When Oscar Wong began playing the piano as a child he dreamed of performing on stage at famous auditoriums and concert halls, not in the entrance to the Gold Coast University Hospital (GCUH).
The 23-year-old's career was crescendoing until the COVID-19 pandemic forced him to stop studying in Paris and return to the Gold Coast in early 2020.
When Mr Wong isn't teaching or studying he volunteers at the entry of the GCUH where he tries to create a healing environment for patients through his music.
"As a pianist and as a musician, I can't say no to that and I am very honoured that people enjoy what I do," he said.
"When I am playing, people don't usually say much to me because I'm playing, but after I play they say, 'Thank you so much for sharing your music with us.'"
Mr Wong's talent was identified at a young age and he was granted early entry into Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University.
The Nerang resident won a number of piano competitions, including the Lev Vlassenko Piano Competition and the Australian Society of Keyboard Music Competition, which gave him the opportunity to study abroad in France.
He attended the École Normale de Musique de Paris (conservatorium) and studied under acclaimed pianist and conductor Jean-Bernard Pommier.
Mr Wong says he appreciates all music genres but classical music is what he most enjoys performing.
"People who aren't familiar with classical music tend to have a bias that it's a little more difficult to approach than pop music or jazz.
"There is some element to that because classical music back then was written for the aristocratic family, but not all of it.
Child prodigy
Mr Wong, who was six years old when he started playing, says both of his parents loved music.
"Coming from an Asian background it was very difficult for them to learn music," he said.
"They had a love for music and especially the piano.
Mr Wong said it only took him two lessons before he overtook his mother's musical skill level.
The pianist practises up to five hours each day before a concert or a competition.
Patients thrive
GCUH's creative health hub manager, Maddie Bridgland, said live music was increasingly being used in hospitals throughout the country.
"If there's anyone out there who wants to use their skills in a really positive way, please get in touch."
