Who is Richarlita?
Hi! My name is Richarlita, and I am a pianist and music educator who sees the world through music. From a young age, I was fortunate to be trained by some of the world’s top musicians at prestigious institutions such as The Juilliard School, New England Conservatory, and Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University, where I am currently pursuing my doctorate. Through rigorous musical training, I have gained invaluable life lessons that extend beyond the classroom, allowing me to build a career doing what I have loved since I was four years old.
The Training That Shaped Me as a Musician
My journey in music has been enriched by diverse and intensive training programs that expanded my skills and vision.
Other instruments and Choir
At the program I attended back in Taiwan, it was a requirement to learn a second instrument. This led me to explore trumpet, Pipa (a traditional Chinese instrument), cello which I still play nowadays. These experiences transformed my understanding of music by deepening my appreciation for different instruments and enhancing my collaborative skills in chamber music.
Comprehensive Music Studies
My education also encompassed various disciplines, including:
Ear Training: The ability to identify complex melodies, rhythms, and harmonies by ear and transcribe them instantly.
Musicology: An extensive study of Western and non-Western music history spanning the past 400–500 years, with focused analyses of specific musical works.
Music Theory: The structural and analytical foundation of music, essential for advanced musicianship.
Lessons That Shaped My Mindset
Beyond professional training in my craft, my mentors instilled in me profound lessons that have had a lasting impact on my career and life.
The Meaning of Being on Time
"10:00 AM means 10:00 AM—not 9:55, not 10:05. It’s 10 o’clock." This simple principle ingrained discipline and professionalism in me from an early age.
"Correct It Now, or Never"
One of my former teachers emphasized immediate correction. If I couldn't fix an issue under her guidance, I likely wouldn’t grasp it on my own. This philosophy taught me to focus and internalize corrections effectively.
Work Ethic: "Do What You Should and What It Takes"
This mindset helped me persevere through setbacks, including competition rejections and audition disappointments, ultimately leading me to greater successes.
Presentation Matters
Dressing appropriately is a reflection of respect for the music, your colleagues, and your audience. It also subtly affects the way you talk and communicate. Treat every performance, competition, or even discussion on musical ideas as a formal public speaking engagement.
The Art of Being Competitive
Since my teenage years, I had to be in various competitions to develop a career as a concert pianist. The art of being competitive has truly been a game-changer. In competitions, you should aim to win—not just participate. Not to encourage you to be competitive for no reasons, but to understand what you’re competing for and why you are competing sharpens your goal-setting and pushes you toward greater achievements.
The Key to Self-Discipline
Striving through such intense musical training from a young age requires strong self-discipline. Here are six steps that have proven effective in my 24+ years of playing and 10+ years of teaching:
Set Clearly Achievable Goals: Small, attainable goals within one or two days help build confidence and momentum.
Words of Promise with Circumstances: Writing down and verbally committing to a practice routine strengthens accountability.
Set Up the Proper Environment: Minimizing distractions maximizes focus and efficiency.
Set a Timer: Practicing without constantly checking the clock builds concentration.
Self-Evaluation: Regularly assessing progress cultivates awareness and improvement.
Repeat: Consistency is key—reinforce what works and refine what doesn’t.
Through these principles, I have not only survived but thrived in my musical journey. I strive to impart these lessons to my students so that piano lessons are not just about playing an instrument, but about enriching their lives with self-discipline, creativity, and accomplishment.
Read kid's version here: Featured in The Piggy Bank Post, Issue #25
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