COMPETITION PANEL JUDGES
DING XIAOYU
China
Ding Xiaoyu is a teacher majoring in Jazz piano in the Department of Pop Music, Zhejiang Conservatory of Music, a Jazz piano major in the middle school affiliated to Zhejiang Conservatory of Music, a Jazz piano performer, and a former professional teacher in the direction of modern music performance in Shanghai Theatre Academy. She was awarded the title of "Shanghai Excellent Graduate" in 2012. In 2016, she became the first graduate student majoring in Jazz piano from Shanghai Conservatory of Music, under the guidance of Associate Professor He Le and Professor Tao Xin. In the same year, she became the winner of the first Outstanding Student Program of Shanghai Conservatory of Music, "Music Talent Helps Fly". Since 2010, she has held jazz and popular piano concerts in Shanghai Concert Hall, Oriental Art Center, Suzhou Grand Theater, Anhui Grand Theater and other places nationwide. In 2011, she participated in the establishment of the first Piazzola standard chamber orchestra in Shanghai - "Take Five", and released the album Tango and Us while touring the country. In 2013, she was invited to participate in the recording of programs such as Hunan TV's "Happy Boys" and Shanghai's "Classic 947". In 2015, she won the national championship in the open group of "Popular Jazz piano" in the finals of the German "Omiller" International Piano Competition.
Since joining the Zhejiang Conservatory of Music, she has followed the Zhejiang Conservatory of Music team to Egypt, the United States and other places to perform many times, and attended jazz exchange activities held by major universities in China multiple times. In 2019, she published the jazz professional book "Vertical and Horizontal Jazz" at Shanghai Music Publishing House.
Since joining the Zhejiang Conservatory of Music, she has followed the Zhejiang Conservatory of Music team to Egypt, the United States and other places to perform many times, and attended jazz exchange activities held by major universities in China multiple times. In 2019, she published the jazz professional book "Vertical and Horizontal Jazz" at Shanghai Music Publishing House.
SAMUEL JOHANES
Indonesia
A passionate Composer, Arranger and Artist Samuel Johans is an Indonesian composer and arranger. Samuel studied composition at the University of Pelita
Harapan and graduated with Art and Music Bachelor
degree.
With a passion for music and composition that started at a young age, he has honed his skills and developed unique style over the years. His music combines classical, pop, film, church and traditional Indonesian elements, creating a unique and captivating compositional style. As a composer, he has had the opportunity to work with a number of talented musicians, whether it's creating an original soundtrack for a film or composing music for a live performance, he brings creativity, technical expertise, and passion for music to every project. In addition, Samuel is also dedicated to giving back to the community by sharing music to aspiring young musicians. He believes that music has the power to bring people together and to reach higher realm of dimension. Samuel is passionate about helping to nurture the next generation of talented composers. His dedication, skill, and experience make him a valuable
asset to any musical project, and he is eager to continue to grow and evolve as a composer.
Harapan and graduated with Art and Music Bachelor
degree.
With a passion for music and composition that started at a young age, he has honed his skills and developed unique style over the years. His music combines classical, pop, film, church and traditional Indonesian elements, creating a unique and captivating compositional style. As a composer, he has had the opportunity to work with a number of talented musicians, whether it's creating an original soundtrack for a film or composing music for a live performance, he brings creativity, technical expertise, and passion for music to every project. In addition, Samuel is also dedicated to giving back to the community by sharing music to aspiring young musicians. He believes that music has the power to bring people together and to reach higher realm of dimension. Samuel is passionate about helping to nurture the next generation of talented composers. His dedication, skill, and experience make him a valuable
asset to any musical project, and he is eager to continue to grow and evolve as a composer.
TEGUH SUKARYO
Indonesia
Indonesia’s leading pianist, recording artist, adjudicator, and music educator, Teguh Sukaryo studied with Jon Kimura Parker, Peter Takacs, Michael Gurt, and Carmel Lutton. He has been coached by Byron Janis and Einar-Steen Nokleberg, and had masterclasses with Christopher Elton, Piers Lane, Lee Luvisi, among others. His conducting teachers included Paul Polivnick, Anton Krager, and Frank Wickes.
Teguh Sukaryo graduated with a BMus degree in Piano Performance from Newcastle Conservatorium of Music, NSW, Australia, in 1998 where he always received the coveted High Distinction for his recitals. He received full scholarships to study at Oberlin Conservatory, Ohio, where he graduated with the Artist Diploma (2001); Rice University/Shepherd School of Music, Houston, Master of Music (2003); and Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, where he studied for his Doctorate course (2003-2004). He received a Beethoven Prize in the Grieg International Competition for Pianists, held in Oslo, Norway 2005.
A sought-after teacher, Teguh has been granted numerous pedagogical awards, such as "Great Piano Masters Pedagogical Award" from Great Masters International Piano Competition Vladimir Horowitz Edition; "Honorary Diploma Best Teacher" VI Geneve International Music Competition; "Best Teacher Award" Music and Stars Award; "Teacher's Award" Chopin Avenue International Competition; "Teacher of The First Prize Winner" 2nd World Piano E-Competition Napolinova; "Outstanding Teacher Award" Global Genius Music Competition; "Outstanding Teacher Award" Khemsiri Music x DFC Music International Piano Competition; "First Prize Winner" Charleston International Music Competition; and "Teacher Diploma" 1st International Piano Competition Sergei Rachmaninoff. Once a Joseph and Ida Kirkland Mullen Fellow, who served as a faculty member at Rice University Preparatory Program, Teguh Sukaryo is now the founder and the director of Teguh Sukaryo International Music School - TSIMS, Jakarta. His students have won over one hundred Grand Prix, Absolute First Prizes, Gold Medals, as well as Special Prizes from all around the world, i.e from Moscow to Salzburg, from Paris to New York City. His students have been invited to perform at Carnegie Hall NYC, Salzburg Mozarteum, and Rachmaninoff Hall Moscow State Tchaikovsky Conservatory, among others.
Teguh has made a few albums entitled: "Teguh Sukaryo - Brahms, Mompou and Mussorgsky", "Scenes of Childhood" (works by Schumann, Debussy, Turina and Mompou), Burgmuller Op. 100, and
Burgmuller Op. 109. In 2012 he received a MURI award (Museum of World Record of Indonesia) for “The most popular show of all time” in Classical Music Discovery, USA. He was named “Artist of The Week” by Radio Arts Indonesia. As a chamber musician he has collaborated with violinist Rudolf Koelman, former Concertmaster of Concertgebouw, Amsterdam, and several other international musicians.
Teguh Sukaryo graduated with a BMus degree in Piano Performance from Newcastle Conservatorium of Music, NSW, Australia, in 1998 where he always received the coveted High Distinction for his recitals. He received full scholarships to study at Oberlin Conservatory, Ohio, where he graduated with the Artist Diploma (2001); Rice University/Shepherd School of Music, Houston, Master of Music (2003); and Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, where he studied for his Doctorate course (2003-2004). He received a Beethoven Prize in the Grieg International Competition for Pianists, held in Oslo, Norway 2005.
A sought-after teacher, Teguh has been granted numerous pedagogical awards, such as "Great Piano Masters Pedagogical Award" from Great Masters International Piano Competition Vladimir Horowitz Edition; "Honorary Diploma Best Teacher" VI Geneve International Music Competition; "Best Teacher Award" Music and Stars Award; "Teacher's Award" Chopin Avenue International Competition; "Teacher of The First Prize Winner" 2nd World Piano E-Competition Napolinova; "Outstanding Teacher Award" Global Genius Music Competition; "Outstanding Teacher Award" Khemsiri Music x DFC Music International Piano Competition; "First Prize Winner" Charleston International Music Competition; and "Teacher Diploma" 1st International Piano Competition Sergei Rachmaninoff. Once a Joseph and Ida Kirkland Mullen Fellow, who served as a faculty member at Rice University Preparatory Program, Teguh Sukaryo is now the founder and the director of Teguh Sukaryo International Music School - TSIMS, Jakarta. His students have won over one hundred Grand Prix, Absolute First Prizes, Gold Medals, as well as Special Prizes from all around the world, i.e from Moscow to Salzburg, from Paris to New York City. His students have been invited to perform at Carnegie Hall NYC, Salzburg Mozarteum, and Rachmaninoff Hall Moscow State Tchaikovsky Conservatory, among others.
Teguh has made a few albums entitled: "Teguh Sukaryo - Brahms, Mompou and Mussorgsky", "Scenes of Childhood" (works by Schumann, Debussy, Turina and Mompou), Burgmuller Op. 100, and
Burgmuller Op. 109. In 2012 he received a MURI award (Museum of World Record of Indonesia) for “The most popular show of all time” in Classical Music Discovery, USA. He was named “Artist of The Week” by Radio Arts Indonesia. As a chamber musician he has collaborated with violinist Rudolf Koelman, former Concertmaster of Concertgebouw, Amsterdam, and several other international musicians.
Hugo Martin Basualdo
Argentina
Hugo Basualdo is an Argentine musician, composer, guitarist and producer who earned a degree in Performance (Guitar) and Arrangement in 2005 from the Berklee College of Music. He also holds a Tecson Audio Engineering School Diploma in Recording Engineering & Audio Post-Production and certification in Avid Protools Operator for Music Production.
He stars as the lead guitarist and front man of his own project, the lead guitarist and composer in the band Goro Wins and the lead music producer for hit artists like Cesar Franko. With over 15 years of extensive experience, he has composed and produced ten studio albums, a live album, dozens of compositions for advertising, numerous soundtracks for film and television, and countless collaborations with prominent international artists. He has earned two nominations for the “Premios Gardel” Award for Best Album for a New Rock Artist and a “Condor de Plata” Award for Best Sound for the film Martin Fierro, in addition to many other professional honors. Hugo has been featured in top-ranked publications, headlined distinguished events and venues, and is a member of multiple outstanding organizations, earning critical acclaim, commercial success, and royalties for his success. He continues his work in the United States, integrated into the South Florida music scene sharing the stage with renowned musicians, producing and recording in distinguished recording studios and mixing tracks for award winning artists. In 2021 he founded Clix Live, an entertainment production company that focuses on production and promotion of triple A shows bringing in new talent to South Florida. He is currently working on his first original music album as a solo artist.
He stars as the lead guitarist and front man of his own project, the lead guitarist and composer in the band Goro Wins and the lead music producer for hit artists like Cesar Franko. With over 15 years of extensive experience, he has composed and produced ten studio albums, a live album, dozens of compositions for advertising, numerous soundtracks for film and television, and countless collaborations with prominent international artists. He has earned two nominations for the “Premios Gardel” Award for Best Album for a New Rock Artist and a “Condor de Plata” Award for Best Sound for the film Martin Fierro, in addition to many other professional honors. Hugo has been featured in top-ranked publications, headlined distinguished events and venues, and is a member of multiple outstanding organizations, earning critical acclaim, commercial success, and royalties for his success. He continues his work in the United States, integrated into the South Florida music scene sharing the stage with renowned musicians, producing and recording in distinguished recording studios and mixing tracks for award winning artists. In 2021 he founded Clix Live, an entertainment production company that focuses on production and promotion of triple A shows bringing in new talent to South Florida. He is currently working on his first original music album as a solo artist.
Ziying Zhao
China, USA
Ziying Zhao, a guqin performer in the US, member of The Global Outstanding Chinese Artists Association and World Chinese Musicians Association. Praised includes: “She must have been a guqin artist in her previous life.”(guqin educator from Tianjin conservatory of music). She has won top prizes in distinguished international competitions. She started to learn guqin when she was 15 years old in China. She went to the US for college when she was 16. In the US, she keeps learning guqin with teachers from Tianjin Conservatory of Music and Shanghai Conservatory of Music in China. She has been invited to many International Music Competitions and a China national music competition as a jury member. She has been invited to perform guqin at Seattle Center, University of Washington, Texas A&M University, Asian & Pacific Culture Center, and other organizations, and has given guqin presentations in many universities and schools.
Marta Plominska
Poland
Polish flutist Marta Plominska has performed in Europe and the United States. Ms. Plominska is the Part-Time Faculty at University of Nevada Las Vegas where she is currently working on her Doctor of Musical Arts degree. Marta is the winner of many awards. Among her recent successes, Marta has won 1st place at South Carolina Flute Society Young Artist Competition, 1st Prize at Grand Prize Virtuoso Brussels International Competition, 1st place at the Flute Society of Kentucky Young Artist Competition, 1st place at the Oklahoma Flute Society Collegiate Competition, 1st place at IMKA International Music Competition, 1st place at Great Composers Competition – Masters of Wind Sonata, 2nd place at Arizona Flute Society, 2nd place at the Georgia Philharmonic Competition in Atlanta, 1st place at the International Music Competition Barletta in Italy, and 3rd place at the Emuse Music Competition in Greece. She developed her flute experience at summer music festivals in the USA, Poland, Germany, Hungary and Italy. Ms. Plominska has collaborated with many orchestras including Krakow Opera, Springer Opera House, Nevada Chamber Orchestra, Pan-European Philharmonia, PassionArt Orchestra and the Polish Youth Symphony Orchestra.
In addition to teaching career, Marta is an established international adjudicator. Highlights of her adjudicating positions are Stockholm International Music Competition in Sweden, Muse International Music Competition in Greece, MAP International Music Competition in California, III Malopolski Festiwal Fletowy in Poland, and Silver State Competition in Las Vegas.
Marta is a Vice President for the Las Vegas Flute Club.
In addition to teaching career, Marta is an established international adjudicator. Highlights of her adjudicating positions are Stockholm International Music Competition in Sweden, Muse International Music Competition in Greece, MAP International Music Competition in California, III Malopolski Festiwal Fletowy in Poland, and Silver State Competition in Las Vegas.
Marta is a Vice President for the Las Vegas Flute Club.
Antonio Rugolo
Italy
Antonio Rugolo has recorded five solo cd’s, two for guitar quartet, and a box with five cd’s in guitar duo published by Brilliant Classic, Stradivarius, DIG Music, dotGuitar, Seicorde; awarded with five stars and reviewed in Italy, Europe in the USA and Canada.
Antonio Rugolo’s beautifully luminescent playing brings out the fabulous linear discipline of Santorsola’s music… (Tim Painting “CLASSICAL GUITAR”);
...seldom has it sounded so poetic… (Coolin Cooper “CLASSICAL GUITAR”)
...the repertoire of the guitar needs minds and hands like his. (Angelo Gilardino-“SUONARE NEWS”)
… i caratteri ci sembrano assolutamente scolpiti nel diamante. (Francesco Biraghi-“IL FRONIMO”) Rugolo is a two-time winner (in 2014 and 2018) of the “Golden Guitar” award for the best CD of the year. From 1996 to 2001 he won severals first prizes in national competitions and various International Guitar Competitions: second prize in the 25th Gargnano International Guitar Competition, first prize at the Isernia International Guitar Competition, Savona International Guitar Competition,“Omaggio a Joaquin Rodrigo”, Nicola Fago, Viareggio, Mondovì and more). Antonio Rugolo’s recordings have been broadcast on numerous occasions on Italian, European Uruguayan and Canadian networks (RAI Radio3, RAI Radio 4, BBC Radio 3, Sveriges Radio P2 Canadian BBC and Uruguayan Radio Diffusion,etc.). He is currently a teacher at the "Egidio Romualdo Duni" Conservatory of Matera and performs as a concert soloist at venues throughout Italy, Europe China and USA. Angelo Gilardino in his book La Chitarra Edizioni Curci 2010, said: “Santórsola has found in Europe with the guitarist Antonio Rugolo - a long awaited advocate of his music". Rugolo confirmed his commitment to the popularisation of the repertoire for guitar by Santórsola through publishing the Sonata no.5 (Brasileira), Concertino no.1 for three guitar, Concertino no.2 for three guitar and piano for Musical Edition Bérben. Since 1996 he has been engaged in advanced studies under Fédéric Zigante. Each year from 1997-2001 he was awarded the diploma of merit and scholarships under Oscar Ghiglia at the Accademia Chigiana di Siena. He also attended several Alirio Diaz masterclasses.
Antonio Rugolo’s beautifully luminescent playing brings out the fabulous linear discipline of Santorsola’s music… (Tim Painting “CLASSICAL GUITAR”);
...seldom has it sounded so poetic… (Coolin Cooper “CLASSICAL GUITAR”)
...the repertoire of the guitar needs minds and hands like his. (Angelo Gilardino-“SUONARE NEWS”)
… i caratteri ci sembrano assolutamente scolpiti nel diamante. (Francesco Biraghi-“IL FRONIMO”) Rugolo is a two-time winner (in 2014 and 2018) of the “Golden Guitar” award for the best CD of the year. From 1996 to 2001 he won severals first prizes in national competitions and various International Guitar Competitions: second prize in the 25th Gargnano International Guitar Competition, first prize at the Isernia International Guitar Competition, Savona International Guitar Competition,“Omaggio a Joaquin Rodrigo”, Nicola Fago, Viareggio, Mondovì and more). Antonio Rugolo’s recordings have been broadcast on numerous occasions on Italian, European Uruguayan and Canadian networks (RAI Radio3, RAI Radio 4, BBC Radio 3, Sveriges Radio P2 Canadian BBC and Uruguayan Radio Diffusion,etc.). He is currently a teacher at the "Egidio Romualdo Duni" Conservatory of Matera and performs as a concert soloist at venues throughout Italy, Europe China and USA. Angelo Gilardino in his book La Chitarra Edizioni Curci 2010, said: “Santórsola has found in Europe with the guitarist Antonio Rugolo - a long awaited advocate of his music". Rugolo confirmed his commitment to the popularisation of the repertoire for guitar by Santórsola through publishing the Sonata no.5 (Brasileira), Concertino no.1 for three guitar, Concertino no.2 for three guitar and piano for Musical Edition Bérben. Since 1996 he has been engaged in advanced studies under Fédéric Zigante. Each year from 1997-2001 he was awarded the diploma of merit and scholarships under Oscar Ghiglia at the Accademia Chigiana di Siena. He also attended several Alirio Diaz masterclasses.
Anamika Palkundu
India, USA
Anamika Palkundu is a Hindustani vocalist and the owner of Heritage School of Performing Arts.
Anamika started cultivating her talent and voice at her early age under renowned musicians, singers, gurus like Dwijen Mukherjee, Maya Sen, Swagatalakhsmi Dasgupta. She was also a prominent student at Calcutta Music School, a 100 plus years old renowned music institute in Kolkata, India. She also completed her Bachelor of Music at the age of 20.
Anamika strongly believes that music learning process never ends. She has been trained in advanced classical vocal music skills from guru Mrs. Dalia Rahut, head of the department of Indian Music and Dance at Calcutta Music School, who is a disciple of renowned classical singer "Padma Vibhushan" Girija Devi.
Anamika has been taking specialized training from Vidushi Kaushiki Chakraborty, one of the best and finest Hindustani Classical vocalists in India today and daughter of the legendary Hindustani classical vocalist Pt Ajoy Chakraborty, to enhance her overall music skill and pass on the same to her students.
Anamika has performed at many concerts and prestigious festivals in India and US. She has also composed few songs which she presented in few festivals.
Anamika has been teaching Hindustani Vocal music for more than 15 years now. Many of her students have been performing in the USA and in India.
Anamika started cultivating her talent and voice at her early age under renowned musicians, singers, gurus like Dwijen Mukherjee, Maya Sen, Swagatalakhsmi Dasgupta. She was also a prominent student at Calcutta Music School, a 100 plus years old renowned music institute in Kolkata, India. She also completed her Bachelor of Music at the age of 20.
Anamika strongly believes that music learning process never ends. She has been trained in advanced classical vocal music skills from guru Mrs. Dalia Rahut, head of the department of Indian Music and Dance at Calcutta Music School, who is a disciple of renowned classical singer "Padma Vibhushan" Girija Devi.
Anamika has been taking specialized training from Vidushi Kaushiki Chakraborty, one of the best and finest Hindustani Classical vocalists in India today and daughter of the legendary Hindustani classical vocalist Pt Ajoy Chakraborty, to enhance her overall music skill and pass on the same to her students.
Anamika has performed at many concerts and prestigious festivals in India and US. She has also composed few songs which she presented in few festivals.
Anamika has been teaching Hindustani Vocal music for more than 15 years now. Many of her students have been performing in the USA and in India.
Dr. Chaerin Kim
South Korea, USA
A multi-instrumentalist, one of the very few in the world whom you can see performing as a soloist with two instruments on the same stage with an orchestra, internationally acclaimed harpist, pianist, composer, and professor, Dr. Chaerin Kim is the winner of several international competitions. She was the winner of the Special Prize of Best Performance of Russian Music at the International Harp Competition in Russia, winner of the Future Classic Women Award from the London Radio Station, the CFA Award and Department Honor Award from Boston University, the Garrett Award, Foundation Award, and Julia Leney Harp Prize in London, the Soloist Competition Winner at Ewha University, Kaywon School for the Arts, and Boston University, the Bronze Medalist for Solo Piano at the Walgan Music Competition, and winner of the Grand Prize from the Korean Student’s Newspaper.
She has been featured as a soloist on both instruments: Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 2, Debussy Danses for Harp, Mozart’s Flute and Harp Concerto with UMB Orchestra, Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 2 with Boston Chamber Orchestra, the Ginastera Harp Concerto with BU Symphony Orchestra, Ginastera Harp Concerto with Seongnam Philharmonic, a Guest Soloist of the International Music Festival broadcast live in Korea, Ravel’s Introduction and Allegro and Debussy’s Danses with Yonsei Sinfonietta, and the Pierne Harp Concerto with EU Orchestra. Her harp performance has been used for the British movie Kaleidoscope (Main actor Toby Jones), which was the winner of Best Performance at the Edinburgh International Film Festival. As a composer, her composition, Rendezvous, has 100 versions, including versions for orchestra, harp, piano, and voice, with lyrics written by her and translated into 80 different languages, and the orchestral version of Rendezvous had its world premiere in Boston, Massachusetts. She released 146 songs (7 Albums and 91 Singles), and many of her music was aired on the radio stations in U.S., and UK. Most recently, she was nominated for and awarded the Future Classic Women Awards through the London Radio Station, who interviewed her twice, and also interviewed with WCPE Radio in the U.S.
Dr. Kim’s musical studies began when she was six years old. She majored in piano at the Yewon Music Middle School, while also beginning studies in cello and voice. After Yewon, she went on to attend Kaywon High School of Arts where she continued to major in piano. In her last year, at the age of eighteen, she started lessons on harp, and six months later won the Soloist Audition for Harp. She received her B.A. with Highest Honors from Ewha University in Seoul – then, while pursuing her master’s degree at Ewha, she was offered a scholarship for a PGD at the Royal Academy of Music in London, where she graduated with “distinction.” She got her M.M. from Yale University on a scholarship, graduating summa cum laude. She was invited to the Artist’s Diploma program at Yale and Graduate Diploma Program at New England Conservatory – however, she decided to pursue her doctorate at Boston University where she was offered a full scholarship. She was the “quickest recipient of a Doctorate” in BU Music School’s history completing it in three and a half years.
As a contest judge and jury member, Dr. Kim was the artistic director of the USA International Music Competition in 2010, and in 2021-2022 she judged at 12 international competitions for both harp and piano: the Music International Grand Prix in New York, the King’s Peak International Music Competition in California, the World Vision Music Contest in Germany, the Grand Metropolitan International Music Competition in Canada, the International Music Competition in Serbia, Music Modern in Ukraine, Performer’s Certificate in Thailand, Musical South Palmyra in Ukraine, the International Youth Music Competitions - IYMC in Atlanta USA, Danubia International Music Competition in Hungary, Melbourne International Piano and Strings Festival and Competition in Australia, and IX JSFest International Instrumental Music Competition in Finland. Dr. Kim was formerly a professor at Eastern Nazarene College where she taught harp, piano, music theory and music history classes, and was also the former Head of the Harp Department at Adagio Music Academy and South Shore Conservatory. Currently, she is an artistic director of UIMC, an artist with the TTF Entertainment company in China, and a professor of both instruments; harp and piano at University of Massachusetts Boston, Schloss Akademie in Germany, and harp and piano through the Office of Arts at Harvard University.
She has been featured as a soloist on both instruments: Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 2, Debussy Danses for Harp, Mozart’s Flute and Harp Concerto with UMB Orchestra, Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 2 with Boston Chamber Orchestra, the Ginastera Harp Concerto with BU Symphony Orchestra, Ginastera Harp Concerto with Seongnam Philharmonic, a Guest Soloist of the International Music Festival broadcast live in Korea, Ravel’s Introduction and Allegro and Debussy’s Danses with Yonsei Sinfonietta, and the Pierne Harp Concerto with EU Orchestra. Her harp performance has been used for the British movie Kaleidoscope (Main actor Toby Jones), which was the winner of Best Performance at the Edinburgh International Film Festival. As a composer, her composition, Rendezvous, has 100 versions, including versions for orchestra, harp, piano, and voice, with lyrics written by her and translated into 80 different languages, and the orchestral version of Rendezvous had its world premiere in Boston, Massachusetts. She released 146 songs (7 Albums and 91 Singles), and many of her music was aired on the radio stations in U.S., and UK. Most recently, she was nominated for and awarded the Future Classic Women Awards through the London Radio Station, who interviewed her twice, and also interviewed with WCPE Radio in the U.S.
Dr. Kim’s musical studies began when she was six years old. She majored in piano at the Yewon Music Middle School, while also beginning studies in cello and voice. After Yewon, she went on to attend Kaywon High School of Arts where she continued to major in piano. In her last year, at the age of eighteen, she started lessons on harp, and six months later won the Soloist Audition for Harp. She received her B.A. with Highest Honors from Ewha University in Seoul – then, while pursuing her master’s degree at Ewha, she was offered a scholarship for a PGD at the Royal Academy of Music in London, where she graduated with “distinction.” She got her M.M. from Yale University on a scholarship, graduating summa cum laude. She was invited to the Artist’s Diploma program at Yale and Graduate Diploma Program at New England Conservatory – however, she decided to pursue her doctorate at Boston University where she was offered a full scholarship. She was the “quickest recipient of a Doctorate” in BU Music School’s history completing it in three and a half years.
As a contest judge and jury member, Dr. Kim was the artistic director of the USA International Music Competition in 2010, and in 2021-2022 she judged at 12 international competitions for both harp and piano: the Music International Grand Prix in New York, the King’s Peak International Music Competition in California, the World Vision Music Contest in Germany, the Grand Metropolitan International Music Competition in Canada, the International Music Competition in Serbia, Music Modern in Ukraine, Performer’s Certificate in Thailand, Musical South Palmyra in Ukraine, the International Youth Music Competitions - IYMC in Atlanta USA, Danubia International Music Competition in Hungary, Melbourne International Piano and Strings Festival and Competition in Australia, and IX JSFest International Instrumental Music Competition in Finland. Dr. Kim was formerly a professor at Eastern Nazarene College where she taught harp, piano, music theory and music history classes, and was also the former Head of the Harp Department at Adagio Music Academy and South Shore Conservatory. Currently, she is an artistic director of UIMC, an artist with the TTF Entertainment company in China, and a professor of both instruments; harp and piano at University of Massachusetts Boston, Schloss Akademie in Germany, and harp and piano through the Office of Arts at Harvard University.
Dr. Vera Ilyushina
Russia, USA
Dr. Vera Ilyushina is a professional violinist and teacher. She was born in St. Petersburg, Russia and received her Master's Degree in Violin Performance and Pedagogy from St. Petersburg Conservatory. She was awarded a Doctor of Musical Arts in Violin Performance from SUNY at Stony Brook. Dr. Ilyushina maintains an active performing schedule with Lark Chamber Music ensemble and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. She is very passionate about teaching violin, and has 25 years of teaching experience in her private violin studio. Dr. Ilyushina is a board member for the Atlanta Music Club heading the Young Performers Series and the Scholarship Committee. She also serves as a judge on the panel of Pro-Mozart Society annual competition.
Dr. William J. Earvin
USA
Dr. William J. Earvin is currently the Educational Support Manager for the Southeast Region at Conn-Selmer, Inc. in the Division of Education. He is a native of Atlanta, GA and is a graduate of Clark Atlanta University where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music. After graduating from Clark Atlanta in 2000, he began his music education career teaching in Georgia. He later pursued his graduate studies at Mississippi Valley State University where he earned a Master of Arts Degree in Education (2006). While at Mississippi Valley he served as a graduate assistant in the Fine Arts Department and eventually an Assistant Band Director. While in Mississippi he also secured a position as the first African American Director of Bands at Mississippi Delta Community College. Under the baton of Dr. Earvin, ensembles consistently earned Superior and Excellent Ratings at GMEA and LMEA Large Group Performance Evaluations. The groups have also been selected to perform at numerous regional and national performances. Dr. Earvin has been honored as an “Outstanding Music Educator” by the Berklee College of Music (2009) and a “Distinguished Music Educator” by the Yale University School of Music (2013). Dr. Earvin most recently served as the Interim Coordinator of Professional Development for the City of Baker School System, after a successful tenure as Director of Bands at Baker High School in Baker, LA. At Baker High School, notable performances included the “WorldStrides OnStage” Festival in Dallas, TX, and the Music for All Affiliate - Louisiana Concert Band Invitational in Lafayette, LA. In 2018, the Baker High School Symphonic Band performed in the National Band and Orchestra Festival at Carnegie Hall. Dr. Earvin was also recognized as Teacher of the Year at Baker High School in 2018. Dr. Earvin has also had a successful career in Higher Education as an Academic Advisor (MDCC) and as an Outreach Recruiter/Advisor for the TRiO Educational Talent Search Program at Southern University (SUBR). He currently serves as a faculty member for the TRiO Upward Bound Programs at SUBR. Dr. Earvin earned his Doctor of Education degree from Northcentral University specializing in Higher Education Leadership (2019). He served as the Vice President of Education Programs and Development for the Devmusic Company, LLC and is one of the founders of REACH Through Music, Inc. His music business and sales background also include management tenures at Mars Music, Inc. and the RadioShack Corporation. Dr. Earvin has presented numerous professional development sessions and in-services. He facilitates workshops in his local school district as well as districts throughout the country. Notably, he has presented at the Louisiana Association for Student Assistance Programs Conference, The Midwest Clinic and the Music for All Summer Symposium. While maintaining a loving family environment, career goals, and a passion for music and educational research, Dr. Earvin is actively involved in numerous civic and professional organizations; the Louisiana Association for Student Assistance Programs, the Louisiana Music Educators Association, the National Association for Music Education, Kappa Kappa Psi Honorary Band Fraternity, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Music Fraternity, the National Band Association, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., a charter member of the Louisiana Music Adjudicators Association, and is a member of the Music for All Urban Education and Advocacy in Action Advisory Committees. He is also a founding member of the Minority Band Directors National Association. In 2020, Dr. Earvin was inducted into Kappa Delta Pi and The Golden Key Honor Societies. He was also selected as the Band Instruction Lead for the Country Music Association Foundation’s United Voices for Music Education initiative. Dr. Earvin and his lovely wife Tamesha are the proud parents of four talented children.
Wan Yanting
China
Wan Yanting, chamber music player, is currently employed in the Affiliated Middle School of Shanghai Conservatory of Music. Born in Shanghai, China, he was admitted to the Affiliated High School of Shanghai Conservatory of Music in September 1995, and successively studied under Associate Professor Sha Jianlin and Professor Sun Minghong.
He was admitted to the Shanghai Conservatory of Music in September 1999. During his study, he participated in a special concert to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Czech composer Lutoslawski. He also performed his highly difficult oboe work "Epitophe" (epitaph), which attracted wide attention and was later published. He was sent to the Northern Norwegian Conservatory of Music for further study. September 2005 - June 2007 he studied in Tromso, Northern Norway.
He studied in the Conservatory of Music under the guidance of Professor Maze Padsen, Deputy Chief of Oslo Symphony Orchestra. Entered Norway in September 2007 for the Master of oboe performance in music department of Stanvanger University under the guidance of Norwegian Stanvanger Symphony Orchestra. He graduated in June 2009 with the first place in the major and became the first Asian student in the history of the university Continental people. In 2014, he was employed as Deputy Chief Executive of Shanghai Opera House. He joined the High School Affiliated to Shanghai Conservatory of Music in June 2015 as a teacher of wind and chamber music. He also performed with Aarhus Philharmonic Orchestra in Denmark to commemorate Sibelius 50 under the recommendation of the college during the period of public study abroad. As part of the annual performance and recording work he has been invited to participate in the music season performances of Trums Symphony Orchestra, Stanwanger Symphony Orchestra, etc. He participated in such large-scale concerts as "Special Session for Haydn Memorial" and "Special Session for Modern Music". The clarinet solo concert was highly praised by industry experts. The founder of Cold Chamber Orchestra and famous conductor Professor Avner Billon and other world-renowned musicians performed together. In 2017 he joined the Shanghai OBOE TOWN Chamber Orchestra founded by Professor Sun Minghong, and participated in the Shanghai OBOE TOWN National Exchange Tour in 2018
Act. From 2018 to 2019, he led the students of Shangyin Affiliated High School to win the first prize of the local competition area of the Hong Kong International Music Festival Ensemble Competition and China Youth to win the first prize of the national competition area of the Young Hummingbird Music Award.
He was admitted to the Shanghai Conservatory of Music in September 1999. During his study, he participated in a special concert to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Czech composer Lutoslawski. He also performed his highly difficult oboe work "Epitophe" (epitaph), which attracted wide attention and was later published. He was sent to the Northern Norwegian Conservatory of Music for further study. September 2005 - June 2007 he studied in Tromso, Northern Norway.
He studied in the Conservatory of Music under the guidance of Professor Maze Padsen, Deputy Chief of Oslo Symphony Orchestra. Entered Norway in September 2007 for the Master of oboe performance in music department of Stanvanger University under the guidance of Norwegian Stanvanger Symphony Orchestra. He graduated in June 2009 with the first place in the major and became the first Asian student in the history of the university Continental people. In 2014, he was employed as Deputy Chief Executive of Shanghai Opera House. He joined the High School Affiliated to Shanghai Conservatory of Music in June 2015 as a teacher of wind and chamber music. He also performed with Aarhus Philharmonic Orchestra in Denmark to commemorate Sibelius 50 under the recommendation of the college during the period of public study abroad. As part of the annual performance and recording work he has been invited to participate in the music season performances of Trums Symphony Orchestra, Stanwanger Symphony Orchestra, etc. He participated in such large-scale concerts as "Special Session for Haydn Memorial" and "Special Session for Modern Music". The clarinet solo concert was highly praised by industry experts. The founder of Cold Chamber Orchestra and famous conductor Professor Avner Billon and other world-renowned musicians performed together. In 2017 he joined the Shanghai OBOE TOWN Chamber Orchestra founded by Professor Sun Minghong, and participated in the Shanghai OBOE TOWN National Exchange Tour in 2018
Act. From 2018 to 2019, he led the students of Shangyin Affiliated High School to win the first prize of the local competition area of the Hong Kong International Music Festival Ensemble Competition and China Youth to win the first prize of the national competition area of the Young Hummingbird Music Award.
Shane Goodall
South Africa
With students excelling in national and international piano competitions, Shane Goodall is in the top tier of piano teachers in South Africa today. In addition to teaching, he is a sought-after accompanist in competitions and festivals. Accompanying projects include vocal accompanist and opera repetiteur for the University of Cape Town Opera School as well as Ballet accompanist for the latter, and the East London College of Dance. He is also an experienced adjudicator and music examiner and as such has served as adjudicator for various eisteddfods in Cape Town, the Tygerberg International eisteddfod, the Kaapse Afrikaans eisteddfod, and was on the bursary panel of judges for Rhodes University.
Shane Goodall received his Bachelor and Honours degrees in music (Piano Performance) from the University of Stellenbosch in South Africa where he studied with Betsie Cluver, herself having studied with the legendary pianist, Dinu Lipatti. Mr. Goodall continued his studies in piano with Van Cliburn winner, Steven de Groote in the United States of America before returning to South Africa to complete his Masters degree in Piano Performance and Dissertation at the University of Cape Town with Professor Lamar Crowson. His Masters thesis explored embellishment and decoration in the late piano concertos of Mozart. Among his achievements are being a finalist in the University of South Africa's Grade 8 Scholarship Competition in 1985, a finalist in the national Oudemeester Music Prize Competition in 1987 and being selected as one of the South African pianists to participate in the International UNISA Piano Competition in Pretoria in 1988. In 1992 he completed the UNISA Performer's Licentiate.
Mr. Goodall's solo performances include appearances with the Cape Town Symphony Symphony Orchestra, playing Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto no. 1 and Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto no. 1 and with the Western Cape Youth Orchestra playing Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue.
Shane Goodall received his Bachelor and Honours degrees in music (Piano Performance) from the University of Stellenbosch in South Africa where he studied with Betsie Cluver, herself having studied with the legendary pianist, Dinu Lipatti. Mr. Goodall continued his studies in piano with Van Cliburn winner, Steven de Groote in the United States of America before returning to South Africa to complete his Masters degree in Piano Performance and Dissertation at the University of Cape Town with Professor Lamar Crowson. His Masters thesis explored embellishment and decoration in the late piano concertos of Mozart. Among his achievements are being a finalist in the University of South Africa's Grade 8 Scholarship Competition in 1985, a finalist in the national Oudemeester Music Prize Competition in 1987 and being selected as one of the South African pianists to participate in the International UNISA Piano Competition in Pretoria in 1988. In 1992 he completed the UNISA Performer's Licentiate.
Mr. Goodall's solo performances include appearances with the Cape Town Symphony Symphony Orchestra, playing Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto no. 1 and Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto no. 1 and with the Western Cape Youth Orchestra playing Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue.
Dr. Huu Mai
USA
Huu Mai holds a B.M. from Kennesaw State University School of Music in Piano Performance (2000-2004), where he studied with David Watkins, and is certified with the Yamaha Music Education System for which he taught from 2004 to 2008. Dr. Mai is the recipient of the 2019 Georgia Music Teachers Association “Teacher of the Year” Award. As a concerto artist, he has performed with orchestras such as the Cobb Symphony Orchestra and the Gwinnett Symphony Orchestra. As a collaborative artist, Dr. Mai has toured with tenor, Ken Lavigne, and performs with a number of other artists including saxophonist, Thomas Giles, and violinist, Sinisa Ciric. He served as organist and associate director of music at Kennesaw United Methodist Church, music director of the Unitarian Universalist Metro Atlanta North Congregation, and music director at Unity North Atlanta Church. Dr. Mai continues to remain an active choral conductor in the Atlanta area.
In 2014, Dr. Mai conducted the Atlanta premier of “Shanti: A Journey of Peace” by Kanniks Kannikeswaran featuring a diverse ensemble including a Hindustani chorus, a western chorus, full orchestra, Hindustani instrumentalists, and traditional Indian dancers. An avid composer, a number of his compositions have been featured in concerts including his song cycle, “Three Songs of Eternity,” choral works, “Image” and “You Are Not Forsaken,” among others. Dr. Mai performs and composes music spanning many genres from concert music, Broadway, and contemporary commercial music.
Currently Artist-in-Residence in Piano at the Kennesaw State University School of Music, Dr. Mai's intention is to inspire aspiring musicians to develop into the versatile, proficient, and imaginative artists our ever-evolving world demands. He also proudly serves as the accompanist for the world-renowned Atlanta Boy Choir.
Huu Mai is a frequent guest-lecturer having presented for numerous associations including chapters of the Music Teachers National Association, and the College Music Society National Conference. In addition to speaking engagements, he is an active adjudicator with the Georgia Music Teachers Association and throughout the southeastern United States.
A believer in the importance of service to the community, Mai served as president of the Cobb County Music Teachers Association from 2012 to 2016, and frequently speaks and performs for Kiwanis International. In 2009, Mai co-founded the “Rising Star Concerto Competition” along with Eriko Ishikawa and Robert Trocina.
In 2014, Dr. Mai conducted the Atlanta premier of “Shanti: A Journey of Peace” by Kanniks Kannikeswaran featuring a diverse ensemble including a Hindustani chorus, a western chorus, full orchestra, Hindustani instrumentalists, and traditional Indian dancers. An avid composer, a number of his compositions have been featured in concerts including his song cycle, “Three Songs of Eternity,” choral works, “Image” and “You Are Not Forsaken,” among others. Dr. Mai performs and composes music spanning many genres from concert music, Broadway, and contemporary commercial music.
Currently Artist-in-Residence in Piano at the Kennesaw State University School of Music, Dr. Mai's intention is to inspire aspiring musicians to develop into the versatile, proficient, and imaginative artists our ever-evolving world demands. He also proudly serves as the accompanist for the world-renowned Atlanta Boy Choir.
Huu Mai is a frequent guest-lecturer having presented for numerous associations including chapters of the Music Teachers National Association, and the College Music Society National Conference. In addition to speaking engagements, he is an active adjudicator with the Georgia Music Teachers Association and throughout the southeastern United States.
A believer in the importance of service to the community, Mai served as president of the Cobb County Music Teachers Association from 2012 to 2016, and frequently speaks and performs for Kiwanis International. In 2009, Mai co-founded the “Rising Star Concerto Competition” along with Eriko Ishikawa and Robert Trocina.
Mary McGowan, Ed. Spec.
USA
Ms. McGowan is the Assistant Band Director at East Cobb Middle School in Marietta, USA, and has worked extensively as a woodwind specialist. Her Bands have consistently earned Superior Ratings at performance evaluations and music festivals in Georgia, North Carolina, Illinois, Tennessee, Louisiana, and Florida. Her students have participated in GMEA District 5 and 6 Honor Bands. Students under her instruction have also been accepted as fellows and performers with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra’s Talent Development Program, GMEA All-State Jazz Ensemble, GMEA All-State Bands, Indiana University, Interlochen, Suwanee, and Brevard Summer Music Programs.
She has served as a clinician/session presenter for Atlanta Public Schools, Clayton County Schools, The Woodruff Arts Center, Alabama Music Educators Association, Louisiana Music Educators Association, Georgia Music Educators Association, and numerous middle and high schools throughout the southeast. Her previous teaching experiences include the public schools of New Orleans, Louisiana, Atlanta, Clayton County and Henry County schools in Georgia, along with Spelman and Morehouse Colleges. She is also a Volunteer Family Mentor on the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra’s Talent Development Program committee. Ms. McGowan is a graduate of Xavier University of Louisiana with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music. She also holds a Master of Secondary Education Degree from Southeastern Louisiana University, and an Educational Specialist in Music Education from Piedmont College. In her spare time, she enjoys walking, reading, cooking and musical theater, and is a history buff. Ms. McGowan is the mother of two children, and lives in Lithonia, Georgia with her husband, Van.
She has served as a clinician/session presenter for Atlanta Public Schools, Clayton County Schools, The Woodruff Arts Center, Alabama Music Educators Association, Louisiana Music Educators Association, Georgia Music Educators Association, and numerous middle and high schools throughout the southeast. Her previous teaching experiences include the public schools of New Orleans, Louisiana, Atlanta, Clayton County and Henry County schools in Georgia, along with Spelman and Morehouse Colleges. She is also a Volunteer Family Mentor on the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra’s Talent Development Program committee. Ms. McGowan is a graduate of Xavier University of Louisiana with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music. She also holds a Master of Secondary Education Degree from Southeastern Louisiana University, and an Educational Specialist in Music Education from Piedmont College. In her spare time, she enjoys walking, reading, cooking and musical theater, and is a history buff. Ms. McGowan is the mother of two children, and lives in Lithonia, Georgia with her husband, Van.
Pieter van Zyl
South Africa
Pieter van Zyl is based in the Western Cape area of South Africa, where he makes a living as performer and part time teacher. He holds a M.MUS-degree (NMMU) and two Performer’s Licentiates in piano (UNISA and ABRSM). Pieter van Zyl has an extensive performance and teaching career. He has performed in solo piano recitals throughout South Africa as well as in London, UK and California, and presented recitals and master classes in Atlanta (USA). He has also given chamber music recitals with leading South African musicians. Compositions by South African composers such as Arnold van Wyk, Peter Klatzow and Neil Solomon often feature in his recital programs.
Pieter released a CD of solo piano music by César Franck, and a CD of sonatas for cello and piano (Brahms and Rachmaninoff) with cellist Jacques-Pierre Malan. Pieter van Zyl holds a licentiate from ABRSM in voice. He also has a passion for theatre. During his stay of several years in England, Paris and America, he specialized in Etienne Decroux’s mime corporel technique – a discipline that has enriched his approach to life and music.
Pieter released a CD of solo piano music by César Franck, and a CD of sonatas for cello and piano (Brahms and Rachmaninoff) with cellist Jacques-Pierre Malan. Pieter van Zyl holds a licentiate from ABRSM in voice. He also has a passion for theatre. During his stay of several years in England, Paris and America, he specialized in Etienne Decroux’s mime corporel technique – a discipline that has enriched his approach to life and music.
Dr. Isaiah T. Bell
USA
Isaiah T. Bell currently holds the position of Fine Arts Instructional Specialist for the Clayton County Public School District in Jonesboro, GA. Previously, he served as Director of Bands at Sequoyah Middle School, DeKalb County Schools. He was also the Department Chair of the Fine Arts and Connections Department, where he oversaw the instructional practices of over ten teachers. He is also an Adjunct Professor at Saint Leo University, where he is responsible for instructional courses in Music. He holds a Master of Music in Instrumental Conducting from Reinhardt University, Waleska, Georgia a Bachelor of Music in Instrumental Music Education from Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia, and is currently a doctoral candidate for the degree of Doctor of Education in Music Education at the University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia. As a professional trumpet player, he has performed in many musical mediums from symphony orchestras, brass quintets to salsa bands. He is currently active in the Atlanta area as a clinician and as a freelance trumpet player. In addition to performing professionally, he is an active member of the Georgia Wind Symphony and also maintains a private studio of all ages and playing abilities. Isaiah’s professional memberships include the International Trumpet Guild, National Association for Music Education, Georgia Music Educators Association, National Band Association, Beta Kappa Chapter of Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society in Education, and the Professional Association of Georgia Educators.
Marija Maksimova
Macedonia
Marija Maksimova is a pianist and well recognized piano & chamber music pedagogue who has received numerous international and national awards with her students. She works in the National Music Educational Centre “Sergej Mihajlov” in Macedonia. She started her piano lessons with Irena Spasikova, then continued her music studies in the Secondary Music school “Ilija Nikolovski – Luj in ”Skopje in the piano class of M-r Stela Slejanska – Stojanovska. In the same class she finished the Piano studies on National University - Music Academy“St. Kiril and Metodi” in Skopje and later she finished her Postgratuate studies in Piano Methodology in the class of PhD prof. Ana Gaceva. She now performs with many Macedonian instrumentalists and mainly solo singers.
Maksimova is the winner of the award "Best pedagogue", given by the Association of music-ballet pedagogues in Macedonia.
In 2019 she was awarded the title: "Best teacher in Ex - Yugoslavia" from the Association "ANN_EX_YU", formed by the educational leaders of the region.
In 2013 she was awarded with a Diploma for Honors in Italy, Honorable Teacher Diploma in Belgium 2020, Extraordinary teachers' diplomas in Serbia, Italy, France, USA, etc. In 2015 she received the prestigious Award “St. Nicholas” for exceptional professional music achievement, given by the Municipality of Stip. Also, she won the Award "Oscar of the East" from Association of Journalists of the East for Piano pedagogy, 2018.
She is the winner of the Award "8th November", an award from the Mayor and Municipality of Stip for achievement in education and art as a pedagogue and an artist. She is the winner of the award "Best Pedagogue" by the Association of music-ballet pedagogues in Macedonia.
In 2019 Maksimova received the title: "Best teacher in Ex - Yugoslavia" from the Association "ANN_EX_YU", formed by the educational leaders of the region.
She has received many recognitions for her pedagogical work in France, Slovenia, Italy, USA, Russia, Hungary, Belgium, Bosnia & Hercegovina, Serbia, Bulgaria, Kosovo and Macedonia including certificates for excellent pedagogical results on music competitions, diplomas for progress and development in the music field, contribution to the discovery and development of young talents, certificates for attending seminars by eminent pianists, participation in the creation of the piano teaching program of the Ministry of Education in Macedonia, participation in professional lectures organized by EPTA, and for participation in the training for new interactive teaching methodologies and e-Learning. Her students regularly perform in many concerts, festivals and competitions. She was also a mentor of lectures for new teaching methods organized by USAID and Macedonian Ministry of education.
In addition to the educational work, she also performs as piano accompanist with Macedonian instrumentalists. Her students regularly perform in several festivals and concerts in the country and abroad.
In 2019 she organized the French Classical Music competition in Macedonia “Les Cles D’or” – (“Golden Key”) which connected many musicians in Europe.
Marija Maksimova is a member of the jury for International and State competitions such as: Giovani Musicisti - Treviso (Italy), Monegros88keys - Sarinena, Spain, "Golden Keys" 2019, International Youth Music Competitions (IYMC) - USA, National competition (EMCY), “Davorin Jenko” in Belgrade (Serbia), "Fantast"- Becej-Serbia, “Mihailo Vukdragovic” - Sabac (Serbia), "Uljus"-Smederevo,“Slobomir” – Bjelina (Bosnia& Hercegovina), "Banjalucko Bijenale" - (Bosnia&Hercegovina), "Petar Stojanovic" – Ub (Serbia) "Vladimir Djordjevich" – Jagodina (Serbia), "Sergej Mihajlov" – Stip.
In addition to serving on the juries for classical music competitions, she is also a jury member on “MAKFEST”, a festival of popular music which is one of the most respected festivals on the Balkan with a 30 year tradition and membership of FIDOF (International Federation of Festival Organizations) with headquarters in Los Angeles, CA, USA.
Maksimova is the winner of the award "Best pedagogue", given by the Association of music-ballet pedagogues in Macedonia.
In 2019 she was awarded the title: "Best teacher in Ex - Yugoslavia" from the Association "ANN_EX_YU", formed by the educational leaders of the region.
In 2013 she was awarded with a Diploma for Honors in Italy, Honorable Teacher Diploma in Belgium 2020, Extraordinary teachers' diplomas in Serbia, Italy, France, USA, etc. In 2015 she received the prestigious Award “St. Nicholas” for exceptional professional music achievement, given by the Municipality of Stip. Also, she won the Award "Oscar of the East" from Association of Journalists of the East for Piano pedagogy, 2018.
She is the winner of the Award "8th November", an award from the Mayor and Municipality of Stip for achievement in education and art as a pedagogue and an artist. She is the winner of the award "Best Pedagogue" by the Association of music-ballet pedagogues in Macedonia.
In 2019 Maksimova received the title: "Best teacher in Ex - Yugoslavia" from the Association "ANN_EX_YU", formed by the educational leaders of the region.
She has received many recognitions for her pedagogical work in France, Slovenia, Italy, USA, Russia, Hungary, Belgium, Bosnia & Hercegovina, Serbia, Bulgaria, Kosovo and Macedonia including certificates for excellent pedagogical results on music competitions, diplomas for progress and development in the music field, contribution to the discovery and development of young talents, certificates for attending seminars by eminent pianists, participation in the creation of the piano teaching program of the Ministry of Education in Macedonia, participation in professional lectures organized by EPTA, and for participation in the training for new interactive teaching methodologies and e-Learning. Her students regularly perform in many concerts, festivals and competitions. She was also a mentor of lectures for new teaching methods organized by USAID and Macedonian Ministry of education.
In addition to the educational work, she also performs as piano accompanist with Macedonian instrumentalists. Her students regularly perform in several festivals and concerts in the country and abroad.
In 2019 she organized the French Classical Music competition in Macedonia “Les Cles D’or” – (“Golden Key”) which connected many musicians in Europe.
Marija Maksimova is a member of the jury for International and State competitions such as: Giovani Musicisti - Treviso (Italy), Monegros88keys - Sarinena, Spain, "Golden Keys" 2019, International Youth Music Competitions (IYMC) - USA, National competition (EMCY), “Davorin Jenko” in Belgrade (Serbia), "Fantast"- Becej-Serbia, “Mihailo Vukdragovic” - Sabac (Serbia), "Uljus"-Smederevo,“Slobomir” – Bjelina (Bosnia& Hercegovina), "Banjalucko Bijenale" - (Bosnia&Hercegovina), "Petar Stojanovic" – Ub (Serbia) "Vladimir Djordjevich" – Jagodina (Serbia), "Sergej Mihajlov" – Stip.
In addition to serving on the juries for classical music competitions, she is also a jury member on “MAKFEST”, a festival of popular music which is one of the most respected festivals on the Balkan with a 30 year tradition and membership of FIDOF (International Federation of Festival Organizations) with headquarters in Los Angeles, CA, USA.
Nina Weinfeld
Sweden, France
Nina Weinfeld was awarded her musical and pedagogical diploma in teaching piano at the Conservatory in Gothenburg, Sweden. She also studied piano with Pierre Barbizet and Pierre Sancan in France. Before she left Sweden for France, she accompanied in song recitals and recorded as an accompanist for the Swedish radio. In France she obtained the French State diploma (Diplôme d’Etat) and an equivalence to the Certificat d’Aptitudes which permits the teaching on a high level. She has been an instructor in piano since 1994 at the Valbonne Conservatory and now continues at La Semeuse, a music school. in Nice, France. Nina has extensively performed in chamber music recitals for different instrumentations (oboe, flute, violin, alto, piano-duets) in France, Sweden and Norway with numerous French and Swedish musicians. She has been a member of the jury in the international piano competition “Tenerife Stars” since 2018.
Lynne Lindner
United Kingdom
Lynne Lindner was born in South Africa and studied music at the University of Cape Town. She was a founder member of the Cape Town Early Music Ensemble and a regular soloist with the St George's Singers, singing a vast repertoire, ranging from major oratorios and masses to folk songs and madrigals. She also appeared as soloist with the Cape Town Symphony Orchestra. In the UK, she has sung with the Worcester Festival Chorus, the Elgar Chorale and Choral Societies, frequently as a soloist. Lynne is a gifted and inspirational teacher and as Director of Music at Malvern St James's School, was a national finalist in the Classic FM Music Teacher of the Year competition. As an educator and mentor of young musicians, she not only taught academic music but created opportunities for students to experience music and be enriched by it; expanding their horizons and introducing them to world class musicians. Lynne has encouraged her students to explore a wide variety of genres from madrigals, sacred, folk and classical as well as musicals and popular music. She teaches singing and piano and is an experienced conductor and trainer of Senior, Junior and Community Choirs. Many of her students have gained places in National Choirs, Music Colleges and secured Oxbridge Choral Scholarships. Lynne has recently had the honor of having a music scholarship created in her name. In Lynne’s musical life she brings together her love and knowledge of music from Africa and from the UK – she has a special love for the music of Elgar, which has such an affinity with the natural world around us, and English twentieth century music. She is a passionate networker who arranges collaborations with the English Symphony Orchestra and with the Elgar Chorale of Worcester. Lynne founded the Jenny Lind Singers, an upper voices choir which performs to great acclaim. Lynne has invited exciting performers, choral amateurs and specialists to run workshops and give concerts for the students. She has produced operas and musicals, initiated choral competitions and festivals and has frequently acted as an adjudicator. Lynne’s desire has been to connect young people with the transcendence that music brings.
Misha V. Stefanuk
Russia, USA
Misha V. Stefanuk is Russian American jazz and classical pianist and organist and composer. Mr Stefanuk has an MM degree from Boston university and BM degrees from Belmont University, the Moscow Conservatory School and the Moscow College of Improvised Music. Misha won the Stereotypes and Nations composition competition in Poland, concerto aria competition at Belmont University and outstanding jazz pianist at Lionel Hampton Jazz festival. He published over 25 books on music and piano. Five of them ended on best-sellers lists, with 100 Easy Piano Classics reaching nr. 1 over the entire sheetmusicplus.com, and Jazz Piano Chords being Mel Bay Publications nr. 1 best-seller for 12 years. He also wrote music for over a hundred TV shows, including music used on One Life To Live and All My Children on ABC; Chris Isaak Show on Showtime; Passions on NBC; and First Monday on CBS. Mr. Stefanuk's music was also featured on Good Morning America on ABC, and he was featured as on-screen organist on Constantine on NBC.
Angel Valchinov
Bulgaria, USA
Dr. Angel Valchinov is a violin soloist, concertmaster, chamber musician, and teacher. Currently performing as a soloist with orchestras in the U.S. and Europe, Dr. Valchinov plays a wide-ranging repertoire. A recent performance highlight was H. W. Ernst's Six Polyphonic Etudes. An avid recitalist and chamber musician, he recently performed with the Turtle Island Quartet in Boston's Jordan Hall. Dr. Valchinov serves as concertmaster of several orchestras in the Boston area, including Claflin Hill Symphony and Boston Chamber Orchestra. He is also a member of the String Faculties at Bunker Hill Community College and Northern Essex Community College, and he is the String Department Chair at the Concord Conservatory of Music. In addition, he has a large private teaching studio. In the summer, Mr. Valchinov teaches at the Atlantic Music Festival, Colby College, Waterville, Maine and the Youth & Muse Music Festival, Boston. He is the subject of a documentary by Bulgarian national television, and he has been featured on a number of television and radio stations across the U.S. A third generation musician, Dr. Valchinov regularly performs with his wife, violist Dr. Chen Lin, and other family members, and he is a reader at his beloved Orthodox Church in Allston, MA.
IYMC LLC reserves the right to use additional music professionals, evaluators and consultants as required in specialized fields, instruments and traditional musics.
Apply to serve as jury member
We welcome your resume and letter of application and will keep all applications on file. As positions open up, we will draw on applications received on file and be in touch at that point.
Please apply by completing the application form below.
Please apply by completing the application form below.
