Lewis Zou

2016 Instrumental Scholarship Recipient

Lewis's journey with the piano began as a source of enjoyment, but it has now become the central focus of his life. As he has grown, he has come to realize his deep love for performing classical music. Each piano lesson he attends feels like a step towards enhancing his skills as a pianist, while every stage performance empowers him to communicate the language of music with his heart and mind. The Southeastern Piano Festival holds great significance for Lewis as he believes it will be a transformative experience, both musically and personally.

The festival offers a week filled with concerts, masterclasses, and daily piano lessons conducted by esteemed faculty members. This immersive environment will allow Lewis to fully immerse himself in the world of classical music and gain valuable insights on performing different pieces. The festival concludes with a concerto competition, providing an incredible opportunity for Lewis to showcase his talents and potentially perform with the South Carolina Philharmonic. This chance to perform in front of an audience would not only enhance his communication skills through music but also provide invaluable experience in captivating a crowd.

Lewis's aspirations for the festival extend beyond personal growth. He hopes to learn more about the art of performance through the masterclasses and wishes to connect with other talented pianists of his age. By being surrounded by like-minded individuals, he believes he can exchange ideas and experiences, further fueling his own musical journey. Lewis's goals include expanding his performance abilities and engaging with a community of fellow pianists, and the Southeastern Piano Festival presents a remarkable opportunity to achieve these aspirations.