Zaniya: Today’s Musicians, Tomorrow’s Standard Setters

At Sounds Academy, we celebrate more than musical excellence. We celebrate the discipline, focus, and perseverance that shape who our students become in every area of life. The habits built in lessons and practice rooms often extend far beyond music, influencing how our students show up in the classroom, in their communities, and in their future pursuits. Zaniya is a beautiful example of this kind of growth.

At just 12 years old, Zaniya Williams has already demonstrated a level of consistency and excellence that sets her apart. A dedicated piano student for the past eight years, she began playing at just four years old. Over time, what started as simple right-hand melodies has grown into full, coordinated playing, which is an accomplishment she recalls as both challenging and rewarding. “It felt extremely difficult,” she shares. “Sometimes I would mix up my hands or play the wrong notes, but I kept going.”

That perseverance has not only shaped her as a musician but has also carried over into her academic life in remarkable ways. Zaniya was recently recognized for a number of outstanding achievements, including earning straight A’s and making the Principal’s List, being named Student of the Month, receiving top marks on her state exams, serving as a 6th grade student council representative, and even winning a contest that gave her the opportunity to attend a NASCAR Cup event at Phoenix International Raceway.

While these accomplishments are impressive, what stands out most is Zaniya’s humility and perspective. “I felt really proud of myself,” she says, reflecting on her academic success. “I didn’t realize that not everyone got straight A’s until I asked. That made me feel really grateful.”

Her journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Like many students, testing was an area where she lacked confidence. Going into her state exams, she expected to simply pass but instead, she scored an outstanding 99%. “I was really surprised,” she shares. “I didn’t think I would do that well.”

Zaniya credits her success to years of prioritizing her schoolwork, building strong study habits early on, and choosing to stay committed even when things felt difficult. When asked which SOUNDS Academy character value she embodied most throughout her journey, she didn’t hesitate: perseverance. “Halfway through, I felt like giving up,” she admits. “But I kept going. I knew I could make it, so why not finish?”

That same mindset shows up in her approach to music. One of her favorite things about playing piano is the freedom it gives her. Music, for Zaniya, is both structured and expressive, a balance that continues to shape her creativity and focus.

When asked what advice she would give to other students, her answer was simple but powerful: “Don’t give up on yourself. Do whatever it takes. Even if it’s a short amount of time, it’s worth it.”

Zaniya’s story is a reminder that excellence isn’t accidental. It is built through perseverance, resilience, and the decision to keep going. At SOUNDS Academy, we are incredibly proud of her achievements and even more excited about the future she is building! We will be cheering you on every step of the way, Zaniya!

So proud of you, Zaniya! Keep up the great work 👏🏿👏🏿