2025 Winter Competition Winners - Piano

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 Jill Annabel Budiono was born in Surabaya, Indonesia, on June 24, 2011. She started playing piano when she was 4 years old. Under the guidance of Ms. Marcella Halim, AMUSA, FRSM, Jill has received several awards and recognitions regarding her participation in piano competitions. She enjoys sharing her love for music with others and works hard to achieve her dream of becoming a good pianist. She is very happy to take part in this spectacular competition with pianists from all around the world.

 Rosalind studies piano with Amy Chiu.  She has been playing piano since early childhood and loves music.  She also enjoys school and playing with her friends. 

 Leane Kwon is a 16 year-old pianist attending Bergen County Academies in  New Jersey, USA, and majors in music. She is a first-prize winner in  various music competitions including the New York Young Virtuoso  Competition and Prima Volta Music Competition. She has been selected as  the Grand Award Winner as well. Leane has performed in various locations  such as Carnegie Hall (NYC), DiMenna Center (NYC), and more. Currently,  she is the piano accompanist for the Camerata Youth Orchestra in New  Jersey. Leane has played for her school’s orchestra and choir. Outside  of school, she enjoys participating in performing music for fundraising  and helping the community. 

 Uma Das is 16 years old and a sophomore in high school. She studies at  the Levine School of Music in Washington, DC, with Dr. Martin  Labazevitch. Uma has been playing piano since she was eight years old,  and has competed and placed in several competitions, including the OPUS  and Prodigy International Competition this year. Her favorite part about  playing the piano is her chamber group, a two piano duo called 'On the  Other Hand'. When she's not playing, she loves to swim, run, and go for  hikes with her family.  

Harry Feng currently attends Rangitoto College, he is currently under the tutelage of Kent Isomura. Harry has achieved Grade 9 in Piano and Grade 5 in Music Theory. Harry is currently preparing for the ATCL diploma exam.

Kai is 9 years old and lives in the Bay Area. He started music education  at three and piano studies at four. He is studying with Dr. Xing Chen  and has also taken lessons from Dr. Steven Spooner, Mrs. Nagisa Ariza,  and Mrs. Lena Grozman. He aspires to master challenging pieces,  especially Chopin's "Polonaise in A-flat Major" which is his  grandmother’s favorite and also popular in her hometown in Poland. He  just passed RCM level 8 piano with Distinction and RCM level 5 voice  with Honours. In 2023 he won Young Prodigy in the US International Open  Music Competition and received medals in the US Open Music Competition.  He also cherished the experience of playing with other musicians, e.g.  playing Kinder Trio by Klengel with a cellist and a violinist from  Juilliard last winter. In addition to piano, Kai also enjoys and studies  other performing arts, e.g. voice, ballet, and drama, as well as arts,  STEM, and programming. 

Alex Tang lives in the San Francisco bay area. He started his musical  study at the age of four. Alex likes classical music and is the third  prize winner for the 2022 Baroque Music Competition and Silver Medalist  in 2023 Bach Festival. 

I am Saathvik Sowmyanarayanan, I am learning piano more 5 years, I did  my ABRSM exam in piano 5th grade both practical and theory in  distinction. Recently I got price in Charleston international music  completion also.  

Ingrid Cusido is a regular guest in recital series in Europe and other  countries. She has a large repertoire that includes works by notable  Spanish composers such as Albeniz, Granados and De Falla. She has been awarded in International Piano Competitions: Vienna, Bonn,  Berlin, New York and Lugano, in two winning the First Prize.  He has given recitals and played with orchestras in many countries  including: Mexico, Guatemala, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, Colombia, the  United States, Hong Kong and Russia. He has performed in prestigious  theaters with solo piano recitals at the Musikverein in Vienna  (Austria), El Congress Park in Hanau (Germany), Auditori in Barcelona  (Spain), Palacio de Congresosos in Ávila (Spain), Teatro Principal in  Guanajuato (Mexico), Casal del Metge in Barcelona, Ateneu in Barcelona  and the HAll Philharmonic in Russia among others.  He has recently performed solo piano recitals at the Cervantino Festival  in Mexico, Ceiba Festival, Pitic Festival, Academy Festival of the  University of Guanajuato in Mexico, Oaxaca Festival in Mexico, All  Mozart Festival in Paraguay and Festival in Honor of Pope John Paul II  in Uruguay.  Ingrid has also given memorable recitals for charities such as the  Foundation for the Protection of Mother and K.mon.  Recently he has participated in projects such as the interpretation of  the Suite Iberia by Isaac Albéniz, 12 danzas españolas, Goyescas by  Enrique Granados and the Fantasy by Manuel de Falla.  You can find their music on Spotify, iTunes, Deezer, Amazon, etc... Future projects include a tour in Mexico in May, a concert at Carnegie  Hall in New York and a tour in Argentina. 

Qishan Shi has won many top prizes at competitions such as MTNA Young  Artist National finalist, the American Prize, the Los Angeles Liszt  International Competition, the APU/Instituto Baccarelli Concerto  Competition, the MTNA state divisions, and the OU Concerto Competition.  She collaborated as a soloist with conductors such as Jorge Luis  Uzcategui, Edilson Ventureli, Christopher Russell, and Jonathan Shames  since her debut appearance with the Spokane Symphony. Shi holds a Master  of Music in Piano Performance at the University of North Texas, where  she also worked as a Teaching Fellow. Her principal teachers include  Eugene Alcalay, Éva Polgár, Adam Wodnicki, and Jeongwon Ham. Currently,  Shi is working toward a DMA in Piano Performance and Pedagogy at the  University of Oklahoma.  

 My name is Alyssa, I am 7 years old, and I have been learning to play  the piano for over 2 years. Music bring me a lot of joy. I hope to be  able to play more beautiful pieces. 

 Daisy is a vibrant and joyful five-year-old with a blossoming passion  for music. Under the guidance of her dedicated teacher, Sisi Tian, Daisy  has been learning piano for the past five months. Despite her young  age, Daisy's love for music shines through every time she sits at the  piano. She enjoys expressing herself through the melodies she plays and  is always eager to learn new pieces. Daisy's enthusiasm and dedication  to her musical journey make her a delight to watch and listen to,  promising a bright future filled with beautiful music. 

 Hannah Wei was born in April 2015 in Mountain View, California. She  started learning to play the piano at the age of 5, under the guidance  of her mother, pianist Dr. I-Shan Su. In Hannah’s spare time, she loves  painting, reading, and doing gymnastics 

 Kenta Hewes is 11 years old and lives in Los Angeles.  He has been a  winner at international, national and local competitions.  As the first  place winner of the Elite International Music Competition and Golden  Classic Music Awards, Kenta had the honor of performing at Carnegie  Hall.  Kenta participates in the RCM Certificate Program and MTAC  Evaluations for piano. Kenta is fluent in Japanese and plays on a travel  baseball team. 

 Allison  Park  began  studying  piano  at  the  age  of  6  under  the   direction  of  Pamela  Vera.  She  has won  numerous  awards  including   first  place  at  the  2022  International  Music  Competition  "Paris"  Grand  Virtuoso  Competition,  third  place  honorable  mention  at   the  Artciál  International  Piano Music  Competition,  and  third   place  at  the  Irvine  Conservatory  of  Music  International  Music  Competition  in  2022. Beginning  of  this  year,  Allison  received   first  place  at  the  Golden  Classical  Music  Awards  as  well as   2023  International  Music  Competition  "Brussels"  Grand  Prize   Virtuoso,  "London"  Grand  Prize Virtuoso,  and  “Salzburg”  Grand   Prize  Virtuoso.  She  also  received  second  prize  at  the  American  International  Music  Competition  and  third  prize  at  the  2023   American  Music  Talent  Competition. Recently,  she  has  been  the   first  prize  recipient  at  the  2023  New  York  Classical  Music  Competition  and  Beethoven  Young  Musician  Competition  as  well  as   the  gold  prize  winner  at  the 2023  Franz  Schubert  International   Competition.  Allison  had  the  opportunity  to  perform  at  the  Amphitheatre  Cite  de  la  Musique-Philharmonie  de  Paris  in   December  2022  and  the  Weill  Recital Hall  at  Carnegie  Hall  this   July.  She  has  also  been  selected  to  perform  at  the  Elgar   Room  Royal Albert  Hall  in  London,  Solitar  Mozarteum  in  Salzburg,   and  Studio  Recital  Hall  at  Centre  for  Fine Arts  of  Brussels   as  first  prize  winners  of  the  2023  Grand  Prize  Virtuoso   International  Music Competitions. 

 Adam Sitek is currently a 6th-grade student. He is a laureate of  numerous international and nationwide competitions. His passion for  music is evident in his performances. Adam also plays bass guitar. He is  a proud recipient of a city scholarship.  

 I am 11 years old, Enrolled in the 1st class of the “S. PELLICO”,  Musical Section, Istituto Comprensivo 1° Chioggia I recently attended: -17th National Musical Performance Competition "Città di Piove di  Sacco". reporting the 1st prize 97/100 - Online audition for the "Young Musicians of the World" project  "Associazione Culturale Recondite Armonie" Grosseto, Tuscany. 2024  edition: Finalist 

 Reina Hewes began piano lessons at the age of five and currently studies  with Dr. Deborah H. How.    Reina has been a winner at many international, state and local piano  competitions.  As a winner of several international piano competitions,  Reina had the honor of performing at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie  Hall.  Reina is a candidate for The Associate Diploma (ARCT) from The  Royal Conservatory.  Reina also plays on the tennis team for Harvard-Westlake School and is  the sole Vibraphonist for the Harvard-Westlake Jazz Band. 

 Beixuan(Grace) Wang is a 14-year-old girl from Sydney, Australia,  currently studying piano with Sylvia Zhu at J Major Music Studio Sydney.  From an early age, Grace demonstrated exceptional talent and  dedication, practising tirelessly to perfect her craft. Outside of  music, Grace is a dedicated student, studying at Australian Hornsby  Girls High School. She balances her rigorous practice schedule with  schoolwork and other activities. Grace's achievements are a testament to  her hard work and love for music, inspiring other young piano learners  around her. 

 Chaewon Lee, a South Korean pianist currently studying at Jakarta  Intercultural School, embarked on her musical journey at the tender age  of 5 when she first began to play the piano. In 2023, she won the first  prize in the Golden Classical Music Awards, and performed at the  winner’s concert held at the Carnegie Weill Hall. Continuing to showcase  her musical excellence on the international stage, Chaewon Lee also  participated in the IASAS Music competitions in both 2023 and 2024.  

 Rozalia Galica born on October 12, 2003 in Poznan. Currently a  second-year student at the Academy of Music. I. J. Paderewski in Poznań  with prof. Alicja Kledzik. She has won numerous awards and distinctions, including: in 2018, she  received 1st place at the Keyboard Master in Warsaw, and in 2019.  received a distinction in the 1st International Chopin Piano Competition  in Turzno.   She received the 3rd prize at the 8th Danubia Talents  International Competition Hungary 2023 In 2024 She took part in the 1st National Piano Festival. Zbigniew  Śliwiński in Gdańsk. She gave concerts in many places in Poland and abroad, including:  Szczecin, Poznań, Warsaw, Czech Republic, Italy, Hungary, Germany. 

 I entered Mannes College of Music in New York. I studied Master Degree  with Prof. Vladimir Valjarevic and Yuri Kim and after I graduated MM, I  continued my studies as a PDPL student with them and I successfully  finished that degree in May, 2023. I am studying Doctoral Degree of  Piano Performance in South Korea. 

 Pianist improviser, composer, Seeker of Vibration, PhD student at the  Academy of Music in Gdansk, Poland. He strives to maximize the sonic possibilities of the piano and seeks  harmonic relationships that create naturally beautiful consonances.  Improvisation is the most important part as music therapy, soul release  and connection with the universe.  In 2019 nominated for the Polish music award 'Fryderyki' in the Jazz  Debut of The Year category. Winner of competitions e.g. - Bielska Zadymka Jazzowa, Jazz Nad Odrą  Festival, NOVUM Jazz Festival.  He has three original albums: - 'Exploration', - 'Live at Radio Katowice', - 'STOP' - improvised piano solo act. 

 24 years ago I graduated from the Secondary School of Music. I studied  piano for 10 years. I graduated with a degree in management. I am a  mother of four children. I returned to playing the piano after a 14-year  break. I started making my own music for fun. I returned to ambitious  classics 11 months ago. I wanted to see if I could play something  technically difficult. 

 Bachelor of Music, College of Art Yeungnam University in South Korea Master of Music, Hochschule für Musik Freiburg in Germany 2016 Solist Daegu Central Philharmonic Orchestra, 2019 1. Preis KOPTA  Music Competition, 2024 Fanny Mendelssohn International Competition  1.Preis, Treviso International Competiton Finalist 

 She started piano study at the age of 6. In 2017 she was invited to the United States performing in concerts at  the "James W. Black Music Center" and  "John F. Kennedy Center for the  Performing Arts." In 2023 she graduated from the G.Verdi Conservatory Como in Master  course of Piano Accompaniment. As the Choir's pianist, she performed "Deutsche Volkslieder" by Brahms  in the church San Donnino, and Rossini's "Petite Messe Solennelle" for  the Conservatory. In 2023,she participated the Masterclass for Reperiteur of the Theater  Scala. In 2024,she won the first prize of piano accompaniment in the G.Bizet  International Music Competiton and the 6th SWISS International Music  Competition. 

 Justin Ding is a young pianist with a passion for classical music. Born  in Southern California, he started playing piano a year and a half ago,  at age 6. His growing passion extends beyond achieving technical  proficiency, as he believes music can hold various meanings and be  expressed in many ways. This approach to music guides Justin's  exploration of different classical styles and composers. Justin recently  placed First in the Golden Classical Music Awards 2024, and won Gold at  the Beethovinci International Music Competition Season 4. He will be  performing at a recital in the Carnegie Hall in March, 2024.  

 Stone Scott is a 5 year old who lives in the Dallas TX metro-area.  He  has gravitated towards music since an early age where he would listen to  all genres during road trips and relaxing weekends at home.  His  favorite is classical music which takes him to a magical place where he  feels at peace.  Stone has a deep passion for playing the piano and is  aspiring to be a world-renowned Composer one day.  When he's not playing  piano, he loves simply being a kid who plays soccer, tennis, hockey and  reading about Dinosaurs. 

 Esme is 9 years old and is currently attending 3rd grade at Harbor Day  School in Newport Beach, CA. She has been studying the piano under the  direction of Prof. Ana Maria Eckstein. She enjoys playing various  composers, reading about their lives, and learning different musical  eras and their musical styles.   Since age 5, she has won numerous national and international music  competitions including the Gold and Absolute Prize in the WPTA Finland  International Piano Competition 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023;First Prize +  Exceptional Young Talent Special Prize Winner 2020, 2021, 2022 2023  Golden Classical Music Awards International Competition; First Prize in  American Protégé International Music Talent Competition 2020, 2021,  2022, 2023; First Absolute Prize + Exceptional Young Talent Special  Prize Winner International Music Competition 2020, 2023 Bonn Grand Prize  Virtuoso, 2021 London Grand Prize Virtuoso 2022 Salzburg, 2022  Amsterdam Grand Prize Virtuoso ; Gold Prize in the 2021 Golden Key Music  Festival; Gold Prize in 2021 Musicale Piano Etude Festival and 2021  Musicale Piano Classical music Festival; Platinum/ Grand Champion  special prize winner 2021, 2022, 2023 Quebec Music Competition; Gold  award in all 3 categories (Junior Performance category, Bach  Invention/Sinfonia Category, and Mozart category) 2021 Nordic  International Piano Competition; First Prize in the 2021, 2023 US New  Star “Etude” Competition; Gold Prize in North American Virtuoso  International Music competition 2021, 2023; Gold award (2021) and  Platinum award (2022, 2023) Global International Music Competition; 2021  Diamond Special Top Prize winner and 2022 Platinum prize winner of  Grand Maestro International Music Competitionx; First Prize in the 2021  US New Star International Piano Competition; Gold Prize in 2021 Musicale  Fall and Winter Music Festival; American Music Judges Award for  outstanding performance and interpretation at the Musicale Piano Music  Festival 2021; Platinum Award in 2021and 2022 Trinity International  Music Competition; Platinum/ Absolute First Prize in 2021-2022,  2022-2023 Canadian International Music Competition; Platinum award in  2022, 2023 Euro Elite International Music Competition; Grand Prize Royal  Sound Music Competition 2022; Grand Prize 21st Century Talent Music  Competition 2022; First Prize 2022 Bay Area Piano Competition; First  Prize 2022 Pelican International Music Competition; Most Exceptional  Performer and First Prize at all three categories of 2022 Charleston  International Music Competition-20th century, 19th century, 18th  century, and contemporary music competition; First Prize at all four  categories of 2023 Charleston International Music Competition-19th  century, contemporary music, world music, European music competition;  First Prize at Mimas Festival International Competition 2022, 2023;  Winner of Gold Hands award (2022, 2023), Best 20-21st Century  Performance (2022, 2023), Best Haydn Performance 2022, Best Beethoven  Performance 2023 and best Bach Performance 2022 in Carles and Sofia  International Piano Competition; First Prize winner Pacific Stars  International Piano Competition 2022; Absolute Platinum Prize winner  (2022) and Gold Prize winner (2023) Appassionato International Youth  Music Festival; First Prize winner 2022 King’s Peak International Music  Competition; Platinum Prize and Best Classical Music Award 2022 WPTA  Singapore International Piano Competition; Gold Prize Winner 2022 Global  Genius Music Competition; Grand Prize Winner 2022 Kaleidoscope Music  Competition; Gold PrizeWPTA Indonesia International Piano Competition;  Gold Star Award (2022, 2023)  and Best Classical Performance award  2023from Music & Starts Award; Brilliant award- 2023 Brilliant  Talent Discovery Awards International Music Competition; Golden Medal  -2023 Vienna International Music Competition; Gold Medal AADGT  International Young Gifted Musicians Festival "The Passion of Music  2023"; Absolute First Prize & Excellent Technique Special Prize at  Louis Couperin International Music Competition 2023; Iconic Performance  Special Award and Platinum Prize at World Exceptional Musicians  Competition 2023; Platinum Prize & Great Technique Special Prizeat  World Melodia Championship International Music Competition 2023;  Technical Mastery Special Prize & Platinum Prize at Universal Stars  International Music Competition 2023. Absolute First Prize and  Outstanding Technique Special Award at VanBach International Music  Competition 2023; Platinum Prize at World Classical Music Awards 2003;  Absolute First Prize and Excellent Interpretation Special Award at World  Grand Prix International Music Contest 2023; Platinum Prize &  Regional Representative Special Prize at European Classical Music Awards  2023; Platinum Prize & Regional Representative Special Prize at  European Classical Music Awards 2023; First Prize winner State of  California OPUS Music Competition 2023; Gold Prize & Fantastic  Technique Special Award Winner London Young Musician’s Award 2023;  Platinum Prize & Art of Musical Interpretation Special Award  Beethovinci International Music Competition 2023   She was invited to perform in various winner’s concerts since 5,  including Carnegie Hall, NYC, USA ; Solitar Mozarteum, Salzburg, Vienna ;  Beethoven’s Haus, Bonn, Germany; Royal Albert Hall, London, UK; Teatro  Studio, Marco della Musica, Rome, Italy; Kleine Zaal, Concertgebouw,  Amsterdam.    Besides piano, Esme also enjoys reading, drawing, painting, ballet and  fencing, and playing with her brother and puppies. 

 Kent Takatoku, 9, has been playing piano for 4 years. In 2022, Kent has  was awarded Gold Prize Merkin Hall Winner in International Music &  Arts Society, 9th Annual Talented Young Musician Olympia Competition. He  achieved 2 place in US International Open Music Competition 2022,  Category Elementary Piano, Romantic. He has achieved Distinction result  in ABRSM Grade 4 Piano Performance in November 2023.  

 He studies Piano at Manuel Samuel Music School. He has obtained four International awards. 

 She studies piano at the Manuel Saumell Conservatory of Music, in  Havana, Cuba. She has obtained 12 international awards, among which the  following stand out: - 1st absolute place in World Grand Prix.  - 1st Place in Glory International music Competition.  - 1st place in Livemuseart.  -1st place Music World Competition Manuel Fauré 2nd place in Calabria international piano Competition. 

 Shinya Tsukamoto is a 13 year old from California. He started playing  piano when he was 7 and is studying under Ms. Yuiko Ohoka. He also  enjoys playing clarinet and likes sweet mochi.  

 She was born in Turkey and raised in Albania. She began playing the piano when she was six years old and has been passionate about it ever since. Her favorite music genre is New Age, which she listens to almost daily. In addition to playing the piano, she also enjoys sports and sketching. 

 Yifan “Evan” Ding is a sophomore at Boston Latin School. As a pianist,  Evan has appeared at Carnegie Hall, Merkin Hall, Victor Borge Hall,  Lincoln Center, Jordan Hall, John Knowles Paine Hall. He was also  invited to perform at the National Philharmonic in Warsaw, Solitär  Mozarteum in Salzburg, and Petit Palau de la Música Catalana Concert  Hall in Barcelona. In 2023, Evan performed Beethoven Concerto No. 5 with  the Immaculata Symphony. He has received top prizes in numerous  competitions, including the Thomas F. Hulbert International Piano  Competition, Poland’s Chopin Avenue International Piano Competition,  UK’s Enkor International Music Competition, Russia’s International  Moscow Music Competition, Bay State Piano Competition, and the Wanda  Paik award from the New England Piano Teachers Association. 

 Patrycja Korszeń- she was born on January 28, 2008 in Warsaw. Patrycja  is a graduate of the 1 st degree Witold Lutosławski State School of  Music in Pruszków. Currently, she is continuing her educatiion at the  3rd grade of the Karol Szymanowski 2nd degree  Music School  in Warsaw ,  in the piano class of prof. justyna Galant.  Piano competitions: *third place : XX Regional J.S.Bach Piano Competition 2018 * distinction: XXI Regional J.S.Bach Piano Competition 2019 * third place: XII National Piano Contest ,,Keybord Master" 2019 * distinction : XX Nathional Piano Competition ,,Polish Music and  More..."2019  Concerts: * promotion of A.Pettyn`s book:,,Chopin in Milanówek" 2019 * mini recital film music University of the Third Age/ Inauguration,  Grodzisk Maz. 2022 * ,,Chopin`s Musical Mornings" Capital Cultural Center, Warsaw 2022 and  2023 *works by Maria Szymanowska and Josef Elsner ,,Musical Morning" Capital  Cultural Center, Warsaw 2023 *,,Maria Szymanowska in memoriam" Museum of Literature, Warsaw 2023 *,,Maria Szymanowska in memoriam" Palace in Chrzęsne, 2023 * Inauguration: V Piano Master Class, Romantic Palace Turzno 2023 

 18-year-old Mexican concertizing pianist, composer, filmmaker and  entrepreneur. Named one of the World's Top 100 Child Prodigies 2022,  Dubai. Has composed and published 110+ works; including a symphony (13  years of age), a symphonic poem, a symphonic overture, two concerts for  piano, one concert for violin, one double concert, among others. Has  released 9 albums and 3 singles, all his own compositions. Has performed  twice at Carnegie Hall in New York (13 and 16 years of age). Has  performed throughout Europe and The Americas.  Founder of Rodrigo  Landa-Romero Productions. Founder of Rodrigo Landa-Romero International  Film & Music Academy.  

 My name is John Simcoe, I am 17 years old, and I attend Sandra Day  O'Connor High School in Phoenix, AZ. I have a huge passion for music. I  enjoy listening to classical music, playing the piano, and writing my  own pieces to play. Additionally, I am a high performing athlete  involved on my high school varsity swim team and basketball team. I  enjoy trying to balance my time between all of these activities, but as I  look into the future, I am excited for what I can potentially bring to  the music industry.  

 Born on May 15, 2003, it was in Setúbal that he grew up and obtained his  education from primary to secondary level. He began his musical studies at the Setúbal Regional Conservatory,  consequently completing his primary and secondary education in music at  that same institution. During this period, he studied piano with  teachers Fátima Guerreiro and Nuno Batoca. He’s now completing his  Bachelor degree with prof. Paulo Oliveira. He participated in masterclasses with Ana Telles, Marta Menezes, João  Bettencourt da Câmara, Raúl da Costa and Fausto Neves. He won prizes at various international and local competitions for solo  performances. 

 Jet Stephen Chong, a pianist of Filipino Chinese heritage, has garnered  numerous accolades through his active participation in various piano  competitions within his home country. His musical journey is marked by a  series of solo recitals and orchestral performances, with a notable  orchestral debut at the age of 15. Currently pursuing his graduate  studies at Indiana University Bloomington's Jacobs School of Music under  the mentorship of Dr. Spencer Myer, Jet also holds the esteemed  position of Associate Instructor in Piano at the institution, showcasing  his commitment to both advancing his own skills and imparting musical  knowledge to others. 

 Just a little girl with big dreams 

 Meet Elsie, a 7-year-old dynamo with a heart full of music and a passion  for piano that knows no bounds! From plinking out tunes on her  grandma's old keyboard to now dazzling audiences, Elsie's musical  journey is a whirlwind of joy and discovery. When she's not tickling the  ivories, you can find her exploring hidden treasures in her backyard.  With a sprinkle of stardust and a dash of giggles, Elsie is all set to  light up the piano competition with her infectious enthusiasm and pure,  unbridled talent! Get ready to be wowed!  

 Brian Hu is a 6 years old boy from California. He started playing piano  when he was 4 and now learning under Dr. Lingwen Luo's direction.  Besides of playing piano, Brian also enjoys playing cello and doing art. 

 Tejit Boriboonpoka is a 10-year-old Thai boy who loved music from a  young age. He currently studies Year 5 at Bangkok Bilingual School in  Bangkok, Thailand.   He started playing piano at the age of 3 at Yamaha Music School and he  also took piano lessons with Dr. Pornphan Banternghansa. His passion for  music includes piano Violin and Clarinet.  At his young age,he has achieved of musical accomplishments: he has won  over 10 national and international awards, and In this year 2023 is the  first time of his concerto playing. 

 Julia Beal has been studying piano for several years. She competes  regularly, and won two first place honors at the Spokane Piano  Competition. She has also won three gold medals at Musicfest Northwest  at Gonzaga University and two gold medals at Lilac City Piano Festival  in Spokane.  Julia received second place at the WSMTA State Recitalist  Competition. She has many other interests including reading in three  languages, hiking, horses, cats, math, and studying insects. Julia is  grateful to her piano instructor Barbara Miller for her guidance, and to  her parents for all of their help and care.  

 Lena Okada, 10 years old, from Rolling Meadows IL, began studying piano  at age 4. In 2022, Lena performed at Carnegie Hall twice. She has  participated and won 1st place in Crescendo International Music  Competition in 2021, 2nd place in American Protege Romantic Competition  2021, Opus Music Competition 2022, and third place in Granquist Music  Competition 2019. Also, she was awarded Gold Medal in Sonata-Sonatina  Festival in 2019, 2020,2021, and 2022. In addition to piano, Lena loves  skiing, knitting, reading, and learning math. 

 Hannah LEE, 10, has been playing piano for 6 years and currently  studying with Joyce Jiang in Echo Music Institute in Sydney. She has  achieved Distinction result in ABRSM Grade 5 Piano Performance in June  2021. She achieved 2 place in The ninth Asia International Art  Competition 2019 and The 11 Macao Piano Competition 2022. She is  currently working on ABEM Grade 7 study and proceeding to higher  performance level. 

 Hayley LI, 8, has been playing piano for 4 years and currently studying  with Joyce Jiang in Echo Music Institute in Sydney. She has achieved  outstanding result in ABRSM Grade 4 Piano Performance in May 2022. She  has achieved the First Prize in AISA International Piano Grand Prix 2021  and The 11 Macao Piano Competition 2022. She is currently working on  ABEM Grade 6 study and stepping to higher performance level. 

 Hugo Dockter began his piano career at the age of four. He is studying  under Maxwell Adkisson at the Chopin Academy located in Issaquah, WA. In  2022, Hugo was awarded gold medals in both the Bach and Viennese SIPF  Festivals. Hugo is a soloist for his elementary school’s 4th grade  marimba ensemble. He enjoys playing soccer, tennis, and is a Select A  hockey player for the Junior Thunderbirds.  

 Hiram Gabriel Reátegui López was born in Tarapoto (Peru) and is 13 years  old. From a very young age he has stood out in his studies and sports,  but his greatest passion is the classical piano, an instrument that he  studies regularly from the age of 8 to the present. He has a wonderful  perfect ear capable of recognizing any musical note instantly. He has  won several awards in his country and international awards and has also  played with symphony orchestras. He has also received master classes from renowned international  teachers. His desire is to be the best pianist in the world. 

 Armen Dockter has been playing piano since the age of five. He is  studying under Maxwell Adkisson at the Chopin Academy in Issaquah, WA.  In 2022, Armen was awarded gold in the SIPF Viennese Festival and   Bronze in the SIPF Bach Festival. Armen is the pianist for his middle  school jazz band and enjoys playing soccer, hockey, and competing for  the Issaquah  Sockeyes swim team.  

 I began lesson with Ms Kee Kannie as a beginner 3 years ago. My hard  work has gained me a Distinction of 135 and 139 in my ABRSM Gd 2 and Gd 4  Piano exam respectively. I've participated in a few competitions and  received 4 trophies & 2 medals, including a Special Prize trophy for  "Expressive Performance" 

 I am 12 years old. I live in a provincial town, in Bulgaria. I write a piano lesson 2 hours a week. I really, really love my piano teacher, Mrs. Svetla Damakova. I started learning piano in 2018. I received my first award in 2019. The last award I received was - Gold Prize " CAMBRIDGE MUSIC COMETITION-SEASON 2 "-2023. I have a total of 13 awards, of which 9  -   Gold Prize 

 Guan Jinyuan  Friend Like Me-Aladdin Alan Menken、Howard Ashman  Dongtan School Affiliated To Shanghai Experimental School  Grade 8 Teacher: Kong Sheungkwan(Hk)  1st absolute Prize of 1st Swiss International Music Competition Lugano,Switzerland. July 2021  First Prize of OPUS ARTIS Paris Music Competition Online 2021  First Prize of III Danubia Talents Liszt International Online Music Competition-2021 July   1st Prize of ISCART International Music Competition Lugano,Switzerland   First Prize of Fanny Medenlssohn International Competition 2023  II Prize of VI Paris International Music Competition 2022  Second Place Winner of International Youth Music Competitions Atlanta USA 2022  Second Place Winner of 21st Century Talents Percussion Competition Summer 2021,Ottawa,Canada  Second Place Winner of XIII Savshinsky International Music Competition 

 Ivan Chepkin was born on January 5, 2008. In 2015, I entered the MSSMSH  named after the Gnesins in the class of Anna Arzamanova, a teacher. In  his young years, Ivan is the winner of several international  competitions, such as: The International Music Competition for Young  Performers “Vocation - Musician”, “Dedication to Sergei Prokofiev”,  International Competition S. Rakhmaninov, Moscow International Festival  of young pianist named after GG NEYHAUS, 7th international competition  of young pianists in Riga, International Music Competition 2018 "Classic  Pure Vienna", Austria, I All-Russian competition-festival "Maria Fest",  Moscow youth competition named after P. I. Tchaikovsky, Nutcracker  International Television Competition for Young Musicians, Bronze  Nutcracker, V International Competition "Manhattan" (USA, New York,  2020, silver medal), Premio "E. Tschaikowsky" (1st Prize, Switzerland,  2021), V Vladimir Krainev Moscow International Piano Competition  (Moscow, 2023 laureate), et al. Ivan has performed in Russia, Germany,  Austria, Switzerland, Latvia. 

 Kai Wang Wu, who is currently in Secondary 3 and 14 years old.He  is a  pianist who has already completed the ABRSM Grade 8 Piano examination in  2023. He has taken part in a great deal of competitions  to enhance his  piano playing skills, since he takes great pleasure in playing the  instrument.  

 Hello, My name is Kiana Ghalambor. I was born on December 11, 2006. I am the  first child of my family, and I have one younger brother.  At a very young age, I showed a musical talent. I have played Persian  santoor & tombac since age 6, as well as the Piano and Qanun since I  was 9. My education in music is based on international educational  standards. I have an adequate grasp of all of my instruments, and I am currently  completing my advanced musical education under the supervision of the  university masters of Iran. I'm distinguished for my ability to master four different instruments  simultaneously, both classical and traditional music instruments. I have many performances on my resume, both as a solo player and a  member of different orchestras and music groups.  For many years, I have participated in almost every prestigious national  music festival, including Fajr International Music Festival. I have won  many prizes in different national & international musical  competitions.  I have been a member of four different orchestras and am currently a  member of the Iran National Youth and Shoorideh Orchestra. I played  music in other musical clips and had various studio and album records. At school, I always try to do my best. I am a 10th-grade student in the  IGCSE program. I have participated in school charity events since the  first grade. I am a professional chess player and play chess at my  school club. Also, I have won several story writing competitions between  schools. My hobbies are Dancing, Horse riding, Reading novels, and playing video  games. My plan for the future is to choose composition as my university major.  First, I must be an excellent music player to become a good composer. As  an Iranian who plays traditional musical instruments, I would like to  learn world classical music rules like harmony, rhythm, counterpoint,  and polyphonic structure and blend them into Iranian monophonic music  structure. It is my plan based on the current knowledge that I have.  After studying in a foreign country and meeting new teachers and peers, I  will notice unique aspects that I couldn't see before, and my decision  may change, too. 

 Joey Lam is a Year 11 student born in Hong Kong and currently continuing  his music education in Australia. He picked up the piano at the age of 6  and has since participated in many competitions. In 2015, he achieved  first place in the 67’th Hong Kong Schools music festival and achieved  First Honour Award in the Hong Kong Asia-Pacific Youth Piano  competition. He has also placed second in the second Shimoda music  competition in Japan and achieved first place in the Asia Music  Competition For Youth Artist Busan Korea. Currently he is studying music  in the Open Academy of the Australian Conservatorium of Music and is  also polishing his skills on the clarinet and violin, he understands he  still has a long way to go and is eager to keep improving. 

 Hello! My name is Henry Meng. I am a composer and pianist, and study at  the University of Auckland. Music has been an integral part of my life  for as long as I can remember; I am always inspired by its immense  communicative potential, and its ability to reach out over every  threshold and touch listeners in ways deeply unique to them. I love what  I do, and it is a true honour to be a finalist in the King’s Peak  International Music Competition. 

 My name is Dian Chen. I have been playing piano since I was four years  old. There, I began to absolutely enjoy music and started learning the  basic fundamentals of piano playing. Music became my passion. I also  continued to refine my piano playing during those years and became  proficient enough to tackle the hardest pieces. I have earned fourth  prize in the 2023 World Music Competition.  

 Prashasth Turaga has been playing piano since he was 6 years old. He has  been learning under the instruction of Lyuda Levkova at Silver Key  Music School since 2014. He performed at the Crescendo International  Music Competition Carnegie Hall Winners Recital in 2019, and graduated  from the NJMEA course of study for Piano with an Outstanding  certification in 2023. 

 Yingxin Dai began learning the piano when she was 5. She is now studying  as a MA Music performance student at the School of Music in Cardiff,  Wales， piano is her major pathway.  Emyr Roberts is her tutor. She was a  part-time piano teacher in China and had taught the piano to children  and adults for 3 years. She participated in several competitions and  concerts, such as the Vivaldi International Music Competition winning  third prize in the category of professional, 2022. The first prize in  USMCE Piano Open Competition (Asian Pacific Final) 2021. First prize in  the tenth (2020) Hongkong International Competition (China Selection). A  golden prize of Mozart Memorial International PC 2019 (Guangzhou,  China); Apart from that, she also organized a research project about the  comparative of Ethnic music between China and Western in 2019. The  golden score of the International Liszt Ferenc piano competition  (Guangzhou Selection Contest, China) 2018 etc. Her past teaching  activities focused on encouraging students to competitions to enhance  performance skills. In addition, she was awarded as an excellent  instructor in many competitions and successfully held the public recital  last summer vacation. As well as winning those international  competition, she was hired as a judge in The 4th Warsaw International  Youth Piano Competition(Guangzhou).  During the master's degree course, she was glad that can perform in the  masterclass, for example, participated in Prof. Kenneth Hamilton, a  well-known pianist. Head of School of Music, Senior University Dean for  International Partnerships. And a masterclass by Craig Sheppard,  Artist-in-Residence and Professor of Piano at the University of  Washington in Seattle as well. In addition, she was also performing in  ensembles performance (with 2 pianos in collaboration). Yingxin had  achieved lots of performance experience during her postgraduate course  study, like the ABRSM Music Theory Grade 5 pass certificate. 

 Dantong Feng is a 23-year-old pianist who is currently pursuing her  Master of Music at the Manhattan School of Music, under the instruction  of Prof. Jeffrey Cohen. Previously, Ms. Feng has studied at Eastman  School of Music for her Bachelor of Music degree and  the Colburn Music  Academy for the Precollege Diploma. She has attended many festivals and  solo competitions, including the Music Festival Perugia and the Colburn  Music Festival. Her achievements in include prestigious competitions  such as first prize in the15th Hong Kong Asia Open Bach Intermediate  Group and second prize in the pre-junior division, first prize in Hong  Kong International Piano Invitational Professional Juvenile Group,  fourth prize in Chinese Singapore International Piano Competition, first  prize in Macao Asia Piano Open, and Pearl River Fort Caesar  Professional Excellence Award. Other than solo performances, Dantong  also has an passion for orchestral and chamber music. As a pianist in  the Bellissimo Trio, Dantong reached the semi-final of the Fishoff  Chamber Competition in 2016. Playing the Piano Concerto No.12 in A major  of Mozart, one of her favorite composers, with an orchestra in Music  Festival Perugia has been one of Dantong’s most memorable experiences. 

 Myron Romanul is a pianist from Boston now residing in Germany. He has  won numerous awards and performed as soloist with major orchestras as  well as chamber music. 

 Yan Shun Joseph Wong is a young pianist originally from Hong Kong that  is actively pursuing a career in piano performance. As of 2023, Mr. Wong  has received numerous invitations to perform in venues across the US,  some of which included Carnegie Hall in New York, SOKA Performing Arts  Centre in Los Angeles, Azusa Pacific University, Portland State  University, University of Florida, the Rogue Valley Manor, Mountain  Meadows community, as well as SOU’s Music Recital Hall. In the 2022 MTNA  national competition, Mr. Wong was selected as the alternate for the  State of Oregon. Mr. Wong is also a young Kawai artist for the  International Association of Professional Music Teachers. 

 An active percussion artist, PakHo LAU has participated in large-scale  performances and competitions. Previous experiences include passing the  audition of Berklee Umbria Jazz Clinic and Kansas Naftzger Young Artist  Audition in 2023, participating Nief-Norf Summer Festival as a  performance fellow at the University of Tennessee Knoxville, one of the  four Final winners of the 1st Flash Competition of Hong Kong Baptist  University Department of Music, one of the performers of ‘Daedalus  Drones’ with Ken Ueno as part of the Hong Kong New Vision Arts Festival  2021, First Runner-up of China Nie Er Youth Wind Band Art Week  Competition 2019. 

 Leah is the first grader at Lakeview elementary and started learning  piano under Eunjung Lee's direction about 1 year and half now. Recently,  she won the first place for the Diamond Bar Spring Festival 2023.  Beside of playing piano, she enjoy dancing, drawing, and crafting.   

 Irene Gao is a 7 year old girl from Medina Elementary, Washington. Irene began learning piano in December 2020 with Dr. Qian Yin. Since  then she has been very passionate about music. Irene has won many International  awards, among which are: First Prize in Vienna Virtuoso Festival 2023, First Prize in  Crescendo International Competition 2023, Gold Prize in Golden Classic music 2022, First Prize  in International Mozart Competition Vienna 2023, Gold Prize in Canadian International  Music Competition 2023, Gold Prize in WPTA Singapore 2022, First Prize in Chicago  International Music Competition 2022, Gold Prize in Quebec International Music Competition  2022, Gold Prize in Music and Star Competition, Best Romantic Composer Award & Second  Prize in WPTA Spain 2022, Second Place in Tokyo International Youth Music Competition  2022, Bronze Prize in International BTHVN WIEN Competition 2022, Silver Prize in  Global Genius Music Competition 2021, and so on.  She has performed at the Carnegie Hall in New York, John Knowles Paine  Hall in Harvard University, Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music In  Singapore, Benaroya Hall in Seattle, Meydenbauer Theater in Bellevue,  and was named Gold Star performer at Seattle International Classic  Viennese Festival 2022. She was interviewed by the Music and Star  Magazine and Quebec International Music Competition in August 2022 and  will be featured on Greet West Bellevue Magazine in May 2023. 

 Caden Chan is six years old and a native of San Francisco, USA. He  started learning piano at the age of four with his current piano  teacher, Ms. Min Chao.  In 2023, Caden was awarded first place in the US Open Music Competition,  the American Protégé International Piano & Strings Competition, the  International Gloria Artis Music Competition, the Grand Prize Virtuoso  International Music Competitions, the Elevato Piano Competition (Chopin  Edition), and the Orbetello Piano Competition.  Caden has performed publicly at the NOSPR Concert Hall in Katowice,  Poland, the Centre for Fine Arts in Brussels, and the Royal Albert Hall  in London. 

 Hi, my name is Alex. I am 5 years old and I am from Australia. I enjoy  playing piano with my teacher and Daddy. My favourite piece is Prokofiev  No.2 Concerto  

 Allison is 4th grader at Golden ES, CA and she started piano about 3  years ago. She is started participate competition since last year, and  she won 2nd place at SYMF 2022 spring festival last year. Beside Piano,   She enjoys swimming, drawing and crafting. 

 Kei Horie, aged 9, was born in Japan and currently resides in Northern  California. He has been taking piano lessons from Ms. Yuiko Ohoka since  the age of 4. In addition to playing the piano, Kei also enjoys tennis  and plays the trumpet as a member of the school band. 

 My name is Robert. I am 13 years old and live in Switzerland. I go to  Bürgli School in Wallisellen (ZH). I have been playing piano since I was  6 years old. I like playing classical music but also modern music  especially from video games. My piano teacher is Milosz Sroczynski.  Beside music I like hiking, cycling and basketball.  

 Qingxin Wei, 12 years old, is a year 7 student in Abu Dhabi and she  passed ABRSM Grade 8 Piano practice with distinction in 2022 and ABRSM  Grade 6 music theory in 2023. Qingxin really enjoys playing the piano  and she has participated lots of competitions to improve her  performance. 

  Adrien RAULINE is a young French pianist, who graduated with a double  DEM in piano and in piano accompaniment, currently studying at  Conservatoire de Boulogne-Billancourt. Awarded notably a 3d price at  Genève Musicale competition, judged especially by Rena Shereshevskaya,  Akiko Ebi and Till Fellner, a 2nd price at the International Mozart  Vienna competition, a 2nd prize given by Aristo Sham at Northern Lights  Piano Festival for an interpretation of Bach’s prelude and fugue, a 3rd  prize in Piano Competition Online, a special prize in Euterpe Music  Awards 2022, and as a finalist in contests like Eurovision Young  Musicians France 2022 or International Artists Competition, he was  selected for the Tiziano Rossetti Career Project, which is designated to  prepare young musicians to start an international career. Adrien  particularly cares about practicing various fields of interest outside  his musical work: national 1st Prize of Writing in the Etonnants  Voyageurs competition, awarded a national special prize in Concours  National de La Résistance et de la Déportation, a history academic  competition, he will also validate an American baccalaureate with Ais  Dualdiploma this year. Adrien has been trying to be a musician as  completely as possible, by beginning musicology studies at the French  university of La Sorbonne this year; by practicing the organ; by  creating his own compositions like his own piano concerto, or by  frequenting music masters in academies like Jean-François Zygel, Jerome  Lowenthal,  Jean-Frédéric Neuburger, Marie-Josèphe Jude or François-René  Duchâble. 

 Shiho Yanagawa, 16, is a junior from Fremont, CA. She began playing the  piano at the age of 5 and is currently studying under Dr. Betty  Woo. Shiho has won top prizes in multiple regional, national, and  international competitions, including 1st place and 2nd place in U.S  Open Music Competition from 2017 to 2022, 1st place in 2020 Alameda East  Piano Competition, and 2nd place with PTG Special Prize in 2022 East  Bay Piano Competition. In 2023, she was selected to perform at the  Junior Bach Festival, won cash prize at Memorial Scholarship Foundation  Festival, and received MTAC Certificate of Merit  Panel Final Honors award. Besides music, Shiho enjoys baking, learning  new languages, and serving in student government. 

 Tam Git Mei Cherry is a born and raised pianist in Hong Kong, who  started learning piano at the age of 2 and debuted at the age of 7.  Double majoring in music in The University of Hong Kong, Tam is studying  piano performance with Ms. Nancy Loo under full scholarship, previously  studying with Dr. Chang Tao, Dr. Cherry Tsang, Dr. Yap Man Shan etc.  Being the winner of several piano competitions, both locally and  internationally, some notable awards are the Champion of Franz Schubert  International Music Competition , Osaka International Music Competition  (HK regional round), Amigdala International Music Competition (HK  regional round),  Asia-Pacific Music Competition etc.  Tam has performed in masterclasses with Evelyn Chang, Rachel Cheung,  David Greilsammer, Alexander Paley, Rhythmie Wong etc. Tam is currently  active in performing at recitals through the Advanced Music Performance  courses in HKU and attending international piano competitions, at the  same time starting to develop her interest in composition under the  tutelage of composer William So. 

 Hedvig Orsovai was born in 2003 in Sombor, Serbia. She played piano  four-hands with her brother at the age of four, and when she was five  she was admitted to the local music school. Hedvig composed her first  piano piece aged nine, and the following year her hometown issued a CD  recording of her work. She has composed 80 pieces so far. She has won  several first prizes, among others at the Slavenski International Piano  Competition in Újvidék (Novi Sad) and the National Piano Competition in  Belgrade. In 2017 she was admitted to the class of outstanding talent at  the Liszt Academy. She received the first prize at the 2018 National  Composition Competition of Mezőtúr. In 2019 she got the first prize at  the Danubia Talents international piano competition, and in 2021 she got  a first price too at the 1. International Piano Competition of  Carpathian Basin. She has graduated in piano and composition at the Béla  Bartók High School of Music last year. From 2022, she is studying piano  at the Liszt Ferenc Academy. 

 Michelle Jiang, 11 ans, écolière dans Lycée Français de Shanghai.  Excellentes notes à l’école. Apprendre le français,l'anglais, l'espagnol  et l'allemand. Apprendre le piano dès l’âge de quatre ans et le violon  dès l’âge de cinq ans. 

 Kylie is a fifth grader from Chino Hills, California. She has been  studying piano with direction of Eun Jung Lee since she was 6 years old.  Under her direction she has been able to explore her passion for piano  and received multiple awards.  Among others, she received 1st place at the 2022 MTAC Diamond bar winter  festival, 1st place at the 2022 Southwestern youth music festival in  the category of Baroque open solo and Mozart complete sonata and 2nd  place at the 2022 MTAC Diamond Bar spring festival. In previous years,  she received 3rd place at the 2020 Southern California youth music  festival in the category of open solo ages under8, 3rd place at 2020  MTAC Diamond Bar Winter festival and 1st place at the 2021 MTAC Diamond  Bar spring festival. Through the musical training, Kylie firmly believes that music can  connect and remove barriers between people despite the different  languages spoken, and someday in future, she wishes to give back to  community what she has learned from music.  Besides piano, she loves to explore nature, travel through national  parks and rivers, plays with her dog, reading books about dragons and  warriors and fishing at the lakes. 

  Andrew Lee, age 12, has been playing piano since he was six years old  and currently studies with Yi-Fang Wu. Andrew has had numerous piano  competition wins and finalist awards, concert positions and state  honors.  He is a Pre-College Academy student at the San Francisco  Conservatory of Music.  In his free time, Andrew enjoys playing  competitive tennis, golf and sometimes video games. 

 Lucas Ou is passionate about playing the piano. Since age 6, he has been  learning piano taught by Dr. Renpeng Peter Dong. Since then, he has  participated in several international piano competitions and won several  awards. On July 27th, 2021, he won 1st prize of the 2021 “Golden  Classical Music Awards” International Competition, Junior Category, and  was invited to perform at Carnegie Hall during the Christmas in 2021. On  Feb 22nd, 2022, he won 1st Prize Winner at 2022 International Music  Competition “London '' Grand Prize Virtuoso, selected to perform at the  Elgar Room, Royal Albert Hall on Wed, April 20, 2022. In 2022, He passed  the ABRSM Grade 8 Piano Exam. Lucas is also committed to serving the  community. He volunteered to play the piano for his middle school’s “6th  grade end of year celebration” and local community’s “Celebrating the  Mid-Autumn Festival and United Nations Peace Concert”. He received  overwhelmingly positive responses from his audience.  

 Hi! My name is Dhevan Lotama.

I am 11 years old. I love music, especially the piano.

I have been studying piano since I was 6 years old at Aretha Music School.

While in music school, I have learned from several teachers with different personalities.

This is an interesting experience for me in developing my musical abilities.

Apart from music school, I started to learn playing classical and pop songs outside of music school material.

My goal is to become a famous musician and be able to inspire many people.

It is very important for me to manage the time between school lessons and playing music to achieve my goals. 

 Ukrainian-American pianist Daniel Beal has been performing many years.  He has been a guest artist with two orchestras, and participates in  local and regional competitions, becoming a national finalist in the  2022 MTNA Piano Performance Competition. He has won state MTNA  competitions two years in a row, the 2020 SMTA State Recitalist  Competition, and has numerous 1st place awards in the Spokane Piano  Competition. Daniel has been awarded over a dozen gold medals at  Musicfest Northwest at Gonzaga University, including gold medals for  concertos at ages nine and ten. He is grateful to his long-term  instructor Ms. Miller for her support. Daniel volunteers at retirement  centers and the public library, and has been heard on Spokane Public  Radio many times. He believes classical music is an irreplaceable part  of our culture today. 

 Veronica Kuo started playing the piano from the age of 5 and decided to  learn the cello when she was 8 years old. She is currently a freshman in  high school and has participated in many competitions such as the 2022  IMAS Competition 9th Annual Talented Young Musician Olympia Competition  for piano(Gold prize) and the 2021 Pelican International Music  Competition(1st prize in both piano and cello). She has also passed the  Certificate of Merit Level 10 piano Level 9 cello exam and won State  Honor. Veronica has also won first place in the Kings Peak 2022 spring  competition. She has participated in her school orchestra since middle  school and is currently the principal cellist at her high school and  performed at Midwest with her school orchestra in December 2022.  

 Reina Hewes began piano lessons at the age of five and currently studies  with Dr. Deborah H. How.  Reina has been a winner at many  international, state and local piano competitions.  As a winner of the  Elite International Music Competition and the Golden Classic Music  Awards, Reina had the honor of performing at Weill Recital Hall at  Carnegie Hall in 2019 , 2020 and 2022.  Reina has also performed with  the Los Angeles Doctor Symphony Orchestra on two occasions, first, as  the  winner of the Robert Turner Piano Concerto Competition and second,  as a guest soloist.  Reina participates in the RCM Certificate Program  and the MTAC Evaluations for both piano and flute and plays on her high  school tennis team. 

 I am very happy to be able to participate in this competition, it is my honor, I will continue to improve and work hard 

 Hello everyone, my name is Liu Yixuan. I am from Hunan, China. I studied  at the Belarusian State Academy of Music. I am very happy to be in the  finals. This is a great experience for me.