For Tram Thuy Tran Nguyen, learning to play the cello occurred purely by chance but has led to a passion that is being nurtured through some of the state’s top orchestral training and performance programs.
“When I was in Year 3, I wanted to play the violin so my mum enrolled me into it as my first option in the beginner strings program at my primary school, but the violin section was full, so my mum did some research, and she found the cello would be a great option for me.
“From the first time I held the bow, I loved the sound, and I loved it more and more each time I played,” Tram said.
Tram’s music journey, which began at age five learning piano, was nearly thwarted by an accident which saw her almost lose the tip of her finger.
“Thankfully my mum begged the doctors to find another way and save my finger, and the specialists performed a successful skin graft,” Tram said.
Despite the trauma to her finger and a long recovery involving hand therapy, Tram started playing the cello around eight months after her accident.
“Now sometimes when I play the cello, I think about how grateful I am to my mum for saving my finger. Otherwise, I may not be playing today,” Tram said.
Today, Tram, a Year 9 student at St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School, is recognised as one of the state’s top emerging musicians.
She is a member of the Queensland Youth Orchestra (QYO), the State’s major orchestral training and performance organisation for young musicians, first joining in 2022 as a second principal, before successfully auditioning to be a soloist for QYO3 in 2023 and again this year, to be cello principal in QYO2.
Tram spends every Saturday rehearsing for three hours with QYO2, playing some of the greatest works ever written for orchestra and developing her high-level performance skills.
“We are given a lot of performance opportunities from concerts to our collaboration with the Queensland Ballet, which gives us the chance to perform ballet suites,” Tram said.
Tram also took part in the Australian Honours Ensemble Program in both 2023 and 2024, which gave her the chance to work intensively on her music with internationally recognised conductors and participate in workshops with Queensland Conservatorium academic staff.
At St Margaret’s, Tram is a member of the school’s top music ensembles and has enjoyed performing at events including Classics in the Cathedral and, a highlight, in the orchestra pit for the school musical.
“My experience at St Margaret’s has given me so much light during my high school journey so far. The music program is so inspiring, allowing me to grow not only as a student but also as a musician. Being part of such a lovely music community has given me so much motivation and confidence.
“The school musical was such an unforgettable experience because of the amazing opportunity to play a challenging score alongside professional musicians,” Tram said.
Tram is supported to successfully balance her academic studies with her music through the school’s Flyers Program for outstanding scholars, performers and athletes.
“The Flyers program really helps me to balance everything by giving me extra time in my school timetable to complete my academic work.
“I also attend Supervised Study sessions in the afternoons to dedicate time to my schoolwork, giving me the chance to practice cello when I get home in the evening,” Tram said.
As for the future, Tram would love to continue pursuing her music and is also aspiring towards a career in medicine.
“I really want to pursue music professionally in the future. I want to be part of the Queensland Symphony Orchestra one day while also dedicating my time to medicine,” Tram said.