今年6月，来自 Olga Urick钢琴工作室 的6位学生入选在印第安纳州卡梅尔市举办的卡梅尔国际青少年钢琴比赛（Carmel Klavier International Piano Competition）。
这是全球范围内极具影响力的青少年钢琴赛事之一，来自世界各地的200多名选手通过严格的初选后方可参与角逐。Olga Urick工作室荣幸地成为参赛人数最多的代表团。
由16人组成的团队——学生与家长亦师亦友——连续第二年携手前往，令这场经历不仅仅是比赛，更是心灵的共鸣和成长。一路上，我们相伴作旅，互相鼓励，彰显了我们工作室的核心精神：卓越、团结与温暖。
在这支出色的队伍中有：
- 张恬越（Christin Zhang）及其父母陈平、张杰
- 陈思同（Tony Chen）和母亲张燕琼
- 曾昭曦（Ava Tsang）及其父母朱玉濰、曾冀駿
- 秦秀石（Albert Qin）及其母徐双双
- 兰恒垚（Ellen Lan）及其父兰华
- Subbaiah 家庭成员阿娜（Aarna Subbaiah）与父母 Aparna 和 Goutham，以及来自密尔沃基的亲属
这些家庭是每一份成功背后的“心跳”。任何教养音乐少年者都知，真正的成就不仅是奖杯或名次，而是日常的坚持、创造，更重要的是——那份不计成败的爱与鼓励。父母们在各自事业上努力，也同样一路相伴孩子成长——他们无疑构成了我们工作室的灵魂。
比赛经历
在 Carmel Klavier 比赛中，学生们有幸得到以下评委的现场指导与点评：
- Bruce Brubaker（新英格兰音乐学院）
- Aviram Reichert（首尔国立大学）
- Alexander Shtarkman（皮博迪音乐学院键盘系主任）
- Sookkyung Cho（大谷州立大学）
- Angelin Chang（克利夫兰州立大学，第一位获得格莱美奖的美国华裔钢琴家）
在大师们面前演奏，不仅是挑战，更是极具教育意义的学习机会。参与大师班的每一位学生都收获了宝贵反馈，帮助他们在演奏理解与技术表达上更进一步。
优异成绩
- Albert Qin（11 岁） ——“当代与超越”组别 A2 组第二名
- Tony Chen（12 岁） —— B1 组独奏第一名；“当代与超越”组 B1 组第二名
- Ellen Lan（16 岁） ——高级 B2 组独奏二等奖
- Ava Tsang（11 岁） ——A2 组独奏及“当代与超越”双一等奖
✨ 最高荣誉：Carmel Klavier 国际钢琴比赛“大奖”（Grand Prize） 获奖者为 Ava Tsang（曾昭曦），此大奖为评委会一致选出，自比赛创办 11 年以来首次颁给此年龄段选手，创造历史！
这些学生不仅在本次比赛中表现出色，也在多个本地、州级和国际赛事中屡获佳绩。对他们来说，这些荣誉只是音乐旅程的起点。
学生心声
“今年能进入决赛，多亏 Olga 老师的教导和信任。她认真聆听我们的演出，陪伴在每一步。我真的很幸运能成为她的学生。” ——Ellen Lan
“那句话说得好，‘山外有山，人外有人’。这比赛不仅检验水平，更让我看到更高的目标，也更坚定了追求。同行的 Olga 老师一路支持，让我获益匪浅。” ——Christin Zhang
“参加这样的高水平比赛需要很多投入。这段经历不仅拓宽了我对音乐的认识，也让我变得更加成熟。我很感激Olga老师，她一直给我最好的学习与成长机会！”
—— Ava Tsang
“这次比赛让我有机会演出与成长，真的很有启发。” ——Tony Chen
“Olga 老师将古典基础和创意表达结合得很好，谢谢她的耐心与支持，我们进步显著。” ——Aarna Subbaiah 家长
评委点评
“能在 Carmel Klavier 遇见你们和你学生们，我很高兴！Ava 真幸运有你教导，而且你的教学源自一颗美好的心。恭喜你，Olga！” —— Angelin Chang 博士
“我很喜欢和你学生们一起学习！很明显你的教学正在改变他们的音乐人生。很高兴在这里见到你！” —— Sookkyung Cho 博士
教学理念：从成长出发
Olga Urick 钢琴工作室把比赛看作提升艺术表达的阶梯，而非“攀比之战”。每一次演出，都是漫长旅程中的一瞬——每个音符背后，都有孩子发现自我、表达内心的故事。
这些奖励不是偶然，而是通过指导、一致、勇气与信念所赢得。能带领这些优秀的学生与家庭同行，我由衷感到骄傲——我们来到 Carmel，不只是比赛，更是为了成长。 因此，这次旅程让我们更加清晰：作为艺术家，也作为一个集体，我们一步步更懂自己。
— Olga Urick
创办人兼教师
Olga Urick 钢琴工作室
A Journey of Talent, Dedication, and Community: Olga Urick Piano Studio at the Carmel Klavier International Competition
This June, six students from the Olga Urick Piano Studio were selected to compete at the prestigious Carmel Klavier International Piano Competition for Young Artists in Carmel, Indiana. With over 200 participants from around the world—each selected through a rigorous preliminary round—the event brought together some of the most talented young pianists globally. The Olga Urick Piano Studio was proud to be represented by the largest studio delegation in attendance.
Our group of sixteen—students and their dedicated families—traveled together for the second year in a row, turning this experience into something far beyond a competition. Together, we built memories, cheered each other on, and lived out the values that define our studio: excellence, community, and heart.
Among this remarkable group were:
- Christin Zhang, with her parents Ping Chen and Jay Zhang
- Tony Chen, accompanied by his mother Yanqiong Zhang
- Ava Tsang, with parents Yu Wei Chu and Steve Tsang
- Albert Qin, with his mother Bella Huang
- Ellen Lan, with her father Hua Lan
- Aarna Subbaiah, joined by her parents Aparna and Goutham Subbaiah, and extended family from Milwaukee
These families are the heartbeat behind every success. Anyone raising a young musician knows that real achievement is not just about winning competitions. It’s about daily discipline, creative exploration, and—most of all—the unconditional love and encouragement that keeps a child inspired. These parents lead by example, striving in their own careers and walking alongside their children at every step of this musical path. They are, without doubt, the soul of our Studio Music Family.
The Competition Experience
At Carmel Klavier, students had the rare opportunity to perform for and learn from distinguished judges, including:
- Bruce Brubaker – New England Conservatory
- Aviram Reichert – Seoul National University
- Alexander Shtarkman – Chair of the Keyboard Department at Peabody Conservatory
- Sookkyung Cho – Grand Valley State University
- Angelin Chang – Cleveland State University, The first Chinese American pianist to win a Grammy Award.
Performing before such esteemed artists is not only a test of skill—it’s a profound learning moment. Our students also participated in masterclasses, receiving insightful feedback that deepened their interpretive understanding and technical skill.
Outstanding Results
- Albert Qin (11) – 2nd Place, Contemporary & Beyond, Intermediate A2
- Tony Chen (12) – 1st Place, Solo, Intermediate B1; 2nd Place, Contemporary & Beyond, Intermediate B1
- Ellen Lan (16) – 2nd Place, Solo, Advanced B2
- Ava Tsang (11) – 1st Place, Solo & 1st Place, Contemporary & Beyond, Intermediate A2
✨ And the highest honor: The Grand Prize of the Carmel Klavier International Piano Competition was awarded to Ava Tsang. This special award, unanimously selected by the jury, was given for the first time in the competition’s 11-year history—a historic moment.
All these students hold top places in many local, state, and international competitions. As far as I’m concerned, these awards are only the beginning of their musical journey.
Student Reflections
“This year, I was lucky enough to reach the finals, thanks to Mrs. Olga’s teaching and faith in me. She listened to all our performances and supported us every step of the way. I am so lucky to have her.” — Ellen Lan
“ As a Chinese saying goes, “There’s always a mountain beyond the mountain, and someone stronger beyond the strong.” Instead of discouraging me, it inspired me to push higher and work harder. I listened to many exceptional pianists. Their skill, passion, and stage presence opened my eyes to the level I aspire to reach. Carmel Klavier became more than a competition—it was a classroom. I’m especially grateful to our teacher, Mrs. Olga, who accompanied us and offered support every step of the way.”— Christin Zhang
“Participating in this large-scale competition required dedication. This experience not only expanded my knowledge of music but also made me a better person. I am really grateful for having a wonderful and supportive teacher, Ms. Olga, who always gives me the best opportunities to learn and grow!”— Ava Tsang
“Thank you, Ms. Olga! I really appreciate you helping me participate in the Carmel competition, and for helping me win second place! It wasn’t just about the competition, but also the amazing experience I had there. All these years of playing piano have really taken me a long way.” —Albert Qin
“I’m thankful for the chance to perform and grow. This experience was inspiring.” — Tony Chen
“Miss Olga blends classical foundations with creative expression. Thanks to her structure, passion, and support, we’ve seen remarkable progress.” — Aarna Subbaiah’s parent
Faculty/Adjudicator Reflections
Olga, wonderful to meet with you at Carmel Klavier! Ava is so fortunate to have you as a teacher along with your other students I was so happy to discover. It shows that your teaching and dedication comes from a very good and beautiful heart. Congratulations, Olga!
— Dr. Angelin Chang
I’ve enjoyed working with your students very much! It’s obvious your teaching is making such a difference in their lives. Great to meet you here!
— Dr.Sookkyung Cho
Teaching Philosophy Rooted in Growth
At Olga Urick Piano Studio, we see competitions as stepping stones—opportunities to deepen artistry, not battlefields for ego. Each performance is a snapshot of a longer, richer journey. Behind every polished note is a story of discovery, of a child learning to find their voice.
These results are not random; they are earned—through mentorship, consistency, courage, and belief.
I couldn’t be prouder of this incredible group of young musicians and their families. We came to Carmel not only to compete, but to grow. And in doing so, we discovered more about who we are—both as artists and as a studio family.
— Olga Urick
Founder and Teacher, Olga Urick Piano Studio