved into tackling advanced compositions such as the Bach sonata she performed for her Grade 8 exam. Achieving Grade 8—the highest level before pursuing professional diplomas—is an extraordinary feat for any musician, let alone a five-year-old.
Her parents recall a memorable moment during her first Christmas recital when Leanne asked why she didn’t have a microphone like the other children. They explained she needed to earn her spot for a solo performance, a lesson that fueled her determination.
Leanne’s rapid progress was evident. She scored a Distinction in her Grade 6 exam only six months after starting lessons, and just another six months later, she took on the Grade 8 exam. Her perfect score of 100 marks not only surprised her but also shattered records.
“I was excited because I didn’t know I could score 100,” Leanne shared, unaware of the global milestone she had just achieved.
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