WKMT Piano Scholarship – Chapman Shum

WKMT Piano Scholarship – Chapman Shum’s Extraordinary Musical Journey

 

The WKMT student – Chapman was recently featured in a segment on BBC Breakfast News & BBC London Evening News.

Here is how the BBC described Chapman: “13 year-old Chapman, being blind and having complexed disabilities, hasn’t stopped him from excelling at playing the piano…” “…Chapman Unbelievably Chapman is just thirteen, all these thousands are in his memory. He is blind so he’s unable to read music, so instead listens and then plays what he hears…”

https://www.facebook.com/musicismytruecalling/videos/1007053100475070/

 

 

 

WKMT London Music Festival

 

In June, Chapman had an incredible opportunity to showcase his piano talent during the WKMT London music festival at the stunning St. Cuthbert’s Church, London. His performances of a Bach piece “Bach – Toccata in E minor MWV 914” and a Jazz composition “J. Makholm – 3 Impressions: No. 1. Mainstream Tune“, both chosen as part of his performance grade examination, captivated the audience and left them mesmerised.

Chapman’s talent left the audience in awe, with some even moved to tears by his melodies and unwavering spirit. Many attendees approached him, extending their heartfelt congratulations and expressing their curiosity about his unique journey. In light of this overwhelming support and encouragement, Chapman would like to express his deepest gratitude.

Now, we invite you to catch a glimpse of Chapman’s extraordinary and unconventional path, which has led him to this remarkable moment.

 

 

 

Chapman Shum’s Musical Calling

 

Chapman Shum, a remarkable young pianist who recently celebrated his 13th birthday, has embarked on an extraordinary journey that began at birth. Hailing from Hong Kong and now residing in London, Chapman has faced unique challenges due to a rare and unidentified genetic condition that has rendered him blind and presented various obstacles throughout his life. Alongside blindness, he has also dealt with speech and learning difficulties, as well as symptoms of autism. Despite these formidable challenges, Chapman’s indomitable spirit remains unwavering, and music has become an integral part of his life, holding deep significance.

Chapman’s birth during Learning Disability Week (June 19 – June 25) appears to be a poignant twist of fate, as it associates with the learning obstacles he would encounter in his life. However, it is truly remarkable that he chose to be born on the 21st of June, a day that coincides with the worldwide celebration of music known as World Music Day (or Make Music Day). This almost seems like a message of hope and destiny, hinting at Chapman’s unique path and the role music would play in helping him navigate through the challenges he would encounter on his journey. Despite the difficulties he would inevitably face, the serendipitous connection to World Music Day seemed to promise that he would find solace, expression, and triumph through the extraordinary medium of music.

It was a trip to Disneyland around the age of 4 that truly ignited Chapman’s musical spark. The enchanting melodies he heard at the theme park left an indelible impression on him. Upon returning home, much to the astonishment of his family, Chapman taught himself to play “It’s a Small World” on a toy piano. This captivating moment served as a resounding confirmation of his musical gift and marked a significant milestone in his musical journey.

 

A Window Opened by God

 

Chapman’s blindness has endowed him with heightened auditory abilities. He possesses an extraordinary capacity to perceive and capture subtle nuances that often go unnoticed by those with sight. His acute hearing allows him to discern distinct sounds, such as identifying the route of a passing bus solely by its engine noise.

Furthermore, Chapman possesses the rare gift of perfect pitch, enabling him to instantaneously recognise and classify individual tones as well as complex combinations of tones. This remarkable ability greatly enhances his musical learning and performance. Some speculate that Chapman’s aptitude for pitch matching may be influenced by the tonal nature of Cantonese, Chapman’s mother tongue, a language renowned for its nine distinct tones that carry different meanings. This linguistic exposure may have sharpened his sensitivity to tonal variations.

Even at a very young age, when verbal communication posed a challenge, Chapman’s innate musicality found a way to express itself. He would transform spoken words and public announcements into melodies and songs, infusing his unique interpretation into the world of sound. It is through music that Chapman found his voice, allowing him to communicate and connect with others in a profound and meaningful way.

Similar to many other visually impaired individuals, Chapman possesses an extraordinary memory. The family nicknamed him the Human GPS, as he has a remarkable ability to memorise details of routes and locations, accurately recalling specific information such as distances to turns, road names, highway numbers, and more. One of his favorite games is to compete with the GPS by announcing the details ahead of the GPS, and he can beat it effortlessly.

This exceptional memory not only aids him in navigating the world around him but also plays a crucial role in his musical pursuits. Memorising lengthy and intricate musical repertoire becomes a natural process for Chapman, allowing him to perform with ease and grace. His memory becomes a powerful ally, enabling him to express his musicality and emotions freely without being hindered by visual limitations. It is through this remarkable gift that Chapman continues to excel in his musical journey.

However, it is important to acknowledge that despite his exceptional abilities, Chapman faces unique and unparalleled challenges. Achieving the advance level of proficiency and mastery often requires him to invest additional effort and time compared to those without visual impairments. Yet, amidst these challenges, Chapman is fortunate to have the necessary resources, support, and an environment that allows him the time and space to fully pursue his passion for music.

Unlike individuals who lose their sight later in life, children born with congenital blindness face unique challenges in comprehending the world around them. Chapman, too, has encountered difficulties in understanding abstract concepts and even simple arithmetic calculations involving single digits.

 

Piano Learning

 

At the age of 6, Chapman embarked on piano lessons, which presented a new set of challenges compared to the jazz drums that he learnt earlier. With 88 keys and more intricate techniques, the piano demanded a higher level of complexity. Initially, Chapman struggled with finding the correct positions, but his unwavering perseverance led to significant improvements in his memorisation skills. 

To memorise lengthy musical repertoire, Chapman listens to it repeatedly, sometimes hundreds of times, until it becomes deeply imprinted in his ear. He listens to the music multiple times throughout the day, spanning an extended period, allowing the melodies and harmonies to firmly stick in his mind. Slowing down the tempo, such as utilising the half-speed feature on platforms like YouTube, aids him in hearing the music more clearly, although it may affect the overall sound quality.

Despite the additional challenges he faces, Chapman’s dedication and innovative approach to learning music demonstrate his unwavering commitment to his craft.

 

The second step in Chapman’s learning process involves the invaluable guidance of his piano teacher. Starting with individual notes and chords, they work meticulously to combine them into longer chord progressions and eventually complete musical pieces. The focus of their lessons extends beyond mere technical execution, as they delve into refining the dynamics, details, and expression within the music. While some segments of advanced-level repertoire pose significant challenges, making it difficult for Chapman to discern every detail despite repeated listening, his teacher assists by playing and recording the left-hand and right-hand parts separately. This method allows Chapman to study and practice each part more comprehensively.

 

Presently, Chapman attends weekly in-person lessons at WKMT, where he benefits from the expertise of his patient piano teacher, Francisco. His extensive performance experience enriches Chapman’s learning journey, providing valuable insights and guidance.

In addition to his in-person lessons, Chapman leverages the digital realm to enhance his practice. Through online platforms, he can engage with practice tutors located anywhere in the world. These 45-minute daily practice sessions play a crucial role in supporting his progress, particularly as his parents lack a musical background to assist him at home. Furthermore, Chapman receives basic music theory support at school, augmenting his understanding of conventional musical knowledge.

One of the challenges Chapman encounters relates to strength control in his fingers, a common concern for pianists. Due to his limitations in activities like sports or crafts that his peers engage in effortlessly, his finger muscle control is less developed. This can occasionally result in expressions that are either too forceful or lacking finesse. However, through consistent practice and public performances, Chapman has gained significant confidence and is gradually gaining control over this aspect of his learning curve.

 

Chapman’s musical journey is a testament to his unwavering determination, the guidance of his teachers, and the support he receives both in person and through digital means. With each step forward, he continues to overcome obstacles and embrace his musical talent with increasing proficiency.

 

Inspiring Achievement

 

At the remarkable age of 10, Chapman accomplished an extraordinary feat by achieving a distinction in the prestigious ABRSM Grade 8 examination. This exceptional accomplishment stands as a testament to his unrivaled talent, unwavering dedication, and the transformation of seemingly impossible challenges into remarkable achievements. Last summer, he took center stage at the Westminster Music Library, captivating the audience with his Piano Solo Recital. Through his impeccable skill and profound emotional expression, he left an indelible mark on all those in attendance.

Chapman’s passion for music extends beyond personal achievement. He actively engages in various performances, utilising his talents to support charitable causes and inspire others through the power of his music. His inspiring story has garnered well-deserved recognition, leading to scholarships and even a nomination as a candidate for the Hong Kong Spirit Award in 2021.

Despite the obstacles presented by his disability, Chapman has refused to let it define him or limit his potential. His unwavering passion, unyielding determination, and undeniable musical talent exemplify the resilience of the human spirit. By sharing Chapman’s inspiring story, we aim to ignite a flame of inspiration within others who may be facing their own difficulties in life. His story serves as a reminder that with perseverance, support, and unwavering determination, one can overcome any obstacle and turn their dreams into reality.

 

WKMT Piano Scholarship & The Amber Trust

 

Chapman has been the grateful recipient of the Amber Music Award by The Amber Trust.

This esteemed charity is dedicated to empowering visually impaired children through music and has provided Chapman with unwavering support throughout his music learning sessions at WKMT, as well as offering him performing opportunities and equipment support. We wholeheartedly encourage individuals to extend their support to The Amber Trust, as every contribution can make a significant difference in the lives of blind and visually impaired children, helping them fulfill their musical aspirations and unlock their full potential. For some music is a pastime, but for the blind children music could be their life line.

 

Chapman Shum’s Upcoming Piano Recital

 

On August 2nd, Chapman will once again grace the stage at the Westminster Music Library for his solo piano recital.

We cordially invite you to join us and be a part of Chapman’s musical journey. This lunchtime recital is open to the public, and admission is free. To secure your ticket, please visit this link and reserve your seat.