Dedication to Music: To Fight Hard without Regrets Rather than to Regret not Fighting Hard

Tam Git Mei’s Story
Awardee of 27th Recognition Ceremony
Faculty of Social Sciences
BASc

Tam Git Mei, Cherry began her music journey when she was two years old, and she has continued to be an avid music enthusiast ever since. Her dedication to music has contributed to many of her accomplishments, and various music awards have been given to her in recognition of her efforts.

“If you give it a shot, you could win something", said the third-year Social Sciences student with a double major in Music focusing on piano performance.

Cherry partook in the Concours International De Musique Et D’Art De Versailles in Guangzhou.

Her outstanding piano performances consistently gave her the chance to participate in significant performances, such as the S'way Concert - Young Artists Series, in which she made her solo concert debut in the S'way Recital Hall and played alongside exceptional musicians. Cherry managed all of the preparation herself, including the guest list and repertoire, even though the concert was scheduled for early January this year — right after the demanding schedule of the previous school semester — and eventually completed her hour-long solo performance.

In recent years, Cherry has participated in numerous competitions both regionally and internationally, for example, participating in the final round of the Concours International De Musique Et D’Art De Versailles, where she eventually got the gold prize; as well as being a contestant at the King's Peak International Music Competition in which she gained the first place. Also, she took up the piano part for four violin concertos, performing with four accomplished violinists, at the Hong Kong Swatow Christian Church in Central.

Cherry performed with four accomplished violinists at the HK Swatow Christian Church.

“These on-stage experiences equipped me with confidence, which made me feel more comfortable being on stage, and paved my way for pursuing bigger stages and a larger audience,” said Cherry who had previously struggled with stage fright.

Acquiring all the accomplishments is not a simple task. Cherry said that she has always faced self-doubt, which has hindered her belief in herself during competitions. She sacrificed her socialising opportunities to dedicate her spare time to practice, alongside her busy performing schedule. Sometimes she was frustrated that, in spite of these efforts, she might occasionally not achieve the desired performance result.

“The process all along is indeed exhausting. However, I think it’s very fortunate that I can have the opportunity to perform piano,” said Cherry.