16-year-old female student "won" the Golden Voice of Hanoi award and has never taken singing lessons

Tran Thi Minh Chau is studying in class 10A11 at Thuong Tin High School, Hanoi . She is one of 6 students who won the individual prize at the 2025 Capital High School Student Band Festival, Golden Voice category.

The moment her name was called on the final stage, Minh Chau said she was extremely surprised and proud of herself and her band Muot Music. Before that, the female student did not think she had a chance to win the prize.

Tran Thi Minh Chau is studying in class 10A11 at Thuong Tin High School, Hanoi (Photo: NVCC).

"I watched almost all the preliminary round performances and was really overwhelmed by your talent. I was especially impressed with the two main singers of the Yen Hoa School band and the Hanoi - Amsterdam High School for the Gifted. When I heard you sing, I got goosebumps.

Therefore, I never thought I would win the individual award," Minh Chau expressed.

The performance that brought home the Golden Voice Award to Tran Thi Minh Chau was her performance of the song "Calligraphy" by musician Nguyen Duy Hung. This contemporary folk song was re-arranged by the band Muot Music in a modern, youthful style, showing off Minh Chau's rich, bright and expressive voice.

The natural and rustic performance style is also a plus point of the female student of Thuong Tin school compared to nearly 50 singers participating in this Festival.

The 2025 Capital High School Band Festival is the first competition that Minh Chau has participated in (Photo: NVCC).

Sharing with Dan Tri reporter, Minh Chau said she has never studied singing. With a mother who loves singing, Minh Chau inherited her singing voice and love of music from her mother. The girl loves to participate in cultural activities of the youth union and often sings for exchanges every summer.

Also because of her passion for singing, Minh Chau searched the internet for videos analyzing MVs and singers' voices to equip herself with knowledge. She also regularly visits the personal page of diva My Linh to learn singing techniques, such as how to sing high notes without breaking them, how to hold her breath tightly...

When studying at Thuong Tin High School, Minh Chau registered for the Muot Music Club and was not too difficult to be accepted as a member. The 2025 Capital High School Band Festival was the first competition that Minh Chau participated in, and also the first time the female student stood on a big stage.

The "Golden Voice" award is a turning point for the 16-year-old female student. From only considering singing as a joy and a personal hobby, Tran Thi Minh Chau has determined to pursue a professional artistic path in the future.

Tran Thi Minh Chau (sitting in the middle) with her classmates at the final night of the Capital Student Band Festival (Photo: NVCC).

"Although I'm not too sure, I can say that 70% of the time I will pursue art. My parents are also very supportive of my wish. I feel extremely lucky and grateful to the teachers and the Hanoi Department of Education and Training for creating this playground for us," Minh Chau confided.

Minh Chau's immediate goal is to complete her studies at school, get an IELTS 7.5 certificate and participate in the 4-season spring, summer, fall and winter shows with the members of the Muot Music club.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/giao-duc/nu-sinh-16-tuoi-am-giai-giong-ca-vang-ha-noi-chua-tung-di-hoc-hat-20250509231422733.htm