Zelle uses music as a way to practice discipline and creativity

Abby Hedberg

Zelle practices in the US orchestra room. “Music has taught me a lot about perseverance. Practice sucks sometimes, but if you do it you get better,” Zelle said.

Abby Hedberg, Staff Writer
November 13, 2016

9th grader Max Zelle has had his fingers on the keys of a piano his whole life.

“When I was five, my dad bought a piano and I used to mess around on it. It wasn’t till third grade that I started taking piano lessons,” Zelle said. “Then Ms. Beth, the lower school music teacher, suggested that I study composition. I started studying with [a teacher] and writing down music I was composing. I didn’t really get into it until like 4th or 5th grade when I figured out it was something that I liked and I was good at.”

Throughout his lifetime, Zelle has carved out numerous hours to dedicate to his love for music.

“In school, I participate in the orchestra in the honors sinfonia. Out of school, I’ve done numerous summer programs. I study with a private piano and composition teacher, and I try to spend about 12 hours a week [on music],” Zelle said.

For Zelle, practice and playing encompass two different mentalities.

“When I’m just messing around, I tend to be more emotionally involved with [the music]. That is really when I use it to relax and get out any feelings I have at the moment.”

In addition to having a passion for creating music, Zelle has other composers whose work serves as an influential source in his life.

“When I listen to classical music that is written by a great composer, I feel a sense of awe. It’s so crazy how they’ve written this stuff that is so expressive of the human experience,” Zelle said. “Sometimes, it can be a little discouraging or depressing because you think you’ll never be able to write something like that. Music makes you feel a lot of different things.”

Throughout his years, music has taught Zelle numerous life lessons.

“Music has taught me a lot about perseverance. Practice sucks sometimes, but if you do it you get better. [It has taught me] intentionality. If I practice or try to write music aimlessly, it’s never as good if I try to do it intentionally,” Zelle said. “[It has taught me] how to not set the stakes too high. For me, when I’m writing a piece and try to make it the best piece I’ve ever written, it shuts off the creative part of my brain.”

As well, music has provided Zelle with social connections that unite him and his friends through a common interest.

“I’ve met some really amazing people through music. I’ve gone to this summer camp for the past four years, and all the people there have this love for music,” Zelle said.

Zelle looks into his future and contemplates the role music will play in his life.

“I want to go to college for music, [and] I want to be a composition major. I want to continue studying piano as well. I want to support myself writing music,” Zelle said. “For the rest of high school, I keep writing music and getting commissions. Eventually, I want to make [music] my career.”

This story was selected as a BEST OF SNO Feature.