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Congratulations to New Mozart Honor Students 2026

Congratulations to New Mozart Honor Students 2026!

At New Mozart, we see every day that musical growth is built through consistency, care, and a genuine love for learning. This year’s Honor Students have shown what it truly means to stay committed, even when the journey is challenging.

Each student recognized this year was thoughtfully selected by their teacher for their dedication, progress, and musicality. Beyond talent, they have demonstrated perseverance to keep growing week after week.

We are so proud of what they have accomplished, and even more excited for what lies ahead in their musical journey.

New Mozart Distinguished Honor Students 2026

We are honored to recognize our Distinguished Honor Students for their exceptional achievement and artistry. These students have gone above and beyond, setting a high standard through their discipline and musical expression.

They will be awarded certificates and invited to perform at the New Mozart Honors Recital, where we celebrate their accomplishments together as a community.

Yohann Aaron-Pracht
Mia Apostolopoulos
Tanisha Aron
Arabella Aryanto
Kenneth Baker
Ettore Caragiulo
Antoine Cetin
Aiden Chao-Parvizi
Sherilyn Chen
Lily Chen
Abigail Cheng
Jackson Dann
Avarya Das
Dhriti Deepak
Bodhi Ekanayake
Altalina Geller
Caspian Gomes
Zaara Gupta
Subi Gupta
Austin Guydish
Joanna Huang
Avni Jain
Anya Jain
Jacob Jonson
Colette Kanada
Lisette Kanada
Sophie Ko
Carina Lee
Mia Lee
Elijah Leppert
Asher Leppert
Asher Leppert
Anna Leventopoulos
Arthur Liang
Bella Lin
Justin Lu
Elizabeth March
Aaron McLaughlin Rodrigues
Meera Mediratta
Malhar Nair
Brienne Neil
Shaun Ng
Rhea Prakash
Valentina Price
James Reagan
Will Rinne
Alivia Romanovsky
Arwin Safaee
Ava Simpson
Shreya Tiruvury
Adam Tsagan
Wesley Tsai
Kai Tsai Knutson
Lynn Wang
Llibertat Viadiu
Lana Wong
Mikkel Wiedmann
Kate Wong
Haha Zhang
Haha Zhang
Eleanor Lee
Vedika Vivek
Katie Waldo
Elliott Ward-Shaw
Alice Cavalotti
Maidi Crawford
Ella Hoy
Stella Jin
Sophia Lin
Dorian Luo
Aliza Salzman Freeman
Aarya Singh

New Mozart Honor Students 2026

We are proud to celebrate our Honor Students for their dedication and steady progress throughout the year. Their hard work and love for music have earned them this special recognition.

Each student will receive a certificate in recognition of their achievement.

Zacharie Aaron Pracht
Aesta Abraham
Arya Agarwal
Arnav Agarwal
Ava Ahanin
Ayaana Ahmed
Roman Alvarez
Arabella Aryanto
Aino Bach
Kian Bach
Brock Bakan
David Bao
Waverly Bartlow
Paloma Boros
Seore Bright
Alexander Burch
Beatrice Capodieci
Laure Cetin
David Chan
Zoey Chan
Timothy Chan
Rohan Chandra
Dennis (Xiaoyou) Chen
Rosalie Chen
Alicia Chen
Ryan Choi
Myra Dangaria
Ruth Diehr
Ria Dinesh
Jennifer Dionne
Paxon Fatehi
Kalea Gaudilliere
Reyana Ghosh
Madeline Gifford
Isabel Gonzales
Quin Guedelhoefer
Tianqi He
Sophie Hong
Melody Hsu
Leslie Ikemoto
Neil Iyer
Ayan Iyer
Anya Jain
Gaurav Jain
Adam Ji
Eleanor Jiang
Lana Jioussy
Ryan Jo
Isla Jonson
Hana Jovanovic
Shania Kalele
Shania Kalele
Luna Karnadi
Karl Karnadi
Viraj Kashyap
Varenya Kashyap
Belinda Kim
Nandini Kokkengada
Sofiia Kotsiuban
Aahana Krishna
Millie Kronander
Aahana Lal
Ryan Lampe
Lila Larsen
Angie Lee
Marie Leikauf
Toran Lento
Jackson Leung
Evan Ligon
Eleanor Lu
Isaac Lutske
Lucas Martinez
Luna Matin
Kian Matin
Anna Mayuga
Leonie Moltmann
Shyam Murali
Aveen Nassiri Toussi
Oscar Nie
Elizabeth Nikiforov
Dylan Niu
Ronit Oak
Jacob Oberrotman
Sophia Overton
Serena Pang
Colin Pao
Chloe Pao
Selina Park
Kiyan Patel
Michael Petrov
Clara Petty
Rhea Prakash
Arya Prithivi
Khyl Putcha
Jenny Qi
Zoe Qu
Theo Quinn
Rohan Raghava
Alex Rampell
Olivia Rao
Alexandra Robinson
Koosha Rohani
Arwin Safaee
Ian Schwarz
Hazel Semenza
Michael Shikin
Natalia Shreibati
Julian Shreibati
Sophia Silver
Anoushka Sinha
Maya Sinha
Wesley Slunaker
Harper Slunaker
Andrew Stevenson
Julian Su
Arianna Tang
Adalyn Tao
Shrivaan Tiruvury
Anita Tran
Andreas Tsantilas
Emilia Tulloch
Eckehart Urban
Ellinor Urban
Nathan Vaughan
Marcus Vu
Hugo Vu
Elizabeth Wahl
Levi Walter
Arwen Wei
Grace Weir
Alison Wiesner
Lana Wong
Zara Wong
Claire Wu
Harper Xiang
Ria Yang
Fan Yang
Indigo Young
Spencer Young
Isaac Zhang

A Night to Remember: New Mozart’s Carnegie Hall Debut

We’re still glowing from our unforgettable debut at Carnegie Hall this past July.

On the evening of July 17, our students brought their music to life on one of the world’s most legendary stages, Carnegie Hall, creating memories that will stay with us forever. New Mozart performers walked on stage with courage and joy, filling the hall with music, heart, and artistry. For many of our performers, this was their very first performance in New York City. For all of us, it was a moment of deep pride and celebration.

To our delight, it was a full house! It was such a wonderful surprise. Seeing nearly every seat taken created an extra buzz of energy in the hall and made the night even more unforgettable.

From the first note to the final bow, the evening was full of special moments: expressive performances, heartfelt introductions, backstage hugs, and a sense of pride that filled the hall. We saw New Mozart musicians step confidently into the spotlight and truly shine.

To our incredible students - we are so proud of you! You made your Carnegie Hall debut with grace, poise, and passion.

To our families and teachers, thank you for the love, dedication, and support that made this dream possible.

Here’s to many more milestones ahead.

Student Spotlight: Adam Tsagaan

1 What is your name and how old are you?

My name is Adam and I am thirteen years old, currently in eighth grade.

2. How long have you been studying music and how old were you when you first started?

I have been practicing music since the age of six and have been avidly practicing violin for seven years.

3. Who is your teacher?

Dr. Lubo has been teaching me since I joined the New Mozart School of Music.

4. What pieces are you currently working on?

Recently, I have been practicing Romance by Amy Beach, Allegro Brillante by Ten Have, and Sonata No. 5 in F major, Op. 24, Mvt. 1 by Beethoven.

5. How often do you practice?

I practice daily for only twenty to thirty minutes.

6. Why do you love music?

Whether I play it, write it, or listen to it, it has always been a special way of connecting with myself. In fact, I enjoy all kinds of music in genres separate from classical including rock, metal, and hip hop.

7. What is your favorite piece to play, and why do you enjoy it so much?

I love Sonata in G minor by Henry Eccles. Every movement is unique and emotional!

8. Tell us about some of your recent accomplishments.

Recently, I was invited to perform at Carnegie hall since I was a first prize winner of the Golden Classical Music Competition. I also scored second place in the San Francisco International Innovative Music Competition. I am also an Honor Roll student at New Mozart.

9. What are some things you like doing besides music?

Besides violin, I play the drumset. Currently, I am writing a novel, studying physics, wrestling, and the Senior Patrol Leader of my Boy Scouts Troop(Troop 14, recruiting now!).

10. What do you want to be when you grow up?

Honestly, I cannot say I know. I have multiple paths I can take and I haven’t made that decision yet.

Student Spotlight: Valentina Price

For the month of June, we are thrilled to spotlight one of our youngest rising stars, Valentina Price.

Just 7 years old, Valentina was a First Prize recipient of the Golden Classical International Competition in 2024 and a First Prize recipient at the Charleston International Music Competition this year. Valentina will be joining the rest of the talented group of New Mozart students at the Carnegie hall this July. We can't wait to see all that lies ahead for this exceptional young talent.

1 What is your name and how old are you?

My name is Valentina Price and I am 7 years old.

2. How long have you been studying music and how old were you when you first started?

I have been studying the piano since I was 5 years old. It's been almost 3 years now.

3. Who is your teacher?

My teacher is Ludmila.

4. What pieces are you currently working on?

I am currently working on Mazurka in G minor by Frederic Chopin, Sonatina No.6 in C major K 439b by W.A. Mozart, and Graceful Dance in duet by Arthur Foote. Also, I am doing a lot of finger practice.

5. How often do you practice?

I practice piano 5 times a week.

6. Why do you love music?

I have a lot of reasons to love music. Music is actually like education: fun to learn, often challenging, and always rewarding.

7. Tell us about some of your recent accomplishments.

In 2025, I am working very hard to participate in the New Mozart Carnegie Hall Recital in New York. I completed a year of the NM Practice Challenge and earned my plaque. Also, I was a First Prize winner for the Charleston International Music Competition at the beginning of the year.

8. What are some things you like doing besides music?

I like playing board games, coloring, drawing, reading books, swimming, dancing, having nature walks, and playing some educational apps. I especially enjoy having a boba tea time.

9. What do you want to be when you grow up?

This is actually a fantastic question. I want to be a pianist in the orchestra (my dream), family lawyer (my occupation) and a dance instructor (for fun!).

Nia Spaulding: From New Mozart to the Opera Stage

Nia's musical journey has taken her from our Harmony Road classrooms to the stages of Europe, the U.S., and Mexico. Read about her inspiring path and achievements in this interview.

  1. Can you introduce yourself to our New Mozart community?

    Hello New Mozart community! My name is Nia Spaulding and I am a 23 year old soprano. I currently attend the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) for my Masters of Music. I also obtained my Bachelor of Music from the same university. My degree focus is voice performance where I am pursuing a solo operatic career. 

  2. How did your musical journey begin, and how old were you when you first started learning music?

    My music journey began at New Mozart! I always loved music and my father, who taught guitar at New Mozart for many years, put me into Harmony Road classes when I was four years old. At the age of 10, I enrolled in the San Francisco Girls Chorus (SFGC) where my love of singing and classical voice grew. I distinctly remember my audition for SFGC. I was asked a few music theory questions and it was because of the foundational learning I received at New Mozart through Harmony Road and private piano lessons I was able to respond with confidence.

  3. Who were your teachers at New Mozart, and who are you studying with now at the conservatory? - New Mozart’s Director/Founder Christine Shin was my Harmony Road teacher and I also took some private piano lessons. At CCM I have been studying with my voice teacher Dr. Gwendolyn Coleman for the past five years. 

  4. What are you currently pursuing in your musical career, and what inspires you most about it? - I am pursuing a masters degree in music, specifically voice performance. Again my focus is on solo classical voice and my main passion is opera. Something I love about opera is how emotionally driven it is. The orchestration, the libretto, and the human production of each show are so emotionally heightened. It moves us as artists but also moves audience members that are addicting to be a part of. Opera is such a collaborative art form and I always loved ensemble collaboration. Whether it was Harmony Road or the girls chorus, I deeply appreciate that the art form requires artists to work with their cast mates, the orchestra, the conductors and directors, and all of the crew from costumes and lights, to stage management. I may sing an aria on stage alone but I am never truly by myself.

  5. If you could perform on any stage in the world, where would it be and why?

    Wow, that’s a loaded question! Since I first discovered opera, my dream was to sing solo on the Metropolitan Opera’s stage in New York City. To share the stage with such beautiful artists and stars that I look up to in my craft would be absolutely incredible. The MET would be a dream, however, what intrigues me more are my dream operatic roles rather than dream venues. Roles I aspire to embody often are a part of shows I had the honor of being in, whether in the chorus or as a supporting role over the years. I can’t wait to sing my own Mimì (La bohème) or Suor Angelica one day!

  6. What advice would you give to a young student who’s just starting their musical journey?

    Take advantage of any opportunity to learn. I am so grateful that I have such a wonderful support system that allowed me to explore and experiment in music so I found what I truly love. I took piano lessons, clarinet lessons at school, and even tried the cello, all while singing at SFGC. If you are a young singer I can’t recommend enough to take piano lessons and to continue learning. I wish I continued because it is such a wonderful skill to have. Knowing the piano will never not be useful in your musical career. Another piece of advice I’d give young musicians is to be patient. Musical progress isn’t produced overnight and it can be discouraging spending hours in the practice room and not getting the results you strive for. Progress is not linear and it took me a long time to accept that! 

  7. How do you stay motivated and disciplined in your music practice?

    Sometimes I don’t! There are some days I have to accept that my mind and body needs a break and listening to that is so important. Finding time for self care within my studies allows me to become excited and motivated for any work I have to get done. When you have the opportunity to find and learn music that you love, use it! There will be times when you have to obviously learn and perform a piece that wasn’t your choice, so when you have the chance to do your own research and find pieces that excite you, it makes the learning process that much more enjoyable. As a singer I can’t sing in the practice room all day so finding ways to practice non-verbally is a game changer. Whether that’s score studying, translating my words, working on memorization, etc, exploring different ways of practicing is very important and keeps the wonderful work you’re doing engaging.

  8. What’s one skill or life lesson you’ve gained from studying music that you think is valuable for everyone? - Music for me has always been a collaborative experience. Starting with Harmony Road, I learned from a very young age how important it is to put your all in your work not solely for your individual benefit but for the betterment of the group. There is something so fulfilling in realizing that the people around you like your teachers and colleagues all want the best for you. It is true that what you put in is what you’ll receive back. This applies beyond musical collaboration but into all aspects of your life. 

  9. Can you share how your experience in Harmony Road at New Mozart shaped your love for music and your career path? - One assignment I remember having in Harmony Road was composing a short piece. Mine was called “Bluesy Sun” and I can still vividly remember the picture I drew alongside it. While I am not pursuing becoming a composer, thanks to Harmony Road, composition has always been an interest of mine. Surprisingly enough, as much as I love learning and performing opera, it isn’t something I listen to all the time. I find myself loving to listen to instrumental music, specifically film composition, and I do believe that tapping into my own compositional skills in Harmony Road always gave me a deep appreciation for it. The musicianship skills I developed at such a young age at Harmony Road continue to be so valuable in my career. Having a good musical ear is something anyone can develop and is so important no matter the instrument. 

  10. What are your future plans, and what message would you like to share with our New Mozart families and students? - While I only have one more year to complete my Masters degree in voice performance, I’m quite sure I will not be done with my education. I anticipate that I will audition for multiple Artistic Diploma degrees across many schools so that I can deepen my operatic experience/resume and continue working with a voice teacher as my voice fully develops. Beyond education, I hope to be a part of a young artist residency. Currently, I work closely with Cincinnati Opera and am excited to be in their chorus this Summer for the second year. Reflecting on the past busy school year, I’m so grateful for every opportunity given and can’t wait to see what is next in store! New Mozart friends and families know that supporting your own or your child’s musical journey is a tremendous gift. Especially in this moment right now, the arts are needed more than ever to promote creative thinking and curiosity. I’ve found over the years how healing music is. It is a lifelong passion that has the power to deeply connect with people in ways you’d never believe and it is never too late to be a part of it.

Strings of Wisdom: A Conversation with Dr. Yang

Q & A w/ Dr. Yang

One of my main messages to aspiring musicians is to approach music as a journey, not a destination. It’s important to cultivate patience, persistence, and self-compassion.

We sat down with our violin/viola teacher extraordinaire, Dr. Yang for a Q&A. She holds a Master’s degree from the Shanghai Conservatory, a second Master’s degree from the Peabody Conservatory, and a Doctorate from the University of Minnesota.

How old were you when you started taking music lessons and what was your first instrument?

I started to learn the violin when I was 3 and a half years old. My mom and I watched the televised Vienna New Year's concert. I told her I wanted to play “that thing on TV” too. So my mom started buying me a violin and looking for a teacher. Later when I entered the Conservatory, I learned more about the viola and grew to love it. So I started to learn the viola performance professionally until I graduated with my doctoral.

Who/what inspired you to become a musician and music teacher?

From an early age, music was a central part of my life, inspired by both my family’s love for music and the dedication of my music teachers. Their passion and support made me see the beauty and power of music, and I wanted to help others experience that same joy. As I grew, I found that teaching allowed me to combine my love for music with my desire to make a positive impact in people’s lives, and pass on the beauty of music.

Who or what have been the most important influences on your musical life and career?

Throughout my career, I've been influenced by several wonderful mentors who taught me not just technique, but also how to be expressive and thoughtful in my playing. Each teacher inspired me and taught me in their unique way. This enriched my understanding of teaching and made me very good at adapting my teaching style in time for different students. They instilled in me the importance of expression and perseverance. This has improved my professional abilities and has also shaped my personality, making me a more resilient person at the same time.

Tell us about your musical and teaching background.

I studied music formally, earning two master's degrees at Shanghai Conservatory and Peabody Institute, and a doctor's degree at the University of Minnesota. My journey includes both solo and professional orchestral performances, which have enriched my understanding of different musical styles and settings. Teaching became a natural extension of my passion for music. I have over 15 years of teaching experience. Working with a diverse range of students, from beginners to advanced musicians. I teach students as young as four, focusing on creating a nurturing environment where they can learn the fundamentals, build confidence, and develop a genuine love for music.

Do you have important ideas and concepts to impart to aspiring musicians?

One of my main messages to aspiring musicians is to approach music as a journey, not a destination. It’s important to cultivate patience, persistence, and self-compassion. Growth in music doesn’t happen overnight; it’s a gradual process that requires both technical skill and emotional connection to the music. I also encourage students to explore creativity and expression in their practice, making music something personal and meaningful to them.

What do you love most about teaching?

Teaching allows me to witness and contribute to each student’s unique journey of growth and discovery. I love seeing students develop not only their technical skills but also a deep appreciation for music. Helping students overcome challenges, watching their confidence grow, and seeing them find joy in their accomplishments is incredibly rewarding. Teaching also lets me share my passion and continue learning myself, as each student brings something unique to the learning process.

Do you have a practice tip you want to share with our students?

One of the most effective practice tips I can offer is to set small, achievable goals for each practice session. Rather than just focusing on time, aim to accomplish specific tasks—whether it’s mastering a challenging phrase, improving intonation, or working on rhythm. Also, incorporate focused listening and take breaks to avoid mental fatigue. Consistent, thoughtful practice is far more valuable than mindlessly going through the motions.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not teaching, practicing, or performing?

Outside of music, I enjoy activities that allow me to relax and recharge. I love reading, exploring new genres of literature, and spending time outdoors. I also find inspiration in attending live performances and learning from other art forms.

Recent New Mozart Student Accomplishments

Congratulations to New Mozart's talented students who have recently won competitions and completed various exams!

Penelope C - First Prize Winner, Golden Classical Music Competition (will perform at Carnegie in the winner’s concert in July). Third Prize Winner, Open Music Competition (Showcase Piano Solo)
Vinca L - Second Prize Winner, American Protégé International Music Talent Competition (will perform at Carnegie Hall in 2023) Third Prize Winner, US Open Piano Competition

Cory T - Third Prize Winner, New Stars Music Competition
Ella M - First Place at SFBAC NATS auditions in Children's Classical Music division,
& First Place in Children's Musical Theatre division
Ria C - Spongebob Squarepants in Spongebob Squarepants The Musical and played The Old Woman as well as being a featured vocalist in The Old Man and the Old Moon both shows at Menlo-Atherton High School and will be attending Harvard University in the fall
Margaret D - The Mayor in Spongebob Squarepants the Musical and Matheson, a main character and narrator of the show in The Old Man and The Old Moon both at Menlo-Atherton High School
Krisaana G- Peninsula Youth Theatre debut as Mal in Descendants The Musical and will be featured in their next show as Tzeitel in Fiddler on the Roof
Benjamin V- Gunn High School Choir Musical
Logan L - Warren in "Ordinary Days" by Adam Gwon in back to back shows at Mid-Pen High School.
Jackson L. - ABRSM grade 1 with Distinction

Ritam S- ABRSM level 5 with Distinction
Olivia L. - ABRSM grade 2 with Merit
Adi B. - ABRSM level 5
Indigo Y - ABRSM initial grade with Distinction
Chloe W - ABRSM grade 3 with Distinction
Cory T - ABRSM grade 1 with Distinction
Maya C - Certificate of Merit level 6 with State Honors
Mira P - Certificate of Merit level 6
Kingston N. - Certificate of Merit level 3 with State Honors
Steven S - Certificate of Merit level 8 with State Honors
Sophie W - Certificate of Merit level 8
Upasana H - Certificate of Merit level 6 with State Honors
Chloe W - Certificate of Merit Level 7

New Mozart Students Debut at Vienna’s Legendary Musikverein

First photo by Kyungmi Shin. All other photos by Dieter Nagl

We can’t believe it’s already been a few months since we performed at Musikverein!

In July, a group of talented New Mozart students took center stage at the world renowned Musikverein in Vienna, making their highly anticipated debut.

Performing at the Musikverein, a venue renowned for its exceptional acoustics and rich musical history, was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the New Mozart students. Months of intense practice and dedication culminated in a concert where New Mozart students delivered a diverse and captivating program.

This concert was a dream come true for all of us. To stand on the same stage where world’s musical giants once stood was a moment that will be forever etched in our memories.

Congratulations to New Mozart’s Vienna Performers for your exceptional debut at Musikverein!

Last photo by Kyungmi Shin. All other photos by Dieter Nagl

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