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.
As all the other competitors had, I prepared rigorously in order to compete in this competition. I am glad that my hard work paid off in the form of my First Place Prize, and I would like to express my respect for everybody else who practiced and participated in the competition.
My name is Emily Liu, I’m 14 years old and I play piano. The Charleston music competition was an amazing challenge and I am grateful to have had the chance to participate. Winning has given me confidence and knowing I was a part of a community with other musicians was rewarding. Thank you for giving me the privilege of sharing my music.
German Faig
The Competition was a wonderful opportunity for my students to grow, both musically and personally. It boosted their confidence and motivated them to practice more as well as pursue high standards. We are very happy with the overall experience, thank you for offering such a positive platform for musicians!
I’m incredibly honored to have been awarded Second Prize in the 2025 Autumn Music Competition (Age Category 11–12)! This was my very first time participating in the prestigious Charleston International Competition, and receiving this recognition truly means so much to me.
This award has further inspired me to continue growing as a musician and to keep refining my artistic and performance skills. I look forward to carrying this motivation into future competitions and musical opportunities ahead.
A heartfelt thank you to my amazing instructor, Regina Lott, whose wisdom, expertise, and unwavering support have played such a vital role in my musical journey. Under her guidance, I’ve grown tremendously in just a year and a half—transforming into a more confident and competitive musician.
I also want to express my deepest appreciation to the Charleston International Competition for this incredible opportunity and unforgettable experience. It was truly an honor to compete alongside so many talented young musicians!
I have been playing piano for 7 years at European Ballet and Piano School. When I first heard that I had the opportunity to participate in the Charleston International Music Competition, I was very happy and grateful, yet I felt slightly nervous since I have never been introduced into a competitive environment. My piano professor, Ms. Jelena, really encouraged and supported me throughout my hours of practice, along with all of the piano and ballet students. I practiced a lot until I was able to play the composition to perfection. After my video submission, I was nervous and eager the read the results, the piano and ballet students were there to cheer me on alongside my professor. When the results arrived I was filled with joy and my professor and all of the students of EBPS along with their parents, congratulated me for my achievement. I am very grateful and proud to have been able to compete in such an amazing program and made my school proud.
I am sincerely honored to receive the Third Prize in the 2025 Autumn Music Competition. Thank you so much for this recognition and for providing such a meaningful platform for musicians to share their artistry.
Participating in this competition has been a truly inspiring experience, which has encouraged me to grow as a musician and deepened my love for performing. I am very grateful for the support and opportunities that CIMC offers to artists like me.
Thank you again for this wonderful honor. I look forward to continuing my musical journey and hopefully participating in your future competitions.
Bingchuan Wan
Thank you very much for the wonderful news and for recognizing my student, Junya (Annie) Fang, as a Third Prize Winner in the 2025 Autumn Music Competition. I truly appreciate your organization’s commitment to encouraging young musicians and providing them with such valuable performance opportunities.
We are very proud of Annie’s achievement and grateful for your professional organization and thoughtful feedback. Thank you again for your support of music education and for celebrating students’ artistic growth.
We are truly honored and grateful for this special recognition. Orson was thrilled and deeply touched to receive the award and the newly composed piece The Childhood Suite from Judge An Vedi. He has already shared this exciting news with his teacher and friends at school.
This thoughtful gesture means a great deal to him and will surely inspire his continued passion for piano and music.
Thank you again for your encouragement and support!
It was so fun to do this competition I am so happy I was one of the finalists and got fourth place. I hope to do it again in the future and I’m glad I did this. I wasn’t sure I would make be one of the finalists.
Truly an honor and would do it all over again!