Student Spotlight: Ethan Pan
December 5th, 2024
"I enjoy the moments we learn together to read the notes and analyze the sheet music. These days, I enjoy every moment he practices at home and performs at recitals."
-Yilan Bai, Ethan's mother
At just 10 years old, Ethan Pan has already spent half his life immersed in music, studying piano under Nives Cvijovic at the Music Institute of Chicago.
“I wanted to learn piano because it performs beautiful music, has a variety of pitches, and it trains your brain,” Ethan says. Music, for him, is a source of joy and peace. When he plays, he feels “happy and excited,” a feeling he’s carried into each recital and practice session.
Ethan enjoys learning new pieces and has made steady progress, recently reaching Book 6 in the Keith Snell series. One of his favorite memories is an early recital where performers celebrated with chocolate after their performances.
Outside of music, Ethan spends his time solving math problems, playing tennis, and even surfing—he proudly recalls standing up the first time he tried.
For anyone starting an instrument, Ethan’s advice is simple: “Go slow and don’t rush.”
Ethan’s mom, Yilan, decided to enroll Ethan at the Music Institute of Chicago after hearing about its excellent teachers. She has been especially grateful for Ethan’s teacher, Nives Cvijovic. “Ms. Nives is kind and professional. She always encourages Ethan and influences him in positive ways,” Yilan shares.
She has watched Ethan grow not only as a pianist but also as a person. “Learning music helps him develop positive attributes like confidence, independence, perseverance, and being hardworking,” Yilan says.
Enrolling Ethan in piano lessons at MIC has been a rewarding experience for both of them. “When he started, I didn’t even know the five-line staff,” she admits. "I enjoy the moments we learn together to read the notes and analyze the sheet music. These days, I enjoy every moment he practices at home and performs at recitals."
With his enthusiasm for piano, dedication to practice, and the support of his teacher and family, Ethan is building skills and memories that will last a lifetime.
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