"Moving forward and striving for greater heights through hard work and talent" — Mark Minasyan

– Can you tell us a little about yourself? How did you first become interested in music?

– My name is Mark Minasyan, I am 13 years old, and I’m a pianist. I study at the Barsegh Kanachyan Art School in the 5th grade with Karine Ananyan. I first became interested in music at the age of 9 when I heard a song by Freddie Mercury. I started singing his songs and listening to Queen albums, and at that time my mother, who is a musician, noticed my musical abilities and decided to direct me to a music school. I wanted to sing, but my mother told me that every good singer should be able to play the piano. From that day on, I’ve been playing the piano and I want to become a professional pianist.

– What do you enjoy doing when you're not playing music? Do you have any hobbies or activities that bring you joy? How do you like to relax after lessons or long practice sessions?

– I don’t have much free time, but I enjoy relaxing by taking walks, writing poems, listening to music, and sometimes spending time with my friends.

– Do you have a favorite motto or saying that inspires you on your life journey?

– "The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why." (Mark Twain)

– What is the most interesting or favorite place you’ve ever been to, and what makes it special for you?

– The Moscow Conservatory is a special place for me. I had a wonderful tour there with Oleg Pavlovich, the vice-rector of the conservatory, who introduced me to incredible musicians. I had the honor of playing on an instrument that belonged to the legendary musician Rostropovich, which is 107 years old and has left a great mark in the world of music.

– If you had a magical power, what would it be and how would you use it?

– I would want to be a spreader of kindness and peace, giving people goodness and inner peace, and using that power to help children who don’t have musical instruments or who are in need of anything at all.

– What are your future goals and aspirations as a young musician? Do you have any dream projects in mind?

– I have many goals and dreams for the future — to participate in the Tchaikovsky and Chopin competitions, to be accepted into the Moscow Conservatory or the Salzburg Conservatory in Austria, to become a world-renowned pianist, and to work with the best orchestras and conductors in the world. And of course, to spread our Armenian culture and art all over the world.

 – Can you describe the role of the “Music for Future” Foundation in your musical development and how it supports you?

– The “Music for Future” Foundation has given me many opportunities — wonderful masterclasses with famous musicians, concerts in different regions and cities of Armenia, as well as in the best halls of Yerevan. Thanks to the Foundation, we also travel to different countries where we participate in concerts, festivals, and competitions, representing our tricolor flag. I also want to thank the entire team of my beloved Foundation, and of course Sergey Smbatyan for creating this wonderful program.

– Is there a word or expression that best describes your personality, and why?

– Never be discouraged by any failure — on the contrary, ignore the setbacks, move forward, and strive for greater heights that can only be reached through hard work and talent.

– What quality do you think has helped you succeed in music and in life?

– My determination, hard work, and talent have helped me a lot. Thanks to all of these, I’m able to achieve success in music.

– Are there any particular values or principles you consider important and that guide your actions and decisions?

– Justice, patriotism, determination, hard work, dedication, friendship, peace.

– What qualities do you most appreciate in your friends and those around you?

– I value their dedication and friendship. My friends always support me and are there for me in difficult times.