The Virtuoso of Osceola

“Piano is the key to all instruments,” said 12-year-old Abigail Huang, a piano virtuoso from St. Cloud, who has been playing the percussion instrument for over nine years and is not considering giving up her passion anytime soon.

From a young age, Abigail had already shown interest in piano. At only three and a half, young Abigail found herself engrossed in a baby grand piano, originally meant for her older brother, and soon began playing. Whether it was nursery rhymes heard at school, or infamous classical songs, Abigail was always trying her hand at a new tune.

She was officially declared a child prodigy in music at age 4 with an impressively high IQ of 130. This talent continued to develop as Abigail aged, especially after beginning her first formal lessons at age 5.

According to her mother, Wey Wey Wong, Abigail saw tremendous growth in her ability as a mere kindergartener, where she began to play piano at a middle school level.

“It’s been a journey of discovery, we were in awe at first,” Wong said. “We didn’t know how to deal with it. She played things she heard in nursery school, and classical songs she heard at three and a half years old. She was a late talker, she’d spend the whole day on the piano.”

With this talent came many incredible opportunities for young Abigail, opportunities that many adults would only dream of experiencing, like her performance at an Orlando Magic halftime show and opening ceremony in 2018. Or her recent work with Grammy-nominated producer Michael Franklin, who said he was impressed by Abigail from the first moment he heard her play. He even helped to produce her debut commercial album, Chick Corea’s Children’s Songs. The album is a tribute to a famous American jazz pianist, the late Chick Corea.

An impressive aspect of this album is arguably Abigail’s commitment to her craft. Within a few short months, Abigail had self-taught and memorized all 20 pieces through repeated listening to Chick Corea’s CD and reading the notes of the songs. To exceed expectations even further: Abigail astonishingly recorded the entire album in only two takes.

But behind all this artistry, Abigail is still your average 12-year-old girl. She describes herself as “fun, outgoing, and silly at times,” and as an individual with an honest love for music. She is described similarly by her mother, who said that Abigail is, “Bubbly, outgoing, humble, curious, and can be a perfectionist.”

The young prodigy also shared that her favorite pieces to play are those from the Romantic Era, as well as the classical works of Frédéric Chopin. She also enjoys composing her own complex pieces, which further distinguishes her unique talent. Undoubtedly, education is still a priority for Abigail, who attends Success Preparatory Academy. She makes sure to practice piano in the morning and night, ensuring that it does not interfere with her schooling or homework.

“I love music and playing the piano and my parents are very supportive, but I choose what I like to practice and when I practice,” Huang said.

Wong agreed, saying she’s never forced her daughter to practice or take certain lessons. “We prioritize school and getting a basic education. We still want her to go college and pursue a music degree.”

Like any average person, Abigail is full of dreams and aspirations. In the future, she hopes to go to college to study and produce music, since she feels that this is what she was born to do. Abigail aims to be the best while spreading joy through her music and, despite being aware of her gift in music, fully believes in the saying “Practice makes perfect.”

When she is not practicing, you can find Abigail playing with music apps on her devices, going to the park, or playing with her brother and cousins.

As for people who are considering taking up piano, Abigail tells them to “Never give up ... achieving greatness is to do it and keep on practicing!”

Jaliah Meade is a junior at Tohopekaliga High School.