The achievement came after less than two years of formal piano training. Thanh, currently a student in class 10C1B, began learning piano in April 2024 after previously studying organ for about a year before her musical education was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Her passion for music was reignited when she enrolled at Duy Vũ Music Center, where she received structured piano training and focused on building fundamental techniques through consistent practice.
“In the early days of learning piano, I faced many difficulties because the keys were quite heavy and my hands were still weak”, Thanh said. “There were times I felt discouraged having to repeat difficult technical exercises over and over. However, I always reminded myself to try harder and gradually overcome the challenges”.
Determined to improve, Thanh devoted between one and three hours each day to piano practice alongside her academic studies. During competition preparation, she increased her practice time to as much as five hours daily.
The 2026 National Piano Talent Festival attracted more than 2,000 contestants from across Vietnam. After advancing through multiple rounds, Thanh impressed judges with a performance noted for its emotional depth and confident stage presence.
Recalling the moment the results were announced, Thanh said she was overwhelmed by the outcome.
“While waiting for the results, I was very nervous as the bronze and silver prizes were called, but my name hadn’t appeared,” she said. “When I learned I had won the gold medal, I truly couldn’t believe it. This is my first achievement on my musical journey and a huge motivation for me to continue pursuing my dream.”
According to Vũ Thiên Vũ, a teacher at Duy Vũ Music Center, Thanh’s rapid progress reflects not only her musical ability but also her discipline and dedication.
“Thanh has a good musical mindset, learns quickly, and is especially diligent,” Vũ said. “After her academic classes, she spends a lot of time practicing, so she improves very fast. Most importantly, she always plays with emotion, which helped her stand out in the competition.”
Beyond music, Thanh has maintained strong academic performance throughout her school years, consistently earning recognition as an outstanding student from primary school through Grade 10.
Despite the demands of both study and music, she said she has learned to balance the two commitments effectively.
“I always prioritize my academic work at school,” Thanh said. “After finishing my homework, I spend time practicing piano to relax and pursue my passion.”
Lê Thị Vân Hồng, Thanh’s homeroom teacher, described her as a diligent and responsible student who actively participates in school activities and is a member of the Hùng Vương Music Club.
“What surprises both me and her classmates is not only her national gold medal in piano but also how well she balances her academic studies with her musical passion”, Hồng said. “Her achievements are a source of pride for the class and contribute to the accomplishments of students at Hùng Vương High School for the Gifted”.
Thanh’s success has also been supported by her family, who initially encouraged her to learn piano as a way to relax after school rather than pursue competitive achievements.
“When Thanh asked to participate in the 2026 National Piano Talent Festival, I thought it would simply be an opportunity for her to gain experience and learn”, said her mother, Trịnh Thị Khẩm. “I never expected her to win the gold medal. It was an immense joy and pride for our family”.
For Thanh, the national title represents not an endpoint but the beginning of a larger journey. She hopes to continue developing her skills and move closer to her goal of studying at the Ho Chi Minh City Conservatory of Music, turning her passion for piano into a professional career.