It has been an unexpected and amazing journey since Brazilian baritone Bruno Sandes and I started to craft our project "Songs of My People" back in November 2013. The unexpected part of the story is due to the fact that neither of us would have ever imagined to obtain an incredible opportunity like this to present Brazilian music as a refined art at the Jacobs School of Music. The amazing part is that we have learned so much in the past months of preparation as musicians. Both Bruno and I worked extremely hard  choosing the repertoire, contacting musicians for assistance, and crafting every details in music to achieve the perfection. The amount of support we received from our mentors and friends was incredible. I realized that the music that we are presenting defines the core of the Brazilian people, the essence of the culture, and the love and passion from that country. It is a beautiful thing! Indeed, I have to say that it is a God-given gift for both Bruno and I to dream what is impossible. And we are going to use this gift to inspire many others of what real love is. We cannot wait for what is ahead of us in this amazing journey!

Round Top Summer Music Festival was one of the greatest artistic experiences in my musical journey. The festival was a six-week long professional music training and performing opportunity for students from all over the country. During the months of June and July, I met many high-level musicians, collaborated with faculty memebers and fellow students, performed in concerts, and most importantly worked with amazing pianists such as James Dick from the Festival Hill, John Owings from Texas Christian University, Brian Connelly from Rice University, and Eteri Andjaparidze from New York University.

respect the musicians residing at the Institute every summer, because these musicians represent a group of excellent faculties as well as professionally-trained students from all over the country. The top level performances from each individual truly bedazzled the Texans.
    There are many good memories during the six-week festival. Not only I became a better pianist, also I established precious friendships and connections with many fellow musicians. With many of them, we shared fun and adventurous moments, the moments that we stepped out of "being professional musicians" box, and returned to "being children of exploration".

glorify Him. I personally did not join the worship team, but several others did. It really touches me to be able to sing to the Lord at a place where I am away from my home church. In a way, it is feeling like a home away from home.
    Texas summer 2013, there are many precious memories. And l will forever treasure them in my musical journey. Thank you for everything!