Jonathan Zhou, age 16, is an upcoming junior at Sage Hill School in Newport Coast, California. He began his piano studies at the age of four and currently studies under the direction of Dr. Bella Tseng. Jonathan has earned top distinctions in California’s Certificate of Merit (CM) program every year since starting, and was recently awarded CM Panel Honors and invited to perform in the MTAC Panel Honors Recital 2025.
In 2025, Jonathan won 1st Place and Grand Prize in the Satori Young Pianist Contest (Category IV, Ages 16–19) and received the Maestoso and OpusOne Scholarships. He also earned 1st Place in the MTAC Scholarship Competition and the MACOC Piano Competition, performing at prestigious venues including the Nixon Presidential Library.
Alongside music, Jonathan is a dedicated and highly competitive AAA-level ice hockey player, having played the hockey since the age of six. He currently plays center for the Fairmont Prep 16U team, competing in both the ADHSHL League in California and the CSSHL League in Canada. Known for his vision, leadership, and relentless work ethic on the ice, Jonathan brings the same discipline and focus to his music.
As a top academic student at Sage Hill School, Jonathan is also deeply committed to community service. He founded the Hearts for Heroes volunteer initiative at the Tibor Rubin VA Medical Center and serves in multiple student leadership roles both at Sage Hill School and the broader community. With his unique combination of artistic talent, athletic excellence, academic achievement, and unwavering community dedication, Jonathan exemplifies the well-rounded spirit of a modern young artist, driven by leadership, purpose, and passion.
Watch Jonathan Zixiang Zhou perform The Serpent’s Kiss by William Bolcom on the piano for the 2025 World Music Competition as part of the Charleston International Music Competition.