Explore reviews from past finalists, teachers, and parents about their experiences with the Charleston International Music Competition. These testimonials highlight how the competitions have helped musicians earn recognition, build confidence, and advance in their musical development.
Regina Lott
I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the Artistic Director of the Charleston International Competition, as well as all the coordinators and organizers, for putting together such an exceptional event. This competition provided my students with a truly valuable opportunity to perform and compete among many talented, dedicated, and hardworking young musicians from around the world.
I am deeply grateful that the Charleston International Competition upholds such high artistic standards. These standards present a meaningful challenge to young performers and, in doing so, inspire tremendous musical and personal growth. It is an honor to have my students participate in a competition that not only recognizes talent but also nurtures the qualities that define great musicianship—discipline, integrity, and expressive artistry.
I am absolutely delighted for my students Gina and Yulianna and their well-deserved success. Witnessing their journey—seeing them grow through countless hours of practice, overcome challenges, and rise to the occasion—has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my teaching career.
Their achievement is a testament not only to their musical talent, but to their unwavering dedication, their resilience, and their courage to step outside their comfort zones in pursuit of excellence.
Competitions like this go far beyond trophies and titles—they teach invaluable life lessons in perseverance, creativity, and confidence. I am honored to have been a part of this experience, and to have witnessed the joy, pride, and sense of accomplishment that this recognition has brought to each of them.
I would also like to sincerely thank the parents of my students for their consistent support, encouragement, and belief in the importance of high quality music education. Successes like these are never achieved alone—they are built on a foundation of shared passion.
Once again, my deepest thanks to the Charleston International Competition for creating such an inspiring platform. Congratulations to my wonderful students—I couldn’t be prouder!
I’m deeply honored to have been awarded 2nd place in the Charleston International Competition. This experience has been truly inspiring, and performing alongside such extraordinary musicians from around the world has challenged me to grow, take creative risks, and connect more deeply with my own artistic voice.
I’m profoundly grateful to my teacher, my family, my friends, and everyone who has stood by me with unwavering support. Your belief in me has been a constant source of strength and motivation.
This achievement is a heartfelt reminder of the power of dedication, perseverance, and passion. I look forward to continuing this journey — learning, evolving, and sharing the joy of music with others, wherever it may lead.
I’m so grateful and beyond happy to have won 3rd place! I learned that in this competition, everyone is a winner, no matter what prize they get, because of the effort, passion, and heart each person puts in.
I’m especially thankful for my grandmother, whose endless love, support, and belief in me mean everything. I feel so honored and proud to make her proud too!
Dr. Hanna Cyba and Dr. Adam Aleksander
We are truly honored and delighted to be selected as your Teachers of the Month for October 2025. It brings us great joy to see our students recognized on the front page of your website — their hard work and dedication, as well as your thoughtful acknowledgment, mean a great deal to us and to them.
Thank you for shining a spotlight on their achievements. We deeply appreciate the platform you provide for young musicians to grow and showcase their talents. We understand firsthand how much effort goes into organizing both live and online competitions, as we organize several ourselves, and we truly commend your team for the continued excellence and professionalism.
Warmest wishes from all of us — please keep up the great work!
First of all, I would like to express my sincere thanks to the Charleston International Music Competition for offering Gina this wonderful opportunity to share her musical journey on your YouTube channel and Instagram page.
We are truly grateful for your support and for creating such a meaningful platform that encourages young musicians to grow and connect with others through music.
I wish the Charleston International Music Competition continued success and that it will continue to inspire and attract many talented musicians around the world to participate in its competitions.
Oksana Antonenko
I’m very honored that my students, Sophia Ohorodnyk and Polina Chorn, had the opportunity to take part in the Charleston International Music Competition. It brings me great joy to see my students recognized for their hard work and talent. The competition was a wonderful opportunity for them to grow musically, and we are very happy with the overall experience. I hope the Charleston International Music Competition will continue to inspire and discover new stars.
Thank you so much for this incredible honor! I am truly thrilled and grateful to be selected as a First Prize winner in the 2025 Global Music Competition. Participating in this competition has been an inspiring experience, and I’m proud to have shared my music with such a distinguished panel of judges.
Performing “What Happens” from The Notebook, one of my favorite musicals and movies, was an unforgettable experience. This song, sung by Middle Allie (Joy Woods) in the musical, is especially meaningful to me, as it allowed me to explore her emotional depth. Two of my dream roles—Younger Allie and Middle Allie—are in this story, and preparing this performance helped me connect deeply with the music. Being recognized as a First Prize winner in this competition is incredibly meaningful and motivates me to keep pushing boundaries and achieving my full potential as a performer.
I am also incredibly grateful for the personalized certificate, Musical Achievement Statement, and the opportunity to order a trophy. I look forward to continuing my musical journey and participating in future competitions.
Thank you again for this recognition and for supporting young musicians like me.
The competition was very good and competitive. Overall, I enjoyed the thrill of the competition and I had a great time.
Thank you so much for the valuable opportunity! We greatly appreciate the experience of participating the competition and recognition from the judges of Kevin’s performance recording! Thank you so much!
Thank you so much for choosing me as 1st prize. I am very honored!