Celebrating Talent at the San Diego Young Protégé Music Competition

The San Diego Young Protégé Music Competition stood as a vibrant celebration of dedication, artistry, and youthful talent on April 26 at K&M Music School. Presented by the California Association of Professional Music Teachers (CAPMT)—a regional branch of the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA)—this event brought together some of the most promising young musicians in the community.

Established in 2016, the competition has grown into an important platform where students of all levels—from beginners to advanced performers—can challenge themselves through both performance and composition. With divisions spanning keyboard, strings, voice, winds, and more, the event reflects a comprehensive vision of musical development.

Our happy moment

🌟 A Studio’s Remarkable Achievement

This year, the studio’s results were nothing short of extraordinary. Students not only participated—they excelled across multiple categories, demonstrating both technical strength and expressive depth.

We did it again!

• Mia Zhang earned 3rd Place in Category A (Age 9 and Under), standing out as one of the youngest competitors with confidence and musical sensitivity.

• Wesley Yang captured 1st Place in Category B (Ages 10–12) with a performance that combined clarity, control, and artistic maturity.

• Dheeya Khilnani and Emilia Juarez received Honorable Mention in both Category B (10–12) and Category C (13–15)—a testament to her versatility and consistent musicianship across levels.

My handsome and talented composition students

In the composition division, creativity flourished:

• Jacob Wu — 1st Place

• Daniel Wang — 2nd Place

• Amartya Paul — 3rd Place

Professional Adjudication

The artistic evaluation of students was carried out by respected adjudicators:

• Carol Seefeldt – Performance Division

• Dr. Victor Labenske – Composition Division

Their feedback provides valuable guidance, helping students grow in both technical skill and musical expression.

🎶 Beyond the Awards: True Musicianship

While the results were impressive, what truly defined the day was the quality of performance. Each student demonstrated:

• Clear, intentional phrasing

• Beautiful tone and sound production

• Strong technical command

• A deep, artistic understanding of the music

Every piece was performed with care and expression, showing not just preparation, but genuine connection to the music.

First place winners

💛 Community, Support, and Gratitude

Behind every successful performance was a network of support. Parents played a crucial role making this event memorable and full of positive vibes.

The San Diego Young Protégé Music Competition is not only a showcase of student talent, but also a collaborative effort supported by a dedicated community of teachers, adjudicators, and volunteers. Held at K&M Music School and presented by the California Association of Professional Music Teachers (CAPMT) the event reflects a strong commitment to nurturing young musicians.