Om Shrikam, age twelve, attends St. Luke’s School as a seventh grader. His favorite subject there is Life Skills. Om describes himself as “calm, organized and positive,” all attributes that help him learn to play the piano. He has studied the piano for the past five and a half years and likes being able to “express myself. I wanted to play piano because I could improvise on it more easily than other instruments.” This year Om was the 3rd prize winner in the “Great Composers” Sibelius competition. He was the only pianist who received an award in this International competition. Along with his partner, Xavier Mieyal, they received honorable mention from the Chamber Music competition held by the Enkor International Competition. He also played in a Schubert Club recital held at the First Congregational Church in Darien. Om’s favorite pieces include Für Elise and Gurlitt’s Scherzo in d minor, and he enjoys pieces from the Classical era, and Chamber music. He also plays the bass guitar and the recorder. This year he also studied works of Nakada, Beethoven, and Sibelius, and he looks forward to playing works by Rachmaninoff. Om believes that music “makes people happier. Playing the piano is fun. It’s nice to know how to play an instrument. I also enjoy making my own music.” He believes that to play proficiently you need “patience and make a commitment.” He would advise younger pianists “not to overthink your piece before you perform it. And, read from the score” to assure accuracy. Aside from his love of piano, Om’s other interests include squash, math, and band where he plays the keyboard. Om says that when he grows up, he wants to be an architect or businessman. He can also solve a Rubik’s cube in less than 30 seconds! His newest companion, a puppy named Yogi!
