Pianist Zainab Long is one of the trio of youngest contestants of the 2025 National Youth Music Competition (NYMC).

The other two 15-year-olds are cellist Rebecca Gray and pianist Juntian (David) Yang.

The Grade nine learner at Rustenburg Girls' High School was introduced to music in a group setting where she learned the recorder at the ages of eight and nine. When she turned 11, she started individual piano lessons with Cathy Gray. Currently, she is tutored by José Dias.

"Cathy created a nurturing environment that helped grow my love and enthusiasm for the piano. José helped me develop a deeper understanding of music interpretation. He challenges me to be more expressive and thoughtful in my playing," she explains.

Zainab entered the NYMC to become more comfortable performing for an audience and to meet other instrumentalists and hear their music.

The rising star doesn't play another instrument; subsequently, the piano is her favourite instrument. "With its ability to play many notes simultaneously, it can mimic the richness and depth of an orchestra. It also has an enormous repertoire, which is continuously growing. I will never run out of new music to learn," she smiles.

Her role model is her mother, Yumnah. "She is a doctor, mother of three, and somehow still manages to balance everything with grace and humour. I admire her work ethic, her ability to stay calm under pressure, and the way she always makes time to support me," she brims.

The talented musician has three favourite composers. "I love Bach for the mathematical precision and the way different voices intertwine in his music. Beethoven's piano sonatas are full of different characters, and I enjoy discovering the different emotions within them. I enjoy listening to Chopin's music. His works sound rich, expressive and lyrical."

She has two younger sisters who play the cello. It can get annoying when we are all practising at the same time, but I enjoy accompanying them. Playing with another instrument helps me interpret pieces differently and is great musical practice," she enthuses.

According to the young rising star, she practices for one or two hours per day during the week. On weekends, she plays for more than two hours per day.

On completion of her matric, Zainab would like to study medicine despite her mother trying to dissuade her. "I might pursue something in physics, maths or accounting. No matter what I choose, I'll continue to play the piano and would love to perform sometimes.

"I have considered becoming a pianist, but it seems a bit risky," she says cautiously.

If she could be an animal, she would love to be a cat. She says she has two Siberian cats and thinks they have the best life. They have nothing to stress about, they can sleep and eat whenever they want to, and they don't have to go to school.

Zainab describes herself as resourceful. "When things get tough or don't go as expected, I take a step back, consider my options, and try a new approach."

Her life motto is: "Progress over perfection."