asher koh of parkway central high school
Music has always played a major role in Asher Koh’s life. By age 5, the Parkway Central High senior was playing both the violin and piano, and his musical pursuits have taken to the St. Louis Youth Symphony Orchestra, the Missouri All-State Orchestra and beyond. Recently, he took home the second-place prize at the St. Louis Teen Talent Competition.
Where did your interest in music come from?
My parents first signed me up for violin lessons when I was three. They saw that I loved music—I would always dance around when they played something for me. When I was five, I also started piano lessons.
Do you have a favorite musical instrument?
For me, it depends on the day. I love the violin because the melodies are so expressive. It’s easy to infuse emotion into performance. With the piano, I like that you can play big chords, and the sound fills up the space on its own. I also play the guitar, which is like a mix of both—you can have more melodic pieces but also those big chords.
What made you decide to participate in the St. Louis Teen Talent Competition?
My piano teacher had a student who had previously participated and thought I would be a good fit. She recommended it to me because it’s free and provides performance experience. My mom also encouraged me to go for it.
How did it feel to place second?
Honestly, it was really surprising. Going in, my goal was to make it to the final round. I wanted the chance to perform at The Fox with professional production—I was looking forward to the costume, sound and lighting. I wasn’t thinking about winning. The competition was an awesome experience. I got to meet so many people from around St. Louis with amazing talents. I’m grateful for the opportunity, and finishing second was a great surprise. Whatever your talent is, I recommend applying for the competition. You get the chance to perform in front of judges who are supportive and will give you valuable feedback. It’s really beneficial to anyone who wants to pursue the arts or even just enjoys them.
Do you know what your plans are next fall?
I’m planning to go to college or a conservatory for classical violin performance. I’m looking forward to meeting new people, especially those with similar interests as me.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
A lot of my hobbies are within music. My serious pursuits are classical violin and piano, but I also do jazz violin and piano for fun. I also like to compose and arrange music, and I really enjoy accompanying other performers when I have the opportunity.
