11-year-old wows audiences while finding inspiration and balance through music
AURORA, Colo. — Music fills the air on Monday nights in Aurora. The delicate yet intentional sounds of piano notes mix with gentle instruction in the studio of established piano teacher Jasmine Steadman.
“You still need to play that section beautifully and very even,” Steadman instructs 11-year-old Raditya Muljadi in his weekly two-hour lesson. On this night, they are fine-tuning tempos and dynamics of Chopin’s Nocturne and Bach’s Prelude. Both musical compositions are part of Raditya’s upcoming Carmel Klavier International Piano Competition repertoire.
To a casual observer, all sounds more than perfect, but there are slight improvements to discuss. Steadman makes sure to stress that only the very advanced students can play these pieces properly – students like Raditya, who demonstrate an understanding and connection with the music.
“When I hear a student that has talent—many students have talent—but also is willing to work hard, and has this connection in the ‘feel for the music’ … as a teacher I can't describe that feeling. It's not just proud. It's the connection. You feel this can go on for the next generation. You really want to help them to get into an even higher level,” said Steadman.
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While a duo has yet to be scheduled, this goal is motivation enough to keep Raditya focused on practicing. It’s a hobby that his parents know will keep challenging him.
“He met his match [with learning the piano]. It can be struggle. It is hard work for him,” said Gandhi. “At the end, it's the perseverance he needs to put into it, to get the fruit out of it.”
The future is full of options and family support
Heading into summer before the start of 7th grade, Raditya has a lot of time for fun before choosing a career. For now, his interests vary greatly.
“Well, I have a lot of career paths that I want to consider, but my top three are a concert pianist, a corporate or criminal lawyer, and an NFL football player,” he said.
One hobby is likely around for life – the piano. Plus, he has a duo partner at home. Younger brother Andika is eight years old and is also showing talent as a pianist and singer.
Parents Angeline and Gandhi say they will continue to provide structure, encouragement, and love.
“We are happy and proud, and we know it is way out of our power. I feel humbled that we were blessed with these kids,” said Angeline.
The Muljadi brothers will both be part of the Free Family & Kids Concert in Breckenridge on July 7th. More information can be found here.
Jennifer Castor is the Executive Producer of Multimedia Content at Rocky Mountain PBS. You can reach her at jennifercastor@rmpbs.org.
Music has been part of Raditya’s life since before birth
Angeline Muljadi is Raditya’s mom. She studied music at the University of Oregon and has taught in a variety of school districts. When she and husband, Gandhi Muljadi, started a family, music was also part of home-life. She’d play the piano while pregnant with Raditya and sing to him while nursing. She noticed he was a quick learner.
“He paid attention to me, and he could match my pitch,” she added.
Music would quickly become an important part of young Raditya’s world.
“When I was four, my mom started me on piano and after I entered my first competition at five, I started getting more and more serious into it. And I started exploring different genres of music and started really appreciating it,” said Raditya.
Today, the 11-year-old from Parker has a variety of hobbies: reading detective mysteries, playing football, Taekwondo. But mastering the piano has been a constant.
“When I play a piece of music, I just admire how beautiful different notes played at different rhythms can make,” he added, right before playing the second song in a set called “Fantasy – Opus 12” by Robert Schumann in his family’s living room.
His fingers glide effortlessly across the keys, eyes often closed, his head is swaying to the changing tempo.
“I think about how the composer, Schuman, might have played it himself and performed it in front of his audience,” he explained.
He’s practicing for upcoming recitals, competitions and an in-person performance with the National Repertory Orchestra in Breckenridge in July.
Pandemic led to more practice time and opportunities
Like so many, Raditya adapted to the pandemic world by spending more time at home.
“Well, if I'm not mistaken, lockdown started around spring break last year. I was able to have a lot more practice time for the piano and we stayed at home,” he explained. “We did a lot of concerts and competitions, virtually. Even my lesson with my piano teacher was virtual through Zoom.”
With the increased online presence came opportunity. While performing in a benefit concert to help kids reach dreams through music for the Lang Lang Foundation, his performance caught the ear of someone who suggested he join the “Red Rocks 8 O’clock Howl” concert celebrating the amphitheater’s 80th birthday and the musicians who kept music alive during the pandemic.
It was a night for his whole family to remember.
“Who’d expect to play there? I think it's really, really great that he got that opportunity,” Angeline said.
“Yeah, because Red Rocks is if you're Aerosmith or the Beatles or Rolling Stones - the venue is for those people,” laughed dad, Gandhi.
Raditya’s lightning-fast fingers and flawless performance of a fun jazz piece called “The Tom and Jerry Show” by composer Hiromi Uehara impressed the crowd.
“It's a piece that's written in the style of jazz. And as you can probably guess, by the name, it’s about a cat and mouse chasing each other, sometimes resting, and then chasing each other again,” explained Raditya.
Rocky Mountain PBS met Raditya at Red Rocks and was eager to learn more about this soon-to-be 7th grader and his passion for playing the piano.
Raditya’s big goal: To play a duet with a former Secretary of State
Gandhi is an engineer, but he and his wife have created a family environment where music is woven into all aspects of life.
“Art is the beauty that needs to be there. It completes your life. Do whatever you want to do but don’t forget that art. It makes you who you are,” he said, adding that for Raditya, music “is becoming part of who he is.”
Imagine the inspiration that came from finding this online performance and interview with Condoleezza Rice, the former United States Secretary of State. It was a high-profile example of music bringing balance to even some of the busiest careers.
“She can actually put music usefully … to complete her life. Its inspiring to us,” added Gandhi.
This video also gave young Raditya an idea. He’d ask Secretary Rice to perform with him someday.
“The Hoover Institution interview with Condoleezza Rice on the importance of classical music to her and her comments were very inspiring,” he said. “That’s the reason I want to play a duet or a duo with her.”
Raditya is prepared with the perfect waltz when the opportunity arises.
“In the video, she also mentioned that her favorite composer is Johannes Brahms. And coincidentally, I’m also playing a piece, Opus 39 by Brahms, and it can be arranged for duo,” he noted.