I’m Milan, 9 years old. I started piano at 5 and a half years old, inspired after watching my twin sister perform at a recital. That day sparked something in me.
Since then, I’ve performed in over 15 piano recitals—9 of which were at Valley Community College. In 2025, I received 3rd prize in the Charleston 19th Century Music Competition and was honored to receive State Honors in the Certificate of Merit from the Music Teachers’ Association of California. I am now preparing to take Level 5. I’ve had the privilege of learning and performing advanced repertoire for my age, including Burgmüller’s “Tarantella,” Kathryn Rollin’s “Summer’s Dream” and “Lyric Nocturne,” “Waltz” by Aram Khachaturian, “Strangers in the Night” (my grandpa’s favorite song), and works by Chopin. These pieces have helped me grow both technically and emotionally as a pianist.
I love playing at family gatherings and holidays, especially for my parents, grandparents, and cousins. After recently losing my grandpa, piano became more than music—it became my way of healing. When I play, I feel his presence with me. He was always my biggest fan, and I dedicate this competition to him—my angel grandpa.
Watch Milan Petrosian perform Waltz in A Minor by Frédéric Chopin on the piano for the 19th Century Music Competition 2025 as part of the Charleston International Music Competition.
Watch Milan Petrosian perform Lyric Nocturne by Catherine Rollin on the piano for the 2025 World Music Competition as part of the Charleston International Music Competition.