A Joyous Celebration of Talent — 2025 NM Honors Recital Highlights

What a beautiful afternoon we had at the New Mozart Honors Recital on Sunday, March 30! This special event was dedicated to recognizing students who have shown exceptional dedication, growth, and artistry in their musical journey.

Our performers included some of our highest-achieving students — several of whom recently earned top prizes at regional and international competitions — as well as aspiring young musicians who have impressed their teachers with their strong work ethic and tremendous potential. Each performance was a reflection of countless hours of practice, commitment, and love for music.

It was truly inspiring to see our students shine on stage, sharing the results of their hard work with such confidence and poise. Thank you to our devoted faculty for their ongoing mentorship, and to all the families who continue to support and encourage our students behind the scenes.

We’ve shared some photo highlights from this memorable day above. Be sure to check them out and relive some of the beautiful moments!

We’re so proud of all our Honors performers and can’t wait to see what they achieve next. Stay tuned for our upcoming events — and don’t forget to register for the New Mozart Summer Student Recital coming up in June!

A Musical Journey: Teacher Wanyi on Inspiration, Teaching, and Growth

Q & A w/Teacher Wanyi

I truly enjoy helping students overcome their challenges — it feels like I’m growing alongside them. As they develop new skills and build confidence, I find myself learning and improving as well.

We sat down with our piano teacher, Teacher Wanyi for a Q&A. She holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Univeristy of Taipei and Master of Music degree from Taipei National University of the Arts.

  1. How old were you when you started taking music lessons and what was your first instrument?I began learning the piano when I was eight years old. I attended church with my parents regularly, and I was deeply moved by the music I heard there. That experience inspired me to start my musical journey.

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

    When I was in elementary school, I watched a movie called Les Choristes. I was deeply moved by its message — it showed me how music can bring hope, build confidence, and connect people. That film made me realize the powerful impact music can have, inspiring me to pursue a path where I could share that same positive influence with others.

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

    While the teachers and friends I met in music school have greatly influenced my technique and musical interpretation, the most important influence in my musical journey has been my parents. Even though they don’t really understand classical music or what I’m playing and practicing, their unwavering support, encouragement, and presence have been invaluable in helping me continue pursuing music with dedication and passion.

  4. Is there a particular piece of music or composer that you feel especially connected to, and why?

    I’ve found myself drawn to different pieces at various stages of my life, but the one I feel especially connected to is J.S. Bach’s Goldberg Variations: Aria. Every time I hear this piece, I feel refreshed and calm — as if it has the power to reset my mind and bring me a sense of peace.

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

    Embrace the learning process with patience and persistence, and celebrate every small achievement along the way. Music will become your lifelong companion, always offering new challenges and joys to explore. Stay curious, and let your passion for music continue to grow with you.

  6. What do you love most about teaching?

    I truly enjoy helping students overcome their challenges — it feels like I’m growing alongside them. As they develop new skills and build confidence, I find myself learning and improving as well. Seeing students achieve their goals, play their dream pieces, and become more confident in themselves gives me a strong sense of accomplishment.

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

    Practicing hard is important, but practicing smart is even more crucial. For me, breaking pieces into small sections and practicing them repeatedly has been incredibly effective. Additionally, sticking to a consistent fingering is essential, as it helps build muscle memory and allows you to play more confidently and efficiently.

  8. What advice would you give to parents who want to support their children in music?Encourage patience and celebrate small achievements, allowing your child to explore and grow at their own pace. With love and encouragement, music will become a lifelong source of joy and fulfillment.

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

    Recently, I've been spending a lot of time with my cat, who’s incredibly clingy and always by my side. Besides that, I enjoy cooking and baking. Exploring new recipes excites me, and I love discovering different flavors and techniques. I also find grocery shopping surprisingly relaxing — exploring different kinds of supermarkets has become one of my favorite ways to unwind.

Teaching from the Heart: A Conversation with Teacher Catarina

Q & A w/ Teacher Catarina

Be curious—listen to yourself each day. Be consistent with practicing, even if it’s just 15 minutes. And stay confident that every time you practice, you’re improving. Follow the “Three C’s”: Curiosity, Consistency, Confidence.

We sat down with our cello teacher, Teacher Catarina for a Q&A. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from Royal Northern College of Music, and a Master’s degree from the Peabody Conservatory.

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

I started piano lessons at 6, but even earlier, I’d play the ukulele with my uncle, which was my first taste of making music. Those early days were full of joy and discovery!

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

My uncle sparked my passion for music, but it was my beloved cello teacher, Karine Georgian, who inspired me to teach, showing me the profound impact a dedicated mentor can have.

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

Many wonderful cellists have shaped my musical path—Jaqueline Du Pré, Rostropovich, Misha Maisky, Daniil Shafran, and Yo-Yo Ma, among others, each offering unique artistry and depth.

Tell us about your musical and teaching background.

Born in Portugal, I studied music in Portugal, England, and the United States. Each place introduced me to different teaching philosophies and allowed me to connect deeply with students of various ages and cultures.

Is there a particular piece of music or composer that you feel especially connected to, and why?

I love discovering new music every day, as each piece brings something fresh to enjoy and explore. I believe music is an endless journey of discovery

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

Find the love in what you do, and it will carry you through any challenge. Passion is the most powerful motivation.

What do you love most about teaching?

Seeing a student’s "lightbulb moment" is everything. Helping them solve problems and grow is incredibly rewarding.

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

Be curious—listen to yourself each day. Be consistent with practicing, even if it’s just 15 minutes. And stay confident that every time you practice, you’re improving. Follow the “Three C’s”: Curiosity, Consistency, Confidence.

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

I love discovering new hiking trails with my husband and dog, working in the garden, tackling DIY projects, and keeping active with exercise.

Celebrating Excellence: The New Mozart Honor Roll 2025

Congratulations to New Mozart Honor Students 2025!

At New Mozart, we believe that true musical excellence isn’t just about talent—it’s shaped by passion, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to growth. This year’s Honor Roll students have exemplified these qualities, dedicating themselves to their craft and reaching remarkable milestones in their musical journeys.

Each student on the New Mozart Honor Roll has been carefully hand-selected by their teachers as the best from their studios, a recognition of their exceptional dedication, skill, and artistry. Through tireless practice, resilience, and a deep love for music, they have pushed their limits and achieved something truly special.

Join us in celebrating these outstanding musicians who remind us of the power of music to transform, inspire, and connect us all.

New Mozart Distinguished Honor Students 2025

We are proud to celebrate the dedication and musical excellence of the 2025 New Mozart Distinguished Honor Students. In recognition of their outstanding achievements, these students will be awarded certificates and have the opportunity to perform at the prestigious New Mozart Honors Recital.

Yohann Aaron-Pracht
Tanisha Aron
Kenneth Baker
Jacob Bau
Malaika Boros
Paloma Boros
Alice Cavalotti
Maidi Crawford
Jackson Dann
Declan Dorsey
Paloma Fatehi
Paxon Fatehi
Madeleine Gifford
Quin Guedelhoefer
Ella Hoy
Neil Iyer
Ayan Iyer
Eleanor Jiang
Jacob Jonson
Kai Knutson
Elsa Lagerblad
Aahana Lal
Carina Lee
Eleanor Lee
Elijah Leppert
Asher Leppert
Yazan Massarweh
Aaron McLaughlin Rodrigues
Malhar Nair
Shaun Ng
Sherrie Osborne
Michael Petrov
Valentina Price
James Reagan
Evelyn Ren
Lillian Ren
Will Rinne
Alivia Romanovsky
Carina Ruiz
Annelise Sailer
Matias Santisteban
Samanvika Sentil
Leo Shang
Michael Shikin
Adalyn Tao
Kyle Tokiwa
Wesley Tsai
Elizabeth Wahl
Mikkel Wiedmann
Fan Yang
Ayla Yarnall
Lisa Zhang
Stella Zhang
Haha Zhang
Annabel Zhao

New Mozart Honor Students 2025

We proudly celebrate the accomplishments of the 2025 New Mozart Honor Students. Their dedication and passion for music have earned them this special recognition, and they will be awarded certificates in honor of their achievements.

Katherine Cieslewicz
Kaviarasan Hovland
Zacharie Aaron-Pracht
Aesta Abraham
Arnav Agarwal
Ayaana Ahmed
Rebecca Armenta
Arabella Aryanto
Aino Bach
Alexia Bach
Brock Bakan
Sarah Baker
Alex Burch
Ettore Caragiulo
Laure Cetin
Aresa Chakraborty
David Chan
Sherilyn Chan
Bella Chang
Aiden Chao-Parvizi
Kashvi Chatrath
Charlotte Chen
Claire Cheng
Artem Cherniata
Penelope Cheung
Wyatt Chu
Kai Chung
Myra Dangaria
Avarya Das
Dhriti Deepak
Ria Dinesh
Zara Donepudi
Alan Dong
Grace Du
Fharzana Elankumaran
Emily Emerich
Timothy Feng
Jimmy Gao
Alta Gellar
Liam Gibo
Kyra Ginwalla
Caspian Gomes
Phoebe Gorlick
Tanush Goyal
Zaara Gupta
Subi Gupta
Austin Guydish
Arash Hakimi
Farida Hassan
Tianqi He
Mary Hodgett-Chiang
Pierce Howard
Avni Jain
Anya Jain
Avni Jain
Gaurav Jain
Aiden Jamiolkowski
Adam Ji
Eleanor Jiang
Isla Jonson
Hana Jovanovych
Lisette Kanada
Colette Kanada
Luna Karnadi
Viraj Kashyap
Belinda Kim
Sophie Ko
Rihito Koshimizu
Sofiia Kotsiuban
Achintya Kowshik
Adya Kumar
Toran Lento
Yara Leprince
Jackson Leung
Anna Leventopoulos
Michael Li
Iris Liao
Angela Lim
Taylor Liu
Alexander Lou
Leonardo Luh
Dorian Luo
Saanvi Madhok
Riaan Madhok
Sophia Maisano
Elizabeth (Leeza) March
Xavier Martinez
Luna Matin
Kian Matin
Meera Mediratta
Arya Mishra
Leonie Moltmann
Shyam Murali
Saina Narayan
Aveen Nassiri Toussi
Brienne Neil
Oscar Nie
Serena Pang
Colin Pao
Eva Petrova
Rhea Prakash
Noah Purkey
Khyl Putcha
Theo Quinn
Rohan Raghava
Harrison Rampell
Alex Rampell
Lilian Ren
Jack Rosen
Lily Sazdanoff
Emmett Seeger
Maya Sevinc
Everett Shim
Ian Shwarz
Maya Sinha
Anoushka Sinha
Andrew Stevenson
Julian Su
Ivy Su
Elenore Sweeting
Ariana Tang
Anita Tran
Adam Tsagaan
Andreas Tsantilas
Ellinor Urban
Emilia Valdes
Otto Van Roessel
Nathan Vaughan
Matias Velasquez
Libertat Viadiu
Vedika Vivek
Hugo Vu
Marcus Vu
Levi Walter
Betty Wang
Elliott Ward-Shaw
Evelyn Wei
Grace Weir
Alison Wiesner
Lourdes Wong
Kate Wong
Zara Wong
Lana Wong
Bruce Xu
Sophia Yan
Indigo Young
Spencer Young
Alice Zhang
Alex Zhou

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

Student Highlight - Jacob Jonson, Winner of 2nd Prize at Wien Competition

1. What is your name and how old are you? My name is Jacob Jonson, I am 13 years old.

2. How long have you been studying music and how old were you when you first started? I have been studying music for around 10 years, I began studying at 3 1/2 years old with a private teacher in San Carlos. I started at New Mozart at 6 years old.

3. Who is your teacher? I am currently studying with Teacher Ludmila.

4. What pieces are you currently working on? I am working on Liebstraume no 3 by Liszt and czerny etudes.

5. How often do you practice? I practice around 5-10 hours a week

6. Why do you love music? I love music because it makes me happy, I enjoy it, and it relieves any stresses or worries that I have.

7. Tell us about some of your recent accomplishments. I won 1st prize in the Golden Classical international Competition and 2nd prize in the BTHVN Wien (Beethoven Vienna) Competition. I also performed at Musikverein at New Mozart's 20th Year Anniversary concert in Vienna over the summer.

8. What are some things you like doing besides music? Outside of music, I play two sports: basketball and baseball. I am also on my schools competitive academic decathlon team where I won 1st place for my school in the San Francisco regional competition. On the weekends I go fishing with my grandparents and during the summer my family and I travel the world.

9. What do you want to be when you grow up? When I grow up I want to be a patent attorney. I’m passionate about law but I am also very good at math and science which is what someone needs if they want to go into intellectual property law. This field excites me because it combines both legal expertise and scientific knowledge, allowing me to work on the cutting edge of technology and innovation. My goal is to attend Harvard Law School or Yale Law School to achieve this dream.

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