Judged Recitals

   Congratulations to Nicole! She received Honors at WMTA Judged recital. Nicole played Variations on Japanese Folk Tune by D.Kabalevsky.

   In November, Sophia G. and Alec Zhang attended a very busy NVMTA Judged Recital. Sophia performed compositions by E.Grieg and R.Muczynski. There were 16 entrants in her group. Alec played Prelude and Fugue in b minor from WTCI. Both students received Honorable Mention! 

  SMC held its first student recital. Kayleigh, Raelyn and Cameron played beautifully; they received Honors and an invitation to Honors Recital at the end of the school year.

Raelyn at AAMS Competition

Congratulations to Raelyn! She is a second place winner at the Asian American Society International Competition, 2015! There were 25 participants in Junior Piano group, well done, Raelyn!

Fall, 2015

 Welcome back! November has marched in and everyone has received a report card for the first quarter by now.  First two months of school have been busy, not enough time to give a summary of events. I am catching up on some exciting summer updates and studio news. 

 Students performed first recitals at "Woodlands" in September and October, we were welcomed back by residents with many smiles and cheerful applause. 

                                           Sophia W., Story Day
Last week, several students participated in VMTA Fall Festival, congratulations on job well done, everyone!

Superior- Sophia W., Luke, Jacqui, Nicole and Sophia G.

Realyn with Jeffrey Siegel at YAM

Realyn was chosen as one of performers for the Young Artist Musicale at GMU. She played compositions by D. Scarlatti and F. Liszt.

 Kayleigh submitted her work for MTNA Composition Competition, and it has advanced to MTNA Souther Division Competition.  Congratulations!

  Past summer, many other important achievements were accomplished. Jacqui broke several records in free style swimming, her accomplishments were mentioned in local newspaper. Charlotte made it to Zone Team in swimming, one step closer to Olympics! Lucy broke several team records in breast stroke and IM, she also advanced to swim at CSL All Stars. 

   Kayleigh, Cameron and Raelyn spent many hours polishing their serves at tennis court. All had a lot of fun doing it. 

                           Luke, All Star swimmer at CSL All Star Swim

Raelyn gives interview to Tennis Channel after winning a big trophy!

Get ready for another busy season, please be sure to check updates regarding events.
Upcoming events;
12/5- Recital at "Woodlands", 3:30
12/18- Studio Group Class, 3:00-4:30
1/10- VMTA Sight Reading Exam
1/16- NVMTA Judged Recital

Student Achievements, 2014-2015

NVMTA Judged Recitals

Sophia-Honors

Nicole-Honors

Raelyn-HM

Katherine-Honors

WMTA Judged Recital

Raelyn-Honors

 NVMTA Concerto Competition

Nicole-2^nd place, cash award

 Fall Festival

Superiors- Jacqui, Sophia, Nicole, Raelyn, Katherine, Lucy, Michelle

VMTA Sight Reading Exam

Top scores-Michelle, Katherine, Charlotte

 Baroque Festival

Jacqui-Honors

Sophia- 15 point award

 AAMS Competition

Raelyn- Honors

 NVMTA Piano Duet Competition

Cameron/Raelyn-2^nd place

Katherine/Annabel-2^nd place

Raelyn/Kayleigh-2^nd place

Sophia/Nicole-3^rd place

Charlotte/Michelle- HM

 WMTA Speciality Competition

Raelyn-3^rd place

Jacqui-HM

Sophia-HM

 SMC Recitals

Honors-Reyna, Lucy, Yvette, Nicole, Raelyn, Cameron

WMTA Viola Hartman Piano Achievement Awards

Raelyn-1srt place

Jacqui-3^rd place

Katherine- 3^rd place

Nicole-3^rd place

Sophia-HM

Lucy-HM

 NVMTA Piano Achievements Awards

Nicole-HM

Bland Contest

Raelyn- 1sr place, cash award

Nicole-2^nd place, cash award

Old Dominion Classical piano competition

Raelyn- 1^st place

NVMTA Sonata Festival/Competition

Katherine-Honors

Raelyn-Honors

Nicole-Honors

Lucy-Honors

Northern District Auditions

Nicole-HM

Raelyn-HM

AADGT Competition, performance at Weill Recital Hall, Carnegie Hall, NY

Raelyn-Silver Medal

Young Artist Musicale at GMU

Nicole, Raelyn

Raelyn Hoang at Carnegie Hall

I always hear about Carnegie Hall, the rich history and tradition of arts that showcased the best of the best musicians.  So these past six months, I had been anxiously waiting to perform at Carnegie Hall, New York.  As my dad took me to the backstage 30 minutes before the recital started, I was not quite sure what to expect and feel to be in front of strangers and family in this famous place, where many great musicians are invited to perform.

When I entered the stage, I felt a little nervous.  But I quickly thought about what my parents always say to me before my performances, "Try your best and enjoy it!", then the pressure and nervousness started to disappear.  I felt proud and happy to see my family in the audience clapping their hands for me when I took my entrance bow.  Soon after I hit the first note, my confidence began to grow, and I started to enjoy it.  After I finished playing, I returned to the backstage, where I received my medal and certificate.

When the recital concluded, all the performers returned on stage to show off their medal and certificate.  I stood tall and proud for pictures.  As the camera flashes calmed down, I came to my parents, sisters and family to receive hugs, congratulations, flowers, and cookies.  Performing at Carnegie Hall was an amazing experience.  It was such an honor to be accepted to perform there, and I hope I can come back again!

Raelyn, winner of a silver medal at the American Association For Development of the Gifted and Talented Competition. She was invited to perform at the Passion of Music Concert at Weill Recital Hall at the Carnegie Hall, NY. 

NVMTA Sonata Festival and Honors Concerts

                                   Nicole and Raelyn with Julie Slingerland, GMU

  NVTMA Sonata Festival signals the end of a school year. Students are enjoying first weeks of summer break; I am still catching up on updates about latest events and studio news. 

  This year, record number of 841 participants attended NVMTA Sonata Festival. Only 132 students advanced to second round, 44 performers received Honors and were invited to perform at Harris Theater, GMU. 

 Nicole, Raelyn, Katherine and Lucy received Honors, congratulations!

                                                      Lucy with Honors ribbon and diploma
 WMTA held its Honors Concert at Steinway Gallery, Bethesda, MD. Realyn played Sonata Hob XVI:33 by J. Haydn.

Kayleigh and Raelyn, Bethesda, MD

Kayleigh, welcome to our studio!

Photo from SMC newsletter, courtesy of C.Nguyen

Luke and Reyna, Honors recipients, were invited to SMC Honors Concert, Springfield, VA.

More Studio News

     Raelyn Hoang participated in Old Dominion University Harold Protsman Classical Period Piano Competition. In this competition students ages pre-school to college were divided in 5 levels and required to perform two contrasting movements from Classical Sonata. Raelyn won the First place for her level second time after winning it last year. Well done, Raelyn!

   Sophia received NVMTA Bach Baroque Competition 15 Point Award. Students are required to prepare Bach Baroque repertoire and receive "Superior" rating from judges to qualify for this recognition. Congratulations, Sophia!

This week I had a surprise visit from my former student Lily Li and her parents. I was thrilled to see her after such a long time and learn all the latest about her future plans. Lily just graduated from William and Mary College; she accomplished a lot during past 4 years. Lily is majoring and receiving a degree in music and computer science! I am so proud of her and wish her the very best!!

Eileen is finishing up her last weeks and TJ. She will soon be heading to UVA, good luck on your next chapter in life and come see us soon!

Hartman Piano Achievement Awards, 2015

Jacqui, 3rd place in age group 8

   It was another beautiful Mother's Day spent  listening to piano music at WMTA Viola Hartman Piano  Achievement Awards. Thank you, all moms for your hard work and dedication to piano! I always feel so grateful and lucky to have so many lovely students and supporting parents in my studio.

Raelyn, 1st place in age group 10

Realyn had an extra busy day. After winning 1st place at Hartman Awards, she performed J.Haydn Sonata at Young Artist Musicale  the same evening. 

Nicole, 3rd place in age group 10

Nicole had a super exciting weekend. In addition to winning 3rd place at Hartman Competition, she received Honorable Mention at highly competitive NVMTA  Piano Achievement Awards, well done!

Sophia, HM in age group 10

Sophia and Jacqui made their mom's Mother Day very busy (she had to drive twice to Washington DC). Ribbons of two colors will be added to their collection.

Katherine, 3rd place in age group 11

Katherine already has lined up new pieces for next year, she enjoyed hearing other students play and made a list of pieces she would like to  learn soon.

Lucy, HM in age group 12

Lucy made here mom very proud this weekend! 

Twice as Nice

Michelle and Charlotte received HM, level 4

NVMTA Piano Duet Competition took place past weekend. It turned out to be a colorful ribbon weekend, well done everyone!

  Michelle and Charlotte are busy 8th graders, they did a fantastic job this year and performed with a lot of energy. I heard more than once from both students: “ I really like playing piano duets with my partner, it is a lot more fun then playing alone!”. 

Raelyn and Cameron, 2nd place winners of level 1

  I always enjoy hearing my students practice duet pieces. Most of them find out that knowing how to count and doing it consistently really matters. This was a first opportunity for Cameron, Raelyn's younger sister to test out this theory in practice. 

Annabel and Katherine, 2nd place winners for Level 3A

Katherine and Annabel (guest artist from Mrs. Breth studio) performed two beautiful compositions by R.Schumann. 

                        Sophia and Nicole, 3rd place winners for level 3A
We have learned exciting pieces as we searched for new duet repertoire this year. Sophia and Nicole played "Typewriter" by L.Anderson with a lot of great attitude. One could not help but smile hearing them "type" up a great story with a lot of humor added to it!

                         Raelyn and Kayleigh, 2nd place winners for level 3B
  Raelyn and Kayleigh were a sister team. They played Mozart Sonata in D major, and Anitra's Dance by E. Grieg.

Recital Recap

NVMTA General Recital, Arlington

April is almost over, many student recitals kept us busy attending events on weekends. I appreciate all the hard work and driving parents are willing to do, thank you all!

SMC Student Recital, Jordan Kitts

Springfield Music Club held its event at Jordan Kitts. Lucy, Raelyn, Luke, Cameron and Yvette received Honors and will be attending SMC Honors Recital in May. 

                                               Judged Recital, Arlington
Realyn received HM at NVMTA Judged Recital in April.

 Upcoming dates:
May 10-WMTA Hartman Awards, Washington DC
May 17-NVMTA Sonata Festival, GMU
May 24-SMC Honors Recital, Springfield

Nicole Papenfuss at YAM

Nicole was selected as one of the Young Artist to perform at GMU. She played Etude in A flat major by E. MacDowell and Toccata by T. Shishido.

 Young Artist Musicales are presented in conjunction with Jeffrey Siegel's "Keyboard Conversations" performances at GMU. The YAM series features students selected by a Committee from NVTMA events. Nicole was selected after receiving Honors at NVMTA Judged Recital.

                                                     Nicole with Jeffrey Siegel

Bland Contest and Baroque Festival

Calendar pages have been turned to month of March, yet there is no sign of spring in sight since winter is refusing to admit its time is over. Snow shovels have been used more this year than ever before. Students have not attended a full, uninterrupted week of school since December. We are still digging out of this memorable winter. Good news, I see footprints of Spring, it will be here soon!

 SMC Student Recital was held at Jordan Kitts.  Luke and Reyna received Honors, congratulations!

   Due to frightening winter storm and dangerous weather conditions, only a few students could attend NVTMA Bach Baroque Festival. Sophia will receive a 15 point Award, 3 years of "Superior" rating! Jacqui was a winner of the group and received Honors in a very competitive group. She will receive a beautiful  Honors medal. 

 Raelyn and Nicole attended Bland Contest. This event is very popular in our area. Performers of different ages, including high schoolers, and different instruments participated in a contest organized by Lions Club. Realyn won 1st place and cash award of $50 at Middleburg competition. Nicole won 2nd place and cash award of $50 at Fairfax location, she competed with 18 other entrants.  We are very happy for both students!

Important dates:

April 19-NVMTA Judged Recital

April 25/26-NVMTA Piano Duet Competition

May 9- NVMTA Achievement Awards

May 10- WMTA Hartman Competition

Winter News, 2015

       Katherine performs in Washington D.C.

The year is off to a great start. Event calendar started with VMTA Sight Reading Exam the very first weekend of 2015. Everyone showed great skills this year. Top scores go to Katherine, Michelle and Charlotte. 

NVMTA Judged Recital was held third week of January. Sophia performed Toccata by L. Leo and two Bagatelles by Russian composer A. Tcherepnin. Katherine played Variations on Japanese Folk Tune by D. Kabalevsky. Sophia and Katherine both received Honors.

Nicole and Raelyn participated in a very competitive NVMTA Piano Concerto Competition. Both students performed with a lot of confidence and received very positive comments from demanding panel of judges. Congratulations to Nicole  on 2nd place and receiving a check in mail!

WMTA Speciality Competition was attended by a small group from our studio this year. 

Raelyn-3rd place

Sophia-HM

Jacqui-HM