Our first spotlight of the new year is shining on MusicLink student Brandon Chen, a freshman at David Douglas High School in Portland, Oregon. He began playing piano when he was eight and participated in group piano lesson for almost a year before his teacher recommended he take private lessons. MusicLink connected him with Ms. Carol Ratzlaf who has been his teacher for the past six years. Brandon believes that without the help of MusicLink and the generosity and kindness of Carol, he would not have continued learning and would not be the accomplished pianist he is today. During the past five years, Brandon has completed OMTA Syllabus level one through eight and is currently working on level nine. He has also completed four years of Junior Festival as well as three years of the Baroque/Contemporary Festival. Besides being a member of the MusicLink Foundation, Brandon is also a member of the Piano Santa Foundation which loaned him an acoustic piano.

Four years ago, Brandon began playing the violin and has progressed far enough to be able to do a level five of the Oregon National ASTACAP. He has also been a part of Community Music Center's Level III orchestra and is currently a member of his high school's symphonic orchestra. Brandon recently participated in the OMTA Piano Baroque Festival. His violin teacher at CMC is Ms. Lisa Zweben.

In addition to being accomplished on two instruments, Brandon is a straight A student. When he is not practicing or playing music, Brandon likes to read, play basketball or table tennis, bowl, or play video games with his brother and friends. He also helps his parents by completing chores around the house.

Carol said, "Brandon is an exceptional student and has been studying with me for six years. He is working on the Oregon Syllabus Level 9, which is very unusual for a 14-year-old freshman in high school. I am honored to be his teacher."