Keys to Success Music Competition
2025 Holiday Season Competition Results
Violin
Maria Viazovska
First Place
Mariia is a young violinist whose musical journey began at the age of six, inspired by early childhood visits to her grandmother, a music theory teacher. Since starting formal training, she has shown rapid artistic growth and strong technical development. In 2022, Mariia joined the River School Orchestra and chamber ensembles. Recognized for her talent, discipline, and dedication, she approaches each practice and performance with focus, passion, and a strong commitment to excellence.
Meera Narayan
Second Place
Meera is a natural musician with a song always in her heart. She has been singing around the house since before she could speak in full sentences. Since beginning lessons only eight months ago, Meera has embraced the instrument with incredible focus and joy. Her family and teachers are so proud of the swift progress she has made and her blossoming passion for performance.
Hannah Menacherry
Third Place
Hannah Liz Menacherry is a young musician who has been studying the violin for two and a half years, demonstrating consistent progress and growing musical confidence. In addition to her violin studies, she plays the trumpet at school, gaining valuable ensemble experience and developing strong musicianship. Hannah approaches her musical training with enthusiasm and curiosity, showing commitment to learning and exploring multiple instruments.
Vocals (8-11 years old)
Karis Pae
First Place
Karis is a young musician who joined the Seattle Songbird Academy two months ago to further develop her musical skills. With two years of piano study and one year of violin experience, she is now expanding her artistry by adding vocal training to her musical journey.
Anastasia Bouza
Second Place (Tie)
Anastasia is a young musician who enjoys singing and playing the piano. She has been studying both for a little over a year and continues to develop her skills with enthusiasm and dedication.
Allison Chen
Second Place (Tie)
Allison is a young performer whose passion for singing, dancing, and acting brought her to Seattle Songbird Academy four months ago. She has already gained stage experience through a school performance and has two years of piano study, supporting her growing confidence as a well-rounded artist.
Ava Amri
Third Place
Ava joined the Seattle Songbird Academy just three weeks ago and has already completed two lessons, showing remarkable courage and enthusiasm. With big dreams of singing, dancing, and acting on a national level, she is beginning her artistic journey with confidence and ambition.
Vocals (13-18)
Vendula Kocurova
First Place
Vendula Kocurová is a young singer from Ostrava who has been studying at the Primary Art School (ZUŠ) Ostrava Poruba since 2016. She has performed internationally, recorded with Czech Radio, and is an award winner at singing competitions in Moscow, Italy, Malta, and Riga. In 2021, she participated in the Zlatá Pecka music festival alongside renowned opera singer Dagmar Pecková.
Vendula Kocurova,
Matyas Stoch
Second Place
This marks the first duet performance for both musicians, who gained their musical experience at the Primary Art School (ZUŠ) Ostrava Poruba under the guidance of PhDr. MgA. Martin Kajzar, Ph.D., MBA.
Dmytro Mishalkin
Third Place (Tie)
Dmytro has been studying vocal performance since the age of eight. Although he experiences some stage nerves, he has already participated in multiple national and international vocal competitions, demonstrating commitment, perseverance, and a strong passion for performing.
Isabella Burnett-Jones
Third Place (Tie)
Isabella has enjoyed singing from a young age, making it a natural part of her life. She has performed in various school activities and is eager to continue developing her singing career.
Catherine Steinbrecher
Third Place (Tie)
Catherine has pursued her passion for music and acting for over five years, performing in musicals such as Annie and Elf Jr., participating in school and select choirs, taking theater classes, and studying piano for more than five years.
Matyas Stoch
Honorable Mention
Matyáš has been developing his vocal skills since taking a break from his guitar studies. While maintaining a strong interest in sports, he also draws on his earlier experience with guitar and has grown as a singer through dedicated practice and performing with his school band over the past 1.5 years.
Piano (6 & Under)
Natalie Springer
First Place (Tie)
Natalie is only 4 years old and in her first year of piano study. She is exceptionally bright, patient, curious, and excited about learning. Her strong work ethic, remarkable concentration, and maturity far beyond her age set her apart as a truly promising young musician.
Samuel Springer
First Place (Tie)
Sam is a 6-year-old beginner who approaches piano with quiet determination. Though naturally shy, he demonstrates strong persistence and steadily builds confidence through consistent effort, thoughtful practice, and participation in recitals and competitions.
Ariana Mirzaie
Second Place
Ariana is a joyful 5-year-old who loves playing the piano and exploring music. She recently attended piano classes, which further sparked her excitement and love for learning. Ariana grows up in a loving and supportive family that encourages her interests and helps build her confidence and creativity. She is excited to participate in opportunities like this to share her love of music, enjoy performing, and continue growing as a young musician.
Ishaan Ravi
Third Place
Ishaan is 6 years old and bursting with energy and curiosity. He brings playful enthusiasm to every lesson. As he continues to explore the piano, Ishaan is building a joyful and promising connection to music that grows stronger each week.
Piano (Age 7)
Alice Rumeus
First Place
Alice is a beginner musician who started learning the piano eight months ago. She has quickly developed a strong enjoyment for playing and is enthusiastic about continuing her musical journey as she builds her skills and confidence at the instrument.
Daryna Pozdniakova
Second Place
Daryna began her musical journey at the age of six and quickly developed a deep love for the piano. She enjoys exploring new repertoire and is especially drawn to the way music allows her to express creativity and emotion. Highly motivated and enthusiastic, Daryna is excited to continue developing her skills and sharing her music with others.
Sanav Rajeev
Third Place (Tie)
Sanav is an enthusiastic young pianist who began his musical journey at the age of six. With one and a half years of dedicated piano study, he has demonstrated remarkable curiosity, discipline, and passion for learning. Always eager to grow as a musician, Sanav approaches each new challenge with excitement and perseverance, and his love for music continues to deepen with every new experience.
Mark Kolomeiets
Third Place (Tie)
Mark is a seven-year-old musician who is just beginning his musical journey and discovering joy in every step of the process. For his very first music competition, he chose Ukrainian Bell Carol by Mykola Leontovych as a tribute to his Ukrainian heritage and a celebration of the upcoming Christmas season.
Mila Pachevskaya
Honorable Mention
Mila has been studying music for her second year. Every sound is a joy for her, and she finds genuine pleasure in each note she plays, approaching music with sensitivity and enthusiasm. In addition to music, Mila is passionate about playing checkers and has already achieved tournament victories. She especially loves performing and feels confident and happy on stage.
Piano (Age 8)
Murphy Wang
First Place
Murphy is a very talented musician with a strong personality. She brings a cheerful attitude and boundless enthusiasm to every lesson, delighting in practice and eagerly exploring new discoveries on the piano each day. In addition, she is an active member of her school chorus, further nurturing her love for music.
Kaia Cruz
Second Place
Kaia has been studying piano for almost 2 years. She enjoys learning new pieces and developing her skills. She successfully passed her Grade 1 ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music) Performance Exam with Merit. Kaia is excited to continue growing as a musician and sharing her passion for music with others.
Anastasia Bouza
Third Place
Anastasia is a young musician who enjoys singing and playing the piano. She has been studying both for a little over a year and continues to develop her skills with enthusiasm and dedication.
Piano (Age 10)
Arshawn Amirtabar
First Place
Arshawn is a talented young pianist who has performed at various public events across organizations in Washington State. Known for his hard work and confident stage presence, he approaches each performance with dedication and poise. Outside of music, Arshawn enjoys soccer, basketball, reading, and video games, reflecting his wide range of interests and well-rounded personality.
Sahana Mahajan
Second Place
Sahana has been learning to play the piano ever since she was 5 years old. A passionate and proud piano player, she has been working on steadily improving on her skills on increasingly complex pieces. She loves being around music whether it is singing, dancing, acting, listening to music or playing piano. She has performed in many recitals and loves to shine in front of the crowd. She is eager to learn more songs and continue her piano journey.
Thomas Menacherry
Third Place
Thomas is a talented 10-year-old musician who began his piano journey over 3 years ago. He has developed a strong foundation in piano, exploring both technique and expression. In addition to piano, Thomas is also a trumpet player at school, showcasing his versatility and passion for music. His enthusiasm for learning and performing continues to grow as he discovers new ways to express himself through sound.
Talya Zayshlyy
Honorable Mention
Talya loves playing piano and especially enjoys performing for her relatives during holiday gatherings. She received an award for her performance at a school talent show and attends piano lessons with great enthusiasm. Talya’s love for music continues to grow, and she also enjoys writing her own pieces, showcasing both her creativity and talent.
Piano (Age 11)
Sophia Madche
First Place
Sophia is a 10-year-old pianist who began her musical journey just under a year ago. With a bright spirit and a love for learning, she has quickly made progress and enjoys discovering new pieces each week. Sophia brings enthusiasm to every lesson and is excited to continue growing as a young musician.
Sophia Malinkin
Second Place
Sophia is a young and enthusiastic musician with a growing passion for the piano. She enjoys practicing, exploring new techniques, and gaining confidence as a performer. In addition to her piano studies, Sophia plays violin in her school orchestra and pursues gymnastics, showcasing her diverse talents and dedication both in music and athletics.
Adele Bokach
Third Place
Adele is an 11-year-old pianist and a dedicated competitive swimmer. Balancing both music and sports, she brings passion and determination to everything she does. Music makes her happy and gives her a way to express herself creatively. Adele dreams of composing her own music one day and is excited to continue growing as a young musician.
Piano (Ages 12-13)
Miles Nguyen
First Place
Miles is a 13-year-old pianist with a growing passion for music. Dedicated and focused, he enjoys exploring new pieces and developing both his technical skills and musical expression. Miles approaches every lesson and performance with enthusiasm, and he is excited to continue advancing as a young musician.
Tessa Dochez
Second Place
Tessa began playing piano a few years ago and is a very hardworking and advanced pianist who enjoys performing for others. She is also a talented ballerina.
George Menacherry
Third Place
George is a young and dedicated musician who, in addition to piano, has learned the flute and is currently studying the saxophone at school. His curiosity and passion for music continue to grow as he explores new instruments and develops his skills.
Piano (Ages 14-15)
Emily Clark
First Place
Emily is a 15-year-old pianist in her second year of study. She is hardworking and enthusiastic, eager to explore and become familiar with classical music as well as all other musical genres as she embarks on her musical journey.
Maya Varghese
Second Place
Maya, 15, is a high school freshman who began piano at age 7 and returned to it a little over a year ago. She’s passionate about vocal music and has performed in school choirs and the Washington State Honor Choir in 2023, 2024, and 2025. Creative and well-rounded, Maya also enjoys drawing, reading, and playing tennis.
Dmytro Mishalkin
Third Place
Dmytro has been studying piano for his second year. He especially enjoys playing familiar and favorite melodies by ear, which reflects his well-developed musical ear and natural musicality.
Heeyool Shin
Honorable Mention
Heeyool is 14 years old and began studying piano just five months ago. Despite being a new student, he demonstrates excellent focus and dedication in every lesson. Beyond music, Heeyool is a talented track and field athlete and excels in STEM subjects, showing a remarkable balance of athletic, academic, and artistic abilities.
Piano (21 & Up)
Frank Murdock
First Place (Tie)
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.
Victoria Murphy
First Place (Tie)
Victoria Murphy began her piano journey in January of 2025. Originally from Bellevue, Washington, she has found great joy and fulfillment in learning to play the piano. Though still in the early stages of her musical development, Victoria is excited to continue exploring music with enthusiasm and dedication.