She’s 12, obsessed with Chinese culture, and excels in the gaohu, erhu and Teochew opera

Clarissa’s hardwon discipline is not without struggle, however, according to her mum Deng Xiu Wei. She has seen her daughter mature through her love for Chinese music over the past six years. 

“When she was six, it was really tough. We’d wake up at six o’clock and brush our teeth, then at 6.30am, we would practise erhu until 7am. She wouldn’t feel good, and we had some fights during that time,” Deng recalled.

The “turning points” were landing the Mapletree-Teng scholarship that “gave her a lot of encouragement”, as well as a coveted spot in the Singapore National Youth Chinese Orchestra. The latter made Clarissa “more motivated and more disciplined”.

“She has a very full schedule now (but) she’s very disciplined to manage her timetable. And usually I would check with her first before arranging any class for her,” Deng added. 

“She was very forgetful previously … and sometimes the online class or physical class, she would just easily forget. But learning music helped her a lot (to) grow.”

MANAGING “HEALTHY STRESS” 

Deng, however, is cautious not to push her daughter too hard, despite her talent. If Clarissa eventually decides Chinese music isn’t for her, she would have her mum’s full support. 

On the contrary, Deng added, she’s learnt to be a “better mum” from watching Clarissa take on multiple commitments with aplomb.

It has also allowed her to show equal support for Clarissa’s younger brother, Josh, who is himself involved in Teochew opera and plays the cello. There is no sense of rivalry between the siblings – only good-natured ribbing.

“Children are unique. As a parent, I will use the torchlight to find a way for them and let them find a way by themselves. They have their own pace and their own terms as well,” said Deng.