April 24, 2023—Sampson Elementary School second grade student Emma Li is building a reputation as a great piano and chess player.

School: Sampson Elementary School

Age: 8

Grade: 2

Accomplishments: Li recently earned an honorable mention award in the prestigious 2023 Rochelle Liebling Kahan Memorial Fund Competition for child piano prodigies. She also won second place in the 2022 Houston Music Teacher Association Piano contest and third place in the 2021 Aegio International Piano Competition. Li has also performed in multiple music recitals around Houston.

Favorite class: “Music, because I love playing instruments like the piano and violin, and music makes me feel peaceful and joyful.”

Favorite things to do after class: “I like to play the piano, violin and play chess.”

Favorite song: “Jingle Bells.”

Favorite website/app: “Chess.com.”

Ambition: “I would like to become a teacher because I love to help people learn.”

What topics/things are you passionate about?: “Playing chamber music and becoming a chess grandmaster.”

What inspires you?: “My mom inspires me about music and my dad inspires me about chess.”

What three things can’t you live without?: “Family, books and friends.”