"Remember," Elena said as they drove to the conservatory, "you don't have to be perfect. You just have to show them your musical understanding and technical skill. The judges want to see how you handle pressure and how quickly you can learn."
Maya nodded, but she was not really listening. She was thinking about all the things that could go wrong: what if her hands shook? What if she forgot the music? What if Marcus Sterling had chosen a piece that was too difficult for anyone to learn in one day?
The Metropolitan Academy was a beautiful old building with tall windows and marble floors. Maya had been there once before, years ago, for a master class with her father. She remembered feeling intimidated by the serious atmosphere and the advanced students practicing in every room.
Elena led Maya to a small office where they were supposed to meet Marcus Sterling. The door was open, and Maya could see a tall, thin man with gray hair sitting behind a desk. He looked up when they entered, and Maya saw that his eyes were cold and unfriendly.
"Miss Chen, I presume," Marcus Sterling said without getting up or offering to shake hands. "I must say I was surprised when Dr. Rosetti told me about your unusual circumstances. It's been some time since we've had a student with such an unconventional background."
Maya felt her face get hot. She knew he was talking about her being homeless. "Yes, sir," she said quietly.
Marcus Sterling stood up and walked around his desk. He was taller than Maya had expected, and he looked down at her with a skeptical expression.
"I want to be very clear about what we're doing here," he said. "This conservatory has a reputation for excellence. We cannot afford to take chances on students who might not be able to handle the rigorous demands of professional musical training. This challenge will test not only your musical ability, but also your discipline, your work ethic, and your mental toughness."
Maya nodded. "I understand, sir."
Marcus Sterling picked up a piece of paper from his desk. "Your first piece is Bach's Partita No. 2 in C minor, the Sinfonia movement. You have until noon tomorrow to prepare it. The performance will take place in the main recital hall in front of a panel of five judges."
Maya's heart sank. She knew this piece: it was extremely difficult, with complex counterpoint and demanding technical passages. Even professional pianists needed weeks to prepare it properly.
"May I see the music?" Maya asked.