The 2025 National Youth Music Competition sees the return of pianist Tanya Zhu after a hiatus of three years.

The 18-year-old matriculant at Redhill School in Sandton says as it is her last year of school, she feels the NYMC feels like the perfect way to celebrate everything she has worked on thus far. “I want to challenge myself one last time as a school student, and connect with other young musicians who inspire me,” she says excitedly.

Hailing from Kensington B in Johannesburg’s northern suburbs, the petite girl started playing the piano at the age of four and a half years. Her first teacher was Margaret Cleghorn. “She introduced me to the basics of piano playing and inspired my early love for music.”

Her current teacher, Megan Geoffrey Prins, was a contestant and prize winner of the 2007 NYMC.

The rising star also plays the flute. The flute has helped broaden her understanding of music and performance. The piano, however, is her first choice. “It offers versatility, a wide dynamic range, and it can express both power and delicacy,” she offers,

Her role model is the famed Argentinian pianist, Martha Argerich, who is widely considered to be one of the greatest pianists of all time. “I admire her passion, artistry and fearless approach to performance.”

Polish composer Frédéric Chopin is Tanya’s favourite composer. She says his music is deeply expressive and emotionally nuanced. His works demand both technical mastery and sensitivity, which makes them a lifelong artistic challenge and joy to interpret.

Music runs in the family. Her grandfather is a pianist and accordion player. Her uncle is also nifty with the accordion. Her grandmother is a singer, violinist and pianist. As an only child, Tanya says her family has always encouraged music-making at home.

The rising star aims for two hours of focused practice each day. This is adjusted, depending on performance schedules and school commitments. The emphasis is on focus. In her free time, she enjoys reading, singing and exploring new music genres.

Should she be an animal, she would like to be a rabbit. “They are so quick, observant and adaptable. They furthermore have a quiet determination that reminds me of my approach to music,” she chuckles.

Tanya plans to pursue music at a professional level, studying performance at university while also exploring opportunities in music education and outreach.

The budding pianist’s motto in life is, “Excellence is the result of passion and persistence.”