My Journey with KEYS: Celebrating Music, Learning, and New Beginnings

My name is Zoya, and I’m excited to be celebrating an important milestone in my life. I recently graduated from eighth grade at Black Rock School, where I had the honour of being named valedictorian for my graduation ceremony. It was a special moment for me, and I’m proud of the hard work and dedication that helped me reach this achievement. As I get ready to begin high school, I’m also looking forward to continuing something that has been an important part of my life for several years: music. I’ve been learning violin through KEYS since 2018, studying with my teacher, Jennifer Brown. Over the years, my violin lessons have given me opportunities to learn, practise, challenge myself, and grow as a musician. I’m grateful to have had Jennifer’s guidance throughout this journey and to continue developing my skills with her support. Being part of KEYS has also given me the opportunity to make music with other students. I’m a member of the Saturday KEYS Orchestra, where I get to experience the joy of playing music as part of an ensemble. Playing in an orchestra is different from practising on my own because it involves listening to others, working together, and contributing to a shared musical experience. It has helped me appreciate how individual musicians can come together to create something meaningful. Alongside violin, I also study piano at KEYS with Ernest Chamberlain. Learning two instruments gives me different ways to explore music and continue building my abilities. Each instrument offers its own challenges and opportunities to learn, and I’m happy that I can continue developing my skills in both. Balancing school and music takes commitment, but I’m excited to keep making time for both. My academic journey has reached an important milestone with my eighth-grade graduation, and I’m looking forward to what comes next. This fall, I’ll be attending the Academy of Information Technology and Engineering (AITE) for high school. Starting at a new school will bring new experiences, opportunities, and things to learn, and I’m excited to begin this next chapter. One thing I know I want to carry with me into high school is my music education. I plan to continue taking both violin and piano lessons at KEYS, allowing me to keep learning even as my academic life changes. I’m glad that music can remain a consistent part of my routine and that I’ll have the opportunity to continue working toward my musical goals. Looking back on my journey since starting violin lessons in 2018, I’m grateful for the teachers, learning opportunities, and musical experiences that have helped me grow. Being part of KEYS has allowed me to explore my interest in music while continuing to challenge myself in other areas of my life. As I celebrate my achievement as valedictorian and prepare for high school at AITE, I’m excited about everything that lies ahead. I look forward to continuing my studies, growing as a musician, and making more memories through music. I’m proud of how far I’ve come, and I’m excited to see where the next chapter takes me!