At the age of 12, Victoria de Melo (Headington School) accomplished what most pianists achieve at 17: a distinction in her post-grade 8 diploma. In this interview, the 14-year-old inspires young musicians to embark on their musical journeys, sharing the insights and experiences she gained from international competitions in recent years. 

Victoria's love for the piano began at age 6 when her parents, recognizing her love for the enchanting melodies of music, offered her piano lessons. Since then, she has never looked back. In a world where children are often asked, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" Victoria chose 'pianist,' and she's never wavered from that choice.

For Victoria, every day is a milestone. She vividly recalls the thrill of joining Saturday school in London at age 9. Competitions soon became a part of her journey, leading her to the prestigious Royal College of Music. With each step, her responsibilities in practice grew, and she embraced them with a dedication that felt liberating.

Despite her remarkable success and prowess on the stage, coming 4th in the Montecatini International Piano Competition of 2021, Victoria admits to experiencing stage fright that has grown over the years. However, she faces her fear with the understanding that: fear is a part of the journey. It is a challenge to overcome with even more preparation and a commitment to living life to the fullest.

In Victoria's eyes, everything is an inspiration. From concerts and people to recordings and diverse instruments, it's all about the music. While her life may not mirror the bohemian lifestyle of Rubinstein or the romanticism of Schubert, Mozart has left an indelible mark. Victoria believes that one's childhood interests shape their understanding of life. Just as she absorbed the intricacies of Mozart's compositions, the same principles manifest in her perception of order, beauty, and harmony in the world. 

For those striving to excel in music alongside academics, Victoria, also an academic scholar at Headington School, advises prioritizing music with dedicated practice, complemented by well-earned breaks for sports and studies. "Having a clear sense of priority and immersing yourself as best you can without losing interest makes most things possible," she emphasizes.

Victoria's advice for aspiring musicians is straightforward: "Only choose music if there's nothing you'd rather do." It echoes the sentiment that practice is key, as the saying goes, "One must practice 40 hours daily."

Looking to the future, Victoria's aspirations are clear; she aims to become a pianist who is not only skilled and talented but one who has worked diligently to achieve success. She draws inspiration from her teacher, whose extraordinary talent and kindness motivate her to strive for excellence.

For her audience, Victoria has a hope – to convey the core of human expression and feeling through her music. At this very moment, she believes this is the ultimate human need, one that can be fulfilled through various forms, including language, action, writing, thought, and, most importantly, music.

Victoria de Melo, the prodigious pianist, stands as an inspiring testament to the heights a young artist can attain through passion, hard work, and unwavering dedication. With her journey just beginning, we eagerly await the beautiful melodies she'll share with the world in the future.