Young Taiwan pianist thrives while practicing in county

Two years ago, Ting Hsu came to Michigan from Taiwan to pursue a career in concert piano at Interlochen Arts Academy.

Assistance from Leelanau County is helping him along the way.

Ting Hsu practices

The 16-year-old musical prodigy, who was accepted by Interlochen in 2005, is receiving plenty of support from Jane and Carl Nichols of Suttons Bay, who own a grand piano.
His “dorm mother” at Interlochen introduced him to the Nichols, and Hsu became fast friends with the couple.

"My dorm mom introduced me to this wonderful family," Hsu said. "I was really freaking out because I couldn't speak English and my manners were bad,” when he first met the Nichols two years ago.

Jane Nichols laughed at Hsu’s assessment.

"He's a really good boy," she said smiling.

Hsu has stayed with the Nichols during several holidays in 2006 and 2007. He’s also residing with the Nichols throughout June in order to prepare for a piano competition in Oberlin, Ohio.

More than 800 student-musicians competed for a chance to land one of 400 spots in the first round of the Ohio competition. Hsu’s now in the second round, which has only 200 students. His goal is to reach the third and fourth rounds as well, and hopefully, win the competition.

Hsu was born in Taiwan, where his parents still live, and he has two older brothers who are also musicians and are studying in Singapore and China. Hsu began his career playing violin, but quickly switched to the ivory keys.

At 8, Hsu began playing and at an early age was practicing three to four hours daily. Now, he spends six hours a day practicing, and the Nichols say they don’t mind.
Meanwhile, Hsu is also planning a benefit concert later this month to help raise money for his trip. He said the concert will help not only in raising funds, but also aid him by playing in front of the public.

The concert will be held Saturday, June 23, at 7:30 p.m. at the Suttons Bay Congregational Church Donations are accepted.

"It's a huge cost for his parents, going to Interlochen," Nichols said. "The purpose of his benefit concert is to defray some of the cost of the competition, which is just over $1,000."

While he practices, he looks out at Suttons Bay, green, rolling hills, and beautiful countryside.

"I can see while I am practicing, I love it here so much," Hsu said. The grand piano in the Nichols house is in front of a large bay window that overlooks the scenery.

Hsu wants to continue his education in the U.S. when he's completed his Interlochen studies. He's looking into conservatory schools where he can continue improving his piano skills.

"I think I am going to apply for Julliard and Peabody," said Hsu of two of the nation’s leading musical schools. "I'm applying to more conservatories than universities." He's also looking into the University of Michigan.

Hsu said has made northern Michigan his "second home," and calls the Nichols his "second family."

"Even though I am from very far away, it makes me feel like it's still my home here because people are really friendly,” he said.

He also admitted some family members in Taiwan are “jealous.” His two brothers have wanted to come to America, and Hsu said they often "think it's unfair" that he gets to live here.

"I wish I could stay here forever," Hsu said of Leelanau County. "I love it so much. In Taiwan, it's almost impossible to find scenery like here."