Interlude Pt.2 (a) - Music Director-Cum-Prophet of Doom (testimony)

In relation to the power of dreaming and chasing your dreams, I remember one particular piano exam I had. I was doing my A-level exams at the same time, and we were given a study break from school. Because I was away from school, I found it more practical to cancel the piano classes at school and take them at home. Besides, I had a special bond with my home teacher and more time with him, as he seemed genuinely interested in my growth as a pianist rather than the financial gain. Unfortunately the school's music department did not take my withdrawal kindly, because, of course, they were not getting paid.

The Music Director then attempted to make me pull out of the exam. Although the school was a registered exam center, the exam was from an independent board that the Director had no power over, and registration payment was separate from the school's payment. This meant that unless I personally withdrew from the exam, he could do nothing to stop me from taking it. Because I refused to pay for on-campus lessons, he told me that he would "let" me do the exam if I auditioned for him. So I did. After the audition, he sighed, shook his head, and told me I would fail the exam. This was a few days before my exam. I ran home (actually I took the bus and was picked in a car from the bus stop...details, details) crying to my teacher, who then told me, "no one should decide what you can and can't do. Besides, I've taught you for years, I know your abilities better than anyone and he just heard you play for the first time today."

So I confidently did my exam, because it was my dream to get that beautiful red-ribbon certificate. I did my exam, and much to the Music Director's surprise, I passed the exam, and I got my red-ribbon certificate!