Amber Sol Kwak

Amber Sol Kwak began her musical journey at the age of five, learning piano and percussion. Her passion for music quickly blossomed, and over time, she expanded her instrumental skills to include drum kit and trumpet.

Along the way, Amber has been fortunate to receive recognition for her efforts. These include 1st place in Timpani (C section) at the 2022 Australian Percussion Eisteddfod, 2nd place in Drum Kit in 2023, and 3rd place in the Multiple Instruments section in 2024. She also received 1st place in the Percussion Novice section at the 2022 Ryde Eisteddfod. In 2024, she completed AMEB Grade 5 in Orchestral Percussion with High Distinction (A+) and is now working towards Grade 6.

Amber has had the privilege of performing at a number of notable venues. In 2024, she played percussion for four nights at the Sydney Opera House as part of the Festival of Instrumental Music, and later returned to perform a marimba solo at the Festival of Choral Music. In October, she was invited to perform again at the Children’s Music Festival at The Concourse. She is excited to return to the Opera House in 2025 for another Festival of Instrumental Music.

One of the highlights of Amber’s year was receiving the inaugural Bennelong Award for the Arts, presented by Councillor Lyndal Horizon at North Ryde Public School. This unexpected honour sparked her interest in community service and inspired her to think more deeply about how she might use music to contribute to others.

Following this, Amber chose to donate her honorarium from a community concert at the Field of Mars to support the Ryde Eisteddfod Percussion section—hoping, in a small way, to support and encourage fellow young musicians.

Above all, Amber finds joy in playing music with others. She is inspired by the creativity, connection, and sense of community that music brings, and she is truly grateful for the opportunities she has had so far. She looks forward to continuing her journey, learning from those around her, and sharing music wherever it takes her.