Gavin Yu is an award-winning pianist, composer, and versatile trumpet player based in Lexington, Massachusetts. His musical journey began in California and flourished after relocating to New England, where he rapidly distinguished himself through a combination of exceptional performance, creative composition, and meaningful community engagement.
Gavin’s dedication to piano performance has earned him top prizes at prestigious competitions. Most recently, he was awarded the Gold Prize and Scholarship at the 2025 International Outstanding Performer Music Competition (IOPMC), held at the Kimmel Center’s Perelman Theater in Philadelphia, following victory in both the preliminary and final rounds. His performance of Chopin’s Scherzo No. 1 showcased both dizzying virtuosity and mature expressive playing. Earlier, Gavin won first place at a Massachusetts Music Teachers Association Judged Festival (2024) with his interpretation of Bartók’s rhythmically complex Bulgarian Rhythms No. 1 and 5.
In California, he earned second place at the Southwestern Youth Music Festival (2023) with performances of Bach and Haydn, was a two-time winner of the Southern California Junior Bach Festivals (2023), and earned a State Award in the Certificate of Merit’s highest grade, grade 10.
A keen composer, Gavin was a winner of the 2024 Adam Gurley Green Composition Contest, with his debut 12-minute piano sonata, a five-minute excerpt of which he performed in the winner’s concert. He was complimented for his strong marriage of harmonies, melodies, structure, and motivic development.
As a trumpet player, Gavin has made significant contributions to both marching and concert ensembles. He was a key member of the trumpet section in the Crescenta Valley High School Marching Band, helping the group reach the Grand Finals in the 2022 California State Band Championships. At Lexington High School, he is a trumpeter in the Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble (where he was invited to join without an audition), and the Parade Band, performing at high-profile community events, historic commemorations, and for local veterans.
Gavin’s love of music extends to teaching and service. He has volunteered as an Instrument Petting Zoo Instructor, volunteered at veterans’ and patriotic events as a trumpeter in the parade band, and raised funds for his schools’ music programs through car washes and busking.
He is currently a student at Lexington High School, where he continues to expand his musical horizons while pursuing new opportunities in performance, composition, and leadership.
Highlights:
Gold Prize & Scholarship, 2025 IOPMC (Chopin: Scherzo No. 1)
Winner, Adam Gurley Green Composition Contest (2024)
1st Prize, Massachusetts Music Teachers Association Judged Festival (2024, Bartók)
2nd Prize, Southwestern Youth Music Festival (2023)
State Award, Certificate of Merit, Grade 10, MTAC (2023)
Trumpet, Lexington High School Wind, Jazz, and Parade Bands
Watch Gavin Lee Yu perform Scherzo Op.20 No.1 in B Minor by Frédéric Chopin on the piano for the 19th Century Music Competition 2025 as part of the Charleston International Music Competition.