Do Re Mi Fa So might be the only thing most of us know about the piano. However, sitting with Rawan El-sisy altered this point of view. She managed to change the way I see or even think about music, and more specifically, the piano.
Rawan El-sisy is an 18-year-old pianist from Egypt graduating from school and soon going into university life. She defines herself as someone passionate about trying different fields to explore the new in life. Rawan is the kind of person who is willing to try new things that interest her just to check if she is good at them.
When I asked her about why she chose the piano out of all the instruments, she mentioned that, as a child, her father owned one of those huge pianos that were placed in their house. She went on how her father was hoping that one of his kids would grow up and learn how to play the piano but sadly, he failed. Rawan took it upon herself to learn and started to go further with it. She started self-teaching herself around the age of 13. Later, it caught the attention of her father that she is actually into the piano. Her father didn't hesitate and immediately took her to a piano school to learn more. She stressed the fact that she always would rather teach herself than seek the help of others. Rawan does not only play alone, but she is also a member of artخana. Sometimes, she plays in some sort of a band alongside some of the other great musicians there, creating a vibe that she described as "something joyful and a very powerful tool". To her, band meetings are something extraordinary and very therapeutic.
Rawan said that she wouldn't consider being a pianist as a profession because, in her opinion, taking your hobby and turning it into a profession might make you bored and tired of doing it due to the stress and pressure. "Music is meant to be a hobby," said Rawan. She prefers to be free from the restrictions of being a pianist as a career and would rather keep it as an everlasting hobby. Being a pianist leaves a positive impact on her; it makes her feel as if she is daydreaming and living in a different world.
Rawan mentioned that playing the piano requires a lot of concentration which makes the mind more focused and active. Not only does she use it as a hobby, but she also plays it before studying so she can focus. She said that "it plays well for your mind"; it creates a rhythm that makes her feel brilliant and more concentrated.
Now, balancing between her hobbies and lifestyle isn't an issue. Even though she has multiple hobbies, she still considers them as a part of her daily life activities and thus, gives each hobby its time to be perfect. She focuses on each hobby and gives it the time it deserves so it can be both enjoyable and well-done. She also always works on creating a new atmosphere of learning for herself. She mixes between learning new tunes and creating some too!!
Apart from the piano, she is interested in yoga. She loves the piano as much as she loves being a yoga enthusiast. She posts episodes of her yoga routine on her page and shares her soothing methods with the audience to help them out. I tried to make it hard for her and asked whether she would prefer the piano or yoga. She explained how yoga is the mix between the mind and body. It leaves a connection within us and a good way to relax and stay healthy.
For those who wondered whether she might be giving out classes, Rawan mentioned how she is a yoga trainee and goes through a 200-hour practice to earn a certificate and make it official and more professional. She has plans with an online yoga studio after she earns her certificate.
To add to her list of interests and hobbies, Rawan is also into graphic design and painting along with a mild interest in fashion. She likes to portray a message through her outfits; Rawan wants to tell all the girls that you can wear whatever you want and be confident about yourself. Regarding graphic design, she is considering it a major or a sub-major to her original major. Moreover, she is currently working with a travel agency (stamps.egy) along with her sister's art account. When we talk favorites, to Rawan, Omar Khayrat and Hans Devoir are people who she prefers and looks up to.
However, her inspiration is herself. She believes that inspiration comes within the self.
Finally, Rawan's advice to all the up comers is that
"Consistency is key. Do not let any failures bring you down. One always must motivate themselves to go on.'
Interviewer : Salma Aladly
Editor: Youmna Medhat
