Josie Mendez began dreaming of playing the piano at the age of four. She would attempt to play on her aunt’s piano and envisioned herself learning beautiful pieces and expanding her knowledge of piano. She felt destined to play the piano and wanted to pour her heart and soul into the music. In December 2019, her wish came true. She received a piano for Christmas which is the same one she plays today. In January of 2020, at the age of 7, she began her piano lessons with her current teacher, Ms. Rita Darakjian. She remembers waiting impatiently for her first lesson. She could not wait to begin her musical journey. Once she did, she fell instantly in love with it. Several months later, the Covid-19
pandemic struck. It was a difficult time. Nevertheless, Josie was not going to allow this to stop her journey just as she was starting out. She continued to practice daily and had her lessons over FaceTime calls.
Today she considers piano a vital part of her life, an extension of her culture and feelings. After more than 5 years of piano lessons and numerous school recitals, she’s excited to enter her first competition with the Charleston International Music Competition.
Watch Josephine Audrey Mendez perform Sonata in C by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart on the piano for the 2025 Winter Music Competition as part of the Charleston International Music Competition.