Charleston International Music Competition Reviews — Page 9

Reviews on Online Competition, Recognition and Musical Growth

Musicians discuss online accessibility, recognition, preparation, confidence and motivation to continue developing as performers with the Charleston International Music Competition.


Charleston Music Competition is a prestigious music competition. Winning this award is an incredible honor and a testament to the hard work and dedication I have put into my endeavors. It fills me with immense pride and gratitude to be recognized in this way. I am deeply thankful to everyone who supported me along this musical journey—my family, friends, and mentors. This accolade inspires me to continue striving for excellence and making a positive impact in my life.


Minliwen Shi

Minliwen Shi
Pianist • Online competition participant

Thank you for honoring me with a third place prize for my performance of Arabesque No. 1 . I am very grateful for being included in this competition. My many hours of practicing over the past seven years (more than 2555 hours) paid off. The competition was personally less stressful because it was online and I didn’t have to worry about the audience.  I could focus on my musical skills. This competition helped build my self esteem for future live competitions. I enjoyed participating and look forward to future competitions.


Participating in the Charleston International Music Competition has been an incredibly enriching experience for me. I am so glad I got second place prize. It has not only challenged me to push my musical boundaries but has also provided me with invaluable opportunities for growth and learning.

Moreover, being part of it has expanded my network within the music community, allowing me to connect with talented individuals who share the same passion and dedication. These connections are invaluable as they continue to foster my growth as a musician.

I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of this prestigious competition. It has not only bolstered my confidence but has also reaffirmed my commitment to pursuing a higher level in music. I look forward to applying to it again in the near future and am excited about what lies ahead in my musical journey.

Thank you once again for organizing such a wonderful event and for providing young musicians like myself with a platform to showcase our talents and aspirations.


I am blessed and grateful to have been chosen by the Charleston Competition judges as the first prize winner for the 19th Century Music Competition. I will certainly remember this experience and am excited to continue playing piano in the classical music world with a wonderful new achievement. I would like to thank the Charleston International Music Competition, the judges of the competition, and my fellow competitors for also working hard to bring more beautiful music into the world.


I’ve played the piano for over 10 years and have competed in a multitude of competitions. I’ve always loved playing the piano, and practicing for the charleston music competition has been a great way to continue to develop my skills. Throughout my journey learning to play prokofiev sonata no. 3, I’ve developed a sense of understanding of the music and artistic appreciation for what prokofiev wrote and the Charleston music competition only exemplified that. Thank you all!


The competition was a great process that went smoothly. Participating in the competition has helped me gain the motivation to become a better pianist.


Thank you so much for your kind words and for acknowledging my achievement as a Third Prize winner in the Age 31+ Vocal Category in the 20th Century Music Competition 2024. It is truly an honor to be recognized among such talented musicians.

Participating in this competition has been a profoundly rewarding experience. Performing “Quando m’en vo” (Musetta’s Aria) from Puccini’s La bohème allowed me to delve deep into the emotional and expressive nuances of 20th-century music. This competition provided me with a platform to share my interpretation of this beautiful repertoire and to connect with an audience that appreciates the rich legacy of the past century’s musical works.

The support and feedback I received throughout the competition have been invaluable. They have inspired me to continue refining my craft and to explore new artistic avenues within contemporary music. The competition not only affirmed my dedication to music but also motivated me to pursue further growth and excellence in my musical journey.

I am grateful to the Charleston International Music Competition for this opportunity and look forward to participating in future events. Thank you once again for this esteemed recognition.


Annie Guan

Thank you so much for this wonderful opportunity and amazing experience. Music has been part of my life for as long as I can remember, and I am so grateful that this competition has given me the chance to share my love for music with the world. I will continue to do so for as long as I am able. As the world changes around us and uncertainty becomes certain, music will be there to show us the beauty in simplicity and guide us through uncertainty.


Thank you for this great opportunity and the honor to participate in the competition. Especially thank judges for their efforts reviewing all the submissions and providing feedback. Violet will continue excelling her skills and look forward to participating at Charleston competition again. 


I am very grateful to be awarded as the Fifth Prize winner. In the intricate tapestry of life, music serves as the eternal thread that weaves together moments of joy, solace, and introspection. It is my honor to be part of this competition. This was an opportunity to showcase my musical talents and I am looking forward to more competitions in the future. Thank you for the prizes and the recognition. This has been a big part of my musical journey.