Keys to Success Music Competition
2024 Holiday Season Competition Results
8 Years Old & Under
First Place
Kaia Cruz
Kaia Cruz, a vibrant 7-year-old from Kirkland, WA, has a deep passion for singing, songwriting, and dancing. Nine months ago, she began learning piano to complement her vocal talents, approaching her lessons with enthusiasm and dedication. Kaia dreams of one day performing on stage as a singer, and her joyful spirit shines through in her music. Her hard work and commitment promise a bright future as she continues to explore and grow in the world of music.
Second Place
Sanav Rajeev
Sanav, a bright and curious 6-year-old, started his piano journey in July 2024. Deeply inspired by the rich melodies of Indian music, he brings excitement and determination to each lesson. This competition marks an important milestone in his musical path, blending his cultural heritage with his love of learning. With his natural curiosity and dedication, Sanav is on track to explore and embrace the wonders of music from around the world.
Third Place
Olivia Wilson
Olivia began her piano journey in early 2024, quickly discovering her passion for music. She eagerly plays at every opportunity, whether on public pianos or at friends' homes, delighting in sharing her growing skills. With her enthusiasm and dedication, Olivia is building a strong foundation for her future as a promising young musician.
9-10 Years Old
First Place
Sophia Malinkin
Sophia is an emerging pianist who began her musical journey just over three months ago. With a natural love for music and a joyful spirit, she approaches every lesson with enthusiasm, curiosity, and dedication. Despite being new to the piano, Sophia has made remarkable progress, quickly building her technical skills and deepening her appreciation for music. Her passion shines in every piece she plays, and her positive energy makes her a delight to teach. With her talent and determination, Sophia is sure to achieve great things as she continues her musical journey.
Second Place
Talya Zayshlyy
Talya is a budding young musician whose love for music and performing has been evident from a young age. She takes piano lessons twice a week, fully immersing herself in the joy of learning and mastering new compositions. Talya’s enthusiasm for sharing her music shines as she delights her family and friends with heartfelt performances. This marks her first music competition, an exciting step toward her dream of performing for larger audiences. With her dedication and passion, Talya is eager to build her musical skills and accomplish great things in the future.
Third Place
Arshawn Amirtabar
Arshawn is a 9-year-old fourth grader with a strong passion for music and a variety of talents. He began learning piano at the age of 6 and has continued with enthusiasm, always striving to improve. In addition to excelling at piano, Arshawn shines in soccer and basketball, where he demonstrates teamwork and agility. He is also an avid reader and enjoys video games, which foster his creativity and problem-solving skills. Arshawn’s diverse interests and dedication to learning make him a well-rounded and motivated young individual.
11 Years Old & Up
First Place
Frank Murdock
Frank began piano lessons at the age of 7 but paused for 28 years to study engineering, start a family, and grow his career in project management. In September of 2024, he resumed his piano journey, eager to refine his skills and embrace the humility that comes with learning.
Second Place
Maya Varghese
Maya, a 14-year-old high school freshman, began piano at 7 but took a break before reconnecting six months ago. She balances her love for piano with vocal music, having sung in the Tyee Middle School choir and the state honor choir in 2023 and 2024. Maya also enjoys art, reading, and tennis, showcasing her creativity and versatility.
Third Place
Rishi Kotu
Rishi has been studying piano for 4.5 years and is also a skilled French horn player. As a member of his school’s jazz band, he actively contributes to performances while exploring various musical styles and instruments. His passion for music fuels his growth and creativity.
Professional Youth
First Place
Denys Burdeinyi
Denys Burdeinyi is a talented young pianist who began his musical journey at the age of 6. Currently studying in the 8th grade, Denys has established himself as a notable performer, winning numerous prestigious awards, including the Grand Prix and laureate titles in multiple international competitions. In 2020, he was named a Superfinalist of the National Children's Talent Award. Denys' exceptional talent was further recognized in 2023 when he was honored with the Virtuoso of the New Generation award at Hope of a New Generation competition. Denys has performed with renowned chamber orchestras. His dedication to his craft has led him to participate in several international master classes, festivals, and concerts, where he has had the opportunity to refine his skills and gain invaluable experience. His musical repertoire is deeply influenced by composers such as M. Skoryk, J.S. Bach, F. Chopin, and M. Moshkovsky.
Second Place
Sophia Severin
Sophia Severin is an emerging pianist with a strong foundation in music, having been studying piano for four years. Throughout her studies, she has actively participated in numerous school recitals, showcasing her talent and dedication to her craft. Sophia's musical journey has been marked by her impressive achievements, including her participation in the international competition Victory Star, where she was awarded the prestigious Grand Prix, the highest honor of the event. Her passion for music is evident in her quick progress, and her dedication to mastering the piano is matched by her deep appreciation for the art. With her natural talent, enthusiasm, and determination, Sophia is poised for continued success as she advances in her musical career.
Third Place
Snizhana Mudrik
Snizhana Mudrik is a dedicated and passionate pianist who has been honing her craft for over four years. Throughout her musical education, she has consistently participated in numerous school recitals, demonstrating her growing proficiency and commitment to the art of performance. In November 2023, Snizhana marked a significant achievement by competing in the international Victory Star competition, where her exceptional skills earned her the prestigious Grand Prix, the highest award of the event. This recognition highlights not only her technical ability but also her artistic depth. Snizhana’s unwavering dedication to her studies and her continuous pursuit of excellence position her as a promising young talent with a bright future ahead in the world of music.
Other Notable Performances
- Anastasia Bouza - Vocals (8 Years Old & Under)
- Junior Ensemble "Dudarik" - Instrumental Art
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