The RADDA RISE International Piano Competition was my first major international victory, and it came at a time when I was struggling with significant performance anxiety.

The Mental Game

Through months of preparation, I developed strategies to manage nerves:

• Structured pre-performance routines
• Mental visualization techniques
• Reframing anxiety as excitement

The Winning Performance

My final round program that secured first prize:

• Bach's Toccata in D major, BWV 912
• Beethoven's Sonata Op. 10 No. 3
• Liszt's "La Campanella"

This competition taught me that technical preparation is only half the battle - mastering the mental aspect is equally crucial for competition success.