Read more testimonials from musicians, teachers, and parents who have participated in the Charleston International Music Competition. These reviews offer more insight into how our competitions have provided musicians from around the world with valuable opportunities to gain recognition, build confidence, and advance their musical careers. Explore the experiences shared by past participants and discover why the Charleston International Music Competition is highly regarded by musicians worldwide.
I am so grateful for the opportunity to reach the finalists in the Charleston competition, and even more to be able to get first place. I would’ve never experienced the joy without this competition, so I am extremely grateful. Thank you so much again.
Winning the 1st prize in the Charleston 2024 Contemporary Music Competition was an incredibly fulfilling experience. As I participated in this competition, I revisited pieces I had learned in the past, and through this process, I discovered things I hadn’t noticed before. I believe that such experiences add even more depth to the music, and this is one of the greatest benefits of taking part in competitions.
I highly recommend the Charleston Competition to anyone looking to take their music to the next level. I am truly grateful to everyone who made this such a wonderful experience!
The Charleston Music Competition has been an incredible source of inspiration, not only for me personally, but for many young musicians around the world. Its commitment to fostering artistic growth, encouraging excellence, and providing a platform for emerging talent has profoundly impacted my journey as a musician. Through the competition, I have witnessed the power of community and collaboration, as well as the importance of pushing beyond one’s limits in pursuit of artistic mastery. It challenged me to refine my skills, broaden my horizons, and strive for a deeper level of expression in my music.Beyond the competition itself, the exposure to a diverse range of musical styles, cultures, and talents has enriched my understanding of music’s universal language. The Charleston Music Competition serves as a reminder of the importance of art in society—how it connects people, fosters empathy, and allows us to share stories and emotions that transcend borders.As a First Prize Winner, I cannot thank this organization enough for their impact, and I hope for all musicians out there to join this wonderful community of aspiring musicians to create a lasting impact toward our society, one note at a time.
Thank you for presenting me with the first prize! I take great honor in your acknowledgement of my hard work.
Practice really does make perfect. Talent is a myth. This competition helped dramatically increase my online presence, and the press releases are extremely beneficial to helping spread my name as a musician!
Preparing for the competition presented challenges, especially because I had to record my performance on camera instead of performing live. The repetitive nature of recording multiple takes affected my musicality, so I limited my attempts to preserve a fresh and polished final product. I set a personal goal to highlight emotion in my performance, given the romantic theme. This was the perfect opportunity to showcase my expressiveness. The competition helped me grow as a performer by becoming more emotionally connected to the music than in past competitions. I realized how far I had come in my musical journey.
In my practice, there were pivotal moments that changed my approach. I focused more on musicality over technicality, as that’s where my strength lies, while still ensuring the pieces were technically sound. My mentor, Leonor Grace Garcia, guided me in understanding the music more deeply by researching the composer’s life and aligning my interpretation with their intent. She emphasized phrasing and dynamics, teaching me how to bring the music to life, like telling a story with pauses and tone to engage the audience. She also helped me select the best recording for the competition.
Balancing practice with other commitments, such as preparing for college, was a challenge. Despite this, my family’s support inspired me to keep pushing forward and their encouragement helped me stay focused and refine my recording.
When I entered the Charleston International Music Competition, I didn’t expect to reach the finals. So, when I was named a finalist, I was both surprised and joyful. This unexpected recognition sparked a renewed enthusiasm, and placing third is a recognition of my talent which I was oblivious to in the past. This achievement gave me the confidence to believe in myself and appreciate the gift God has given me.
This experience taught me valuable lessons: to believe in myself, to practice self-discipline, and to manage my time effectively. It reminded me of the joy of sharing my talents with the world and how much I’ve grown as an artist.
To those aspiring to enter music competitions: Feeling uncertain or nervous is part of the process. These experiences help you grow as a musician and a person. Embrace the journey, enjoy the process, and let the world see the beauty of your art.
I am incredibly grateful to the judges and staff at the Charleston Competition for awarding me third prize and for advancing the recognition of my performance. Earning this achievement opened my eyes to what is possible in my musical journey. Because of this milestone, I feel encouraged to keep persevering and sharing my music with others. I would also like to thank my teacher, Emily Lanzone, as well as my colleagues and the faculty and staff at the Cal Poly Music Department for their constant support.
I am beyond proud of my son, Declan Ta for his incredible achievement in the 2025 New Year Music Competition! His dedication and passion for music truly shone through as he performed with confidence and poise. Winning 3rd prize was the icing on the cake – a testament to his hard work and perseverance. I’m grateful for the experience and the opportunity for him to share his love of music with others. We’re looking forward to many more musical milestones to come!
Thank you so much for your consideration and granting me the privilege of being a winner of this prestigious award. This is the first competition that I have ever entered. I am overjoyed and grateful for the opportunity to pursue that which I am passionate about. Once upon a time, I thought I had missed my moment or my chance because of my age. I stopped singing classical music for about 15 years. I had told myself if I studied consistently with a coach, I may be able to have a change at a career in singing. Auditioning for this competition gave me the confidence that I needed and assurance to keep persevering.
I am so grateful to have won third prize vocals in the Charleston International Music Competition. From beginning to end, it has been a wonderful experience getting to sing and show the music I love. I am thankful for my coaches at Bello Voice Studio having guided me along this far so I can be apart of wonderful opportunities such as this. I look forward to growing as a singer and sharing joy and music along the way. Thank you!
I am very grateful to be the 4th prize winner. I not only congratulate myself, but all other finalists who have participated in this competition. To me, music is life. Music conveys feelings, emotions, and thoughts that cannot be expressed in words. I have participated in many music events in the past, and I am looking forward to future competitions. Thank you for the opportunity!