Read more reviews from past finalists, teachers, and parents about their experiences with the Charleston International Music Competition. Their testimonials detail how our competitions have helped musicians gain recognition, build confidence, and progress in their musical journeys.
Thank you so much for this opportunity to play for the 19th Century Competition! I consider music an art, because it combines technical skill with musicality and interpretation, which makes every performance unique, and that’s why I am happy. It was a pleasure to share this whimsical music with the judges and I’m grateful that they enjoyed my interpretation. I hope to be back soon.
I am deeply honored to be selected as a First Prize winner for the 19th Century Music Competition. This recognition means a great deal to me, and I am truly grateful for the opportunity to participate in such a prestigious event.
The process of preparing for this competition has been both inspiring and enriching, allowing me to grow as a musician and to deepen my connection with the beautiful works of the 19th century, particularly Chopin’s Ballade No. 1. I will continue to work on this monumental piece in the repertoire of 19th century romantic music. I sincerely appreciate the dedication and expertise of the judges and organizers who make this event possible.
I would also like to thank you for offering the personalized trophy and certificate, as well as the opportunity for a future letter of recommendation. These gestures make this recognition even more meaningful.
Participating in the competition has been a rewarding experience, and I look forward to exploring more opportunities to perform and learn in the future.
Thank you again for this honor and for your continued support of musicians and their artistic journeys.
Hi, my name is Lucas, I’m 8 years old, and I play the piano and cello.
I was inspired to enter the Charleston International Music Competition because I love sharing music and challenging myself to grow as a performer.
Winning this competition has given me so much confidence and has encouraged me to keep practicing and learning.
The most exciting part for me was being able to perform pieces I really enjoy and knowing that musicians from all over the world are also taking part.
To other musicians thinking of entering, I would say: give it a try! It’s a wonderful experience, and you’ll learn a lot about yourself and your music.
Thank you so much, Charleston, for this opportunity.
It is such an honor to have been awarded 3rd prize in the cello category for age 13. This experience means so much to me, and I will always treasure this memorable moment. The trophy inspires me to keep working hard, and I will continue to practice with dedication to become a great cellist. One day I would love to share my music in service and bring joy to others. Thank you!
I feel so honored to win 2nd Prize in the Summer 2025 International Music Competition. Since this was my first competition, I was a little nervous, but it showed me how much I love music and how important it is to believe in myself. This award makes me proud of my hard work and inspires me to keep learning, because I now see how the smallest details in each note are so important to making music beautiful.
Winning 3rd place in this international competition has given me a big boost of confidence in how I perform. I’ve learned that when you play with true feeling, the music can reach a whole new level. This experience has motivated me to practice even harder, and seeing the results has inspired me to keep challenging myself to grow as a musician.
Milan and Stella Petrosian
This win is extra special because we get to share it together as twins. We dedicated our piano performance to our guardian angel, our grandpa Jidoo who was always our biggest fan. Through music, we feel his presence with us and know he’s smiling proudly.
I am deeply honored to have received First Prize in the World Music category at the Charleston International Music Competition. This competition is one of the few that embraces World Music, creating a unique platform for performers to share traditional and folk music alongside Western classical traditions. My heartfelt thanks go to the organizers, the jury, and my fellow competitors for making this such a meaningful and inspiring experience.
I’m so grateful to the Charleston Music Competition for this incredible experience. As a Second Prize Winner, I’ve grown so much as a musician and met amazing talents from around the world. Thank you for inspiring me to keep reaching higher and sharing the beauty of music—one note at a time. 
I’m grateful to the Charleston International Music Competition for this opportunity and honored to have earned third place in the 2025 World Music Competition!
Special thanks to my mentor, Kevin Goodwin, whose guidance has played a key role in my musical journey. Sharing my music with a global audience and receiving feedback from international judges was an incredibly valuable experience.
I’m excited to keep learning, growing, and continuing my journey as a pianist!