The semi-annual studio recital went beautifully on Sunday, June 5th. All 23 students gave their wonderful performances. Some of them performed for the first time in the public and others acted like veterans of recitals. I was so proud of each one of them, how hard they have been working for all year and this concert was a fruit of their dedication.

 

There were so many accomplishments in 2016. First, my old student McKenna gave her senior recital on January 2nd at the Steinway Showroom in Westport, Connecticut. It was a very moving recital with great presentation of each piece. She talked about the brief background of the pieces which engaged the audience. The room was PACKED and a couple of dozens people were standing at the back of the room! I was just honored to be part of the preparation of this important recital as well as the last several years of her musical journey! (We certainly missed her at the spring recital!)

 

 

While I had a few faculty artist recitals to perform, the students had their few performance opportunities in the last few months. Jefferson entered the Young Pianist Competition in April. It was his first competition and the last minute decision for him to give it a try. He performed Bach Invention in C major as well as Clementi Sonatina in G major. He was the youngest contestant of the junior category. Nonetheless, he was chosen to play at the winner’s concert as one of the few performers. It was such a great experience for him. Great job, Jefferson!

We had our annual NYSMTA District Auditions on May 1st at Music Conservatory of Westchester. A few of my students, Annika, Ariana, Eli and Jefferson participated in this event where they needed to play 3 pieces in front of the judges. They received highest scores and were given Gold and Silver awards. They are a step closer to getting a trophy! (You can see the trophy at the studio – every 20 points you accumulate, you get a trophy. The more points you have, the bigger the trophy you receive!)

The NYSSMA Piano Festival took place a couple of weeks after the Auditions and several of my students went for it. All of them received outstanding scores and we were all happy about the results! We worked so hard to prepare the pieces as well as improving the sight-reading skill which is not an easy task. I am certain that more students will be challenging this event next year.

 

I thank you all the parents for your support for this endeavor. I will continue to work hard to help all the students do their best, improve their skills and also challenge them with some hard repertoire while letting them enjoy playing some fun pieces. Have a wonderful summer and check back for some studio information in the fall!