13-year-old boy writes musical journey with hard work and passion

At the age of 13, many children may still be struggling to find their interests and shape their personalities, but for Cao Phu Quy (student of grade 7Q4, Ly Thai To Secondary School, Hanoi), music has become an inseparable part of his journey to adulthood.

As a delegate of the 10th National Uncle Ho's Good Children in 2025, Phu Quy is known as a "golden boy" of Vietnamese children's music with a series of large and small awards.

There are no shortcuts to passion.

Born into a family with no artistic tradition, it was not easy for a boy to develop a passion for professional music at an early age. Despite his family's support, in order to study at the Vietnam National Academy of Music and at school, Phu Quy soon became accustomed to a busy study schedule, days of practicing until late at night, and times when he had to overcome feelings of exhaustion.

Cao Phu Quy shared that during semester exams at both schools, he was most stressed and sometimes overwhelmed. But whenever he was tired, music was like a friend that helped Phu Quy regain his composure and continue trying.

In addition to being an excellent student for 7 consecutive years and an excellent student for 3 consecutive years at the Vietnam National Academy of Music, Cao Phu Quy has also won many awards in domestic and international singing and piano competitions such as the 2022 International Piano Gold Medal, the Young Singer Gold Medal at the Yoshine Music Festival nationwide organized by VTC Digital Television and Yoshine Institute at the Vietnam National Academy of Music in 2024, the Voice Champion of the 2022 Asian Young Talent Arts Festival, the Gold Medal - Melody of Youth organized by the Ministry of Education and Training in 2023...

All of these achievements are not only the result of talent, but also a story of perseverance, discipline and hard work that few people of the same age can pursue to the end. Because, for Phu Quy, success has never come by chance.

Sharing about her young student, homeroom teacher Phan Thi Ly said that what impressed her most about Phu Quy was not only his talent, but also his persistent efforts and sense of responsibility in everything he did. Despite his young age, he is always serious about his studies and art, working with a tight schedule without complaining. He is sociable, polite, positive and knows how to spread good energy to everyone.

Music, for Phu Quy, is not simply a performance but also a way to express oneself, to contribute to great values. Although only 13 years old, Phu Quy has released 2 MVs "Rung Khoi" and "Dang Thay" in 2024. MV "Rung Khoi" was filmed in the primeval forest of Dak Lak to convey the message of environmental protection, a musical product but with great educational value.

"I realized that loving the Fatherland means protecting the Fatherland in many different ways. Some people choose to hold a pen, some choose to be a doctor, some choose to protect every inch of the borderland, and I choose music. Making the MV 'Crying Forest' is my way of using my voice and emotions to speak up to protect nature, awakening public awareness about the environment - also protecting the country in the way of a Vietnamese child." Phu Quy believes that music is a language without borders - as long as you sing with all your heart, no matter where you are, the audience will feel the sincere emotions in every note. I hope that one day soon, I will be able to stand on an international stage, proudly introducing: "I am Cao Phu Quy - a singer from Vietnam," Phu Quy shared.

Growing up from silent steps

The first solo live concert called SayHiCaoPhuQuy took place when he was 12 years old. A memorable milestone, but also a huge challenge for a young boy like Phu Quy. Standing in the middle of a professional stage, coordinating with the band to sing live was truly a big challenge for him. Singing live required him to handle vocal techniques accurately, maintain a steady breath and master the stage in all situations.

Phu Quy shared with me that professionalism is a skill that must be practiced every day if you want to reach the pinnacle of art. When doing the program, I learned a lot of things, it was a valuable experience that helped me mature and love music even more.

However, not every day is smooth sailing. There are days when I don’t get the results I want, and sometimes I get scolded by my teachers for not focusing on practicing. But those setbacks become the motivation for Phu Quy to correct himself and learn from his experiences. Through each time like that, he matures a little bit more - both in music and in the way he faces difficulties.

Not only on stage, Phu Quy is also a familiar face in Team activities. As a member of the Executive Committee of the Team, he actively participates in charity programs and community activities. One of the most memorable memories is the trip to perform at Nam Xay Ethnic Boarding School, Lao Cai province. Here, music helped him erase the distance and connect hearts with children in difficult areas.

In 2025, Phu Quy was selected as one of 15 outstanding team members of Hanoi city to attend the 10th National Uncle Ho's Good Children Congress - a sacred and important event in his childhood journey.

This is not only a noble title, but also a recognition of the persistent efforts, serious training process and constant dedication of the boy who loves art. Throughout his years of studying and participating in the Team, Phu Quy constantly strived to improve himself, not only in studying and art, but also in ethics, lifestyle and community awareness.

Being included in the ranks of the nation’s elite team members is clear evidence that the journey of rising through hard work, perseverance and passion is always worthy of respect and dissemination. For Phu Quy, this is not only a personal achievement, but also a motivation for him to continue to positively inspire his peers across the country.

Ms. Phan Thi Ly, homeroom teacher of class 7Q4, shared that Phu Quy is a very special case, because this is the first time the school has had a student who meets all the criteria and is honored to receive the title of Uncle Ho's Good Child nationwide. This is not only a great source of pride for the student, but also a shared honor for the entire school - a milestone that recognizes the persistent efforts, spirit of overcoming difficulties and true talent of a promising student.

With a lifetime scholarship from the Dao Minh Quang Foundation of the Federal Republic of Germany worth 30,000 euros, Phu Quy not only has the conditions to pursue music systematically, but also opens the door to the world music scene. “Love for music and everyone’s trust are the biggest motivations that help me try my best every day,” Phu Quy emphasized.

Success is a long journey and that boy is still taking steady steps - with effort, with the desire to live beautifully and spread positivity. At the age of 12, he soon understood that: no success comes from chance or luck. Every award, every performance, every time his name is called on a big stage - is exchanged for hours of persistent practice, late nights of studying to keep up with the progress of both high school and the Academy of Music, and even times when he had to choose to sacrifice playtime to pursue his passion.

Phu Quy is not a phenomenon, but a living testament to a generation of children who know how to dream, dare to commit and persistently pursue the path they have chosen. With a warm heart, a spirit of continuous learning and a desire to inspire people through music, Phu Quy is gradually moving forward with his own inner strength. That boy, more than anyone, understands that: to become "Uncle Ho's Good Grandchild" is not just a title - it is also a mission. And he is living every day to be worthy of that mission./.