As a young pianist, Chen Ni Liang knows firsthand the importance of supporting a young person’s love of music. 

“We can spread joy and creativity,” says Chen Ni, a 12-year-old musician from Saskatoon. “If more young people learn music, then when they grow up the world will be a more musical and creative place.” 

Chen Ni has been playing the piano since 2015, when her family first applied to receive support from Creative Kids. Her mother, Zhi Ping Chen, remembers Chen Ni showing an aptitude for music by playing a toy xylophone at a young age. Unfortunately, at the time, financial barriers made it difficult for her to foster that budding interest. 

When Zhi Ping heard about Creative Kids, she applied and it became possible for Chen Ni to enroll in piano lessons. 

“It was a very good opportunity for her,” Zhi Ping says. “That was her first music lesson.” In the seven years since, Chen Ni’s talent and love for music has flourished. A stellar student, the young pianist finished her level six theory course early in 2022, with a final mark of 100 per cent! Eager to share her accomplishments, she takes every opportunity to perform when she can. 

Her mother marvels at the fact that she has never once needed to remind her daughter to practice for her lessons, as music is a creative outlet that keeps her motivated. 

Chen Ni says, “I can play every day and it never gets boring. There’s always something new to add to a song, whether it’s changing the dynamics, or the tempo.” 

Learning to play the piano has become a source of confidence for Chen Ni as she grows up, especially playing in front of a crowd. Despite her young age, she frequently performs for audiences at recitals and competitions. In May 2022, Chen Ni was a second-place winner at the 2022 Saskatoon Music Festival. 

Her favourite memory of playing the piano is from her fourth-grade talent show. “There was clapping and a standing ovation – I was very proud,” Chen Ni says. “It’s made me more confident at school, because people liked my music. Playing makes me feel proud of myself.” 

Chen Ni’s two siblings are now also enrolled in their own music lessons, thanks to Creative Kids’ support. Zhi Ping is grateful for the impact the program has had on her children. 

“I feel more happiness in our family since they started music lessons. It has created so many good memories,” she says. 

Music also brings Chen Ni joy. Thinking about her future, she looks forward to continuing her lessons, and wants to learn how to play “many dif ferent songs, especially happy music,” she shares. 

“I think that’s my strong suit. When I play those songs, it makes me feel the most happy and confident. I’m really grateful for Creative Kids.”