Carnegie Mellon University
School of Music

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June 05, 2025

Prep School Students Win Piano & Chamber Competition

Preparatory School Division

By Dan Fernandez

Dan Fernandez
  • Director of Marketing & Communications
  • 412-268-4921

Students from the Carnegie Mellon Music Preparatory School competed in the 10th Pittsburgh International Performance Competition & Festival from May 19-30, 2025, held both online and in person. Students were required to present two pieces of contrasting style and were evaluated by distinguished jurors who are world-class performers and educators. Winners are invited to perform at the winners' concert at the PYCO School of Music in Wexford, PA on June 5, 2025. 

Students from CMU's Preparatory School took home multiple awards including the First Prizes in all the piano solo age groups, plus first prizes in the piano duet children's groups and chamber music competition.

Preparatory School Piano Solo Winners
Children A: (8 years old and younger)
First Prize:  Ethan Kuang, Evan Kuang
Second Prize: Essie Li
Second Prize: Alex Yongxin Shen
Honorable Mention: Elliana Bowen

Children B: (9-12 years old)
First Prize: Eric Zhao, Andrew Xiong, Cindy Ding
Second Prize: Adeline Ong, Kushagra Kiran, Pragnya Chetlur
Third Prize: Leo Meyer, Albert Bowen, Amanda Wang
Honorable Mention: Miriam Peng, Jamie Chen, Amy Ai, Vickie Xu

Youth A: (13-15 years old)
First Prize: Sophie Ma
Second Prize: Norah Gruber
Third Prize: Karina Coll

Youth B: (16-18 years old)
First Prize: Soham Dam, Xudong Zhou
Second Prize: Angelina Li

Preparatory School Piano Duet Winners
Children A: (8 years old and younger)
First Prize: Ethan Kuang and Evan Kuang

Children B: (9-12 years old)
First Prize: Austin Liu and Julian Parker
Second Prize: Vickie Xu and Joy Liu

Preparatory School Chamber Music Winners
Youth B: (16-18 years old)
First Prize: Xudong Zhou, piano; Yalkin Kaynar, violin

All of the students above study at the Carnegie Mellon Music Preparatory School.

 

Congratulations to all the winners!