Instead, he embraces life with optimism and unwavering determination, finding solace and expression through the enchanting melody of the piano keys.

At just twelve years old, Anh has amassed an impressive array of achievements in both music and academics.

Growing up amid darkness, the visually impaired boy remains deeply passionate about music, mastering various musical instruments with remarkable proficiency.

Recounting his journey, he remembers the day with his older brother to the provincial Children's Cultural Centre at age of five, eager to explore the world of piano music.

Despite being unable to join the classes due to his visual impairment, his passion for music caught the attention of a teacher, who allowed him to experiment with the piano.

From that moment, Anh's musical talent blossomed, earning him opportunities to showcase his remarkable abilities.

Seven years later, the boy continues to be an active participant at the provincial Children's Cultural Centre, honing his skills on the organ for three years and the piano for four years.

He is also a proud member of the ethnic musical instrument club, where he demonstrates his versatility by mastering instruments like gongs and drums.

Playing the piano proficiently is no easy, even for those with sight.

But for Anh, navigating the 88 keys without the aid of vision presents an even greater challenge.

Relying solely on memory and intuition, he meticulously memorises each phrase and section of a musical piece, painstakingly playing the correct notes and rhythm.

"Learning the piano has been a daunting task, rife with challenges," Anh told Tin Tức (News) newspaper.

"In competitions, my teacher taught me classical music pieces. Some sections were very difficult, and sometimes I thought I couldn't do it.

"Yet, with the support and encouragement from my mum and teacher, I perseveres, calmly tackling each hurdle one step at a time. And with each successful practice session, I find myself filled with joy, confidence, and a sense of excitement."

With his determination, Anh has lit his path, earning a string of musical awards: the second prize in the 2020 provincial Talent Search Competition; Most Beloved Contestant Award in the 2021 Central Talent Search Competition; gold medal at the 7th National Children's Festival in 2022 for his mesmerising performance on ethnic musical instruments.

Adding to his list of achievements, he also received the Promising Talent Award in the 2022 provincial Talent Search Competition.

In early March 2024, he showcased his exceptional talents in the semi-finals of the 2024 National Piano Talent Festival.

Anh said: "Participating in the 2024 National Piano Talent Festival is the most joyful and memorable event for me. It was an incredible opportunity to learn from my peers at the HCM City Conservatory of Music. I'm grateful for the unwavering support and encouragement from my family and friends."

Behind his remarkable achievement stands his mother, Vũ Thị Hương Giang, who always supports him.

Giang recounts how Anh's journey fills her with joy and positive energy. As a companion to her son, she has always nurtured his dreams, teaching him to set small goals and pursue them relentlessly.

Looking to the future, Anh aspires to become a musician, aiming to inspire and mentor other children facing similar challenges.

Despite its seeming simplicity, his dream fuels him with motivation, joy and optimism, instilling a sense of resilience and confidence in disabled individuals to conquer life's hurdles.

Unwavering endeavours

Beyond his musical talents, Anh is also dedicated to excelling in his academic pursuits.

Having previously attended the specialised class for the visually impaired at Vi Nhân School in Buôn Ma Thuột City, he made a move in the 2023-24 academic year by transferring to Phạm Hồng Thái Secondary School, where he could integrate with other normal students.

Transitioning to the new environment, he faces many difficulties.

He has to transcribe class materials into braille, complete assignments on the computer, and submit them to his teachers. Despite these hurdles, he still strive to keep pace with his classmates.

Encouraged by the support of both teachers and classmates, Anh's determination bore fruit in the first semester of the 2023-24 academic year, where he achieved an outstanding academic performance, distinguishing himself as one of the top-performing students in his class.

Nguyễn Thị Thảo, Anh's teacher, revealed that despite grappling with challenges like keeping up with note-taking and missing out on class activities, Anh absorbs lessons and reacts swiftly.

She said: "His relentless efforts to improve have earned admiration from both faculty and classmates. I hope Anh will achieve even greater success on the path he has chosen. I hope he always believes in the best things and will achieve many successes in the future, inspiring all with his journey."

In this academic year, Phạm Hồng Thái Secondary School opened its doors to three students with disabilities.

Vice Principal Ngô Văn Chính said that the school has selected a team of dedicated teachers and collaborated with the specialised school for disabilities and families to support these students.

"Anh stands out not only for his musical talent but also for his exceptional aptitude and academic performance. Rather than succumbing to the limitations imposed by his disability, he perseveres to achieve remarkable results," Chính said. — VNS