Melissa and the music

This prodigiously talented young pianist will change your mind about classical material “Thank you, Bach and Debussy, for saving my life. I [HEART] you!”

It’s not your usual 21-year-old’s Facebook status update. But then again, Melissa Mayuga is a far cry from your usual 21-year-old.

I found out about this insanely talented young musician through means typical of our times: that’s right, via YouTube. Followed a link on a friend’s Tumblr post and ended up watching a video of the lovely Mel playing a cover of American fingerstyle guitarist Andy McKee’s much-lauded composition Drifting — effortlessly, like it was nothing, in a pink-striped room with a My Melody stuffed toy sitting beside her, no less.

Her skill with the guitar was impressive, to say the least — but it turns out it’s not even her main instrument. It’s the piano that is her weapon of choice. Anyone who thinks classical music is boring should watch her tear through the third movement of Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata (a piece described by Charles Rosen as “...the most unbridled in its representation of emotion. Even today, two hundred years later, its ferocity is astonishing”). Or for that matter Rachmaninoff’s Etude-Tableau (Op. 39 No. 6), a piece known for being “aggressive and daunting.”

While Mel insists that “I’m just like any other college student” (during her spare time, she “blogs, plays video games and does guitar covers for my YouTube channel for fun”), her schedule is a little more intense than that implies. “As music majors in UP College of Music, we are focused on music theory and performance practice — so as a piano major, I practice my instrument a lot. On a regular basis, I practice two to three hours every day. It gets tougher, though, when a performance is near and I almost never get any spare time because of practice.”

YOUNG STAR: How did you first get into music? What was the point when you realized how important music was to your life?

MELISSA MAYUGA: It took me a while to realize what music really means to me. My mom is a pianist and she was the one who taught me how to play the piano when I was still very young. I was taught classical piano but at some point in my life, I taught myself how to play the guitar and played in a rock band for a while during high school. It was fun while it lasted. After high school, though, I got into UP College of Music where I majored in piano, and it was only then that I began to take my piano playing seriously. It was then that I realized that my artistry belonged to classical music, as I got exposed to the works of Beethoven, Liszt, Chopin and all the other composers. And each time I perform, I get a feeling of fulfillment like nothing else... I’m still an amateur as of now but I hope to someday be a really great pianist.

What are the best and worst things about being — well, Mel Mayuga?

Best thing: whenever people start appreciating classical music because of my playing. These days, almost nobody listens to classical music and they all think it’s boring and for old people. But there’s so much beauty and intellect in classical music that you have to listen with your mind, heart and soul to appreciate it. And whenever people suddenly start listening and liking it and appreciating my performances, I feel really fulfilled and successful as a pianist. I want to share this music with a lot of my peers who don’t know what classical music really is.

Worst thing: the need to practice for hours every single day. It gets tiring. Believe me, even concertists hate to practice. But it’s something we all need to do if we want to deliver a great performance.

What are the most awesome experiences you’ve had, as a performer and musician?

So far, my first solo recital last year has been one of the best experiences ever. Also being able to take master classes under acclaimed musicians and concertists such as French pianist Dana Ciocarle and pianist/conductor Aries Caces.

What are the most major influences on your life?

Almost any great musician inspires me. From J.S. Bach to Vladimir Horowitz to Cecile Licad to Hiromi Uehara to Lady Gaga to L’Arc-en-Ciel to Antonio Carlos Jobim to Miles Davis to Francisco Santiago to The Beatles to Chick Corea to Dream Theater — any beautiful music and great musician is inspiring. My mom and fellow pianists from UP Tiklado Organization in the College of Music are the ones who inspire me most, though. They challenge me every day and make me want to get better.

What achievements are you proudest of, so far?

Being a full scholar and not having to pay for my entire college life! Also winning second place in the UP Concerto Competition last year and being a finalist in the UP Piano Competition 2007.

What are your plans for the future — near and/or long-term?

For now, I’m focusing on my graduation recital for next year and hopefully I can play with an orchestra. I’m also hoping to get a scholarship for graduate studies abroad, God willing.

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Watch videos of Mel’s performances at http://youtube.com/kinkyshuri.