Thắng Nguyễn

Thắng Nguyễn is 15 years old and a sophomore at James Campbell High School.

Thắng was first introduced to Hawaiian music and started playing the ‘ukulele at age 6. His mother enrolled him in music training to develop his singing and playing abilities. He transitioned from playing to a sleeping baby to larger groups of 200 or more people. Playing for the family helped him develop his playing coordination and confidence.

His two younger brothers look up to him and want to do everything that he does, including playing the ukulele. One of Thắng's responsibilities is to help his brothers practice playing on their ukuleles in the evening. His parents have no musical background but they encourage Thắng and his brothers to practice and play for their families and friends.

He added the Hawaiian steel guitar to his musical interests in 2023 but subsequently paused his training due to personal issues. Recently hearing the Hawaiian steel guitar on the radio rekindled his interest in the Hawaiian steel guitar.

At school, Thắng's activities include drones and robotics. His goals include using music to stimulate his memory, developing a better understsnd how it all works, and playing professionally if the opportunity arises.