
Tegar Maulana, a remarkable 12-year-old from Indonesia, has recently achieved an extraordinary feat by passing the RSL Awards Exam Grade 5 with a distinction. This accomplishment is particularly noteworthy given Tegar’s lifelong visual impairment. His journey to becoming a distinguished pianist is a testament to his incredible determination, talent, and the unwavering support of his dedicated teacher, Mr. Hendrata Prasetia, Rhapsody Music School in Surabaya.
Tegar’s Natural Born Talent
From a young age, Tegar showed a natural affinity for music, learning to play the piano solely by ear. Despite financial constraints that delayed his formal music education, Tegar’s innate musicality continued to shine through and develop. Three years ago, everything changed when he received a scholarship and began formal piano lessons under Mr. Prasetia’s guidance. This opportunity was pivotal, allowing Tegar to develop his skills, enhancing his raw talent and equipping him with formal musical building blocks such as learning to read music, despite the challenges posed by his visual impairment.

Tegar’s Determination Pays Off
Mr. Prasetia’s choice of the Rockschool Piano Syllabus was instrumental in catering to Tegar’s diverse musical interests. For his Grade 5 exam, Tegar performed a captivating selection of pieces, including “A Thousand Miles,” “Teardrop,” “Sonatina in F,” “Waltz in Bb Major,” and “Fragment” by Jaya Suprana, an Indonesian traditional song. His exceptional performances, captured through video recordings, earned him the highest attainment, distinction, bringing immense pride to his family and community.
Tegar’s journey has not been without challenges. He often struggles with reading sheet music, which can lead to mistakes, particularly in fingering. However, his resilience shines through as he overcomes these obstacles by recording and repeatedly practicing the pieces. This perseverance highlights Tegar’s remarkable character and his passion for music.
Looking To The Future
Looking ahead, Tegar aspires to continue his musical journey, drawing inspiration from renowned Japanese pianist Nobuyuki Tsujii. His advice to fellow musicians with physical learning challenges is simple yet profound: “Maintain your enthusiasm for learning! There are frequently surprising benefits lurking beneath flaws.”
Tegar’s story is not just about a young pianist achieving academic excellence; it is a celebration of his unwavering spirit, the power of dedicated mentorship, and the transformative potential of music. His journey is an inspiration to all, demonstrating that with determination, support, and a passion for learning, incredible achievements are possible.
Inspired by Tegar’s amazing achievement? You can find a music teacher in your area to start your musical journey using our “Find a Teacher” tool:
What’s your favourite performance piece to teach, and how does it improve your learners?
The versatile Rockschool repertoire is great for musicians of all different musical preferences.
You can discover more about Rockschool Piano Grades here:
Learn to Play the Piano with Rockschool>
Share Your Story
If you have your own Rockschool Story to tell, get in touch with us at marketing@rslawards.com!