You should never look like you are in a hurry when you're up there playing by yourself.
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That was the advice from accomplished flautist and adjudicator Kiri Sollis at the Wollongong Eisteddfod on Monday.
While nerves played a small role in Nicholas Zengoski's bassoon performance, he was certainly in no rush. Notes wavered, his eyes closed and the church chamber echoed.
"I just zone out. It comes to me and I play it and feel it," he said.
Nicholas won the 16 years and under Australian Composition Wind Instrument Solo section.
It was his first win in three years at the eisteddfod.
Music teacher Nigel Edwards from the Wollongong Conservatorium of Music composed the piece and inspired Nicholas to switch from clarinet to bassoon and the young musician has no regrets.
"I'm very happy with the decision."
His $50 prize money will go towards a new instrument.
A previous version of this story said Mr Edwards was a teacher at Smith's Hill High School. This has been corrected.
