As the Chopin Academy of Music concludes its 20th Anniversary Season, we invite our community to a special weekend of concerts and masterclasses—a celebration of artistry, education, and the next generation of exceptional pianists.

This milestone season has brought internationally acclaimed performers, distinguished faculty, and rising artists to the Seattle area. Now, we close the series with a dynamic weekend that captures the heart of what the Academy represents: high-level performance and meaningful musical mentorship.

A Weekend of Piano Masterclasses

In addition to Sunday’s featured concert, the weekend includes three piano masterclasses, offering students and audiences a rare opportunity to experience the artistic process up close.

Masterclasses are a cornerstone of the Chopin Academy’s philosophy—bridging performance and pedagogy, and giving young musicians invaluable insight into interpretation, technique, and musical expression.

These sessions provide:

• Direct interaction between performers and students
• Real-time musical problem-solving and refinement
• A deeper understanding of how great artistry is shaped

Whether participating or observing, masterclasses are among the most inspiring and educational musical experienceswe offer.

Final Concert: Award-Winning Artists

The weekend culminates in a special concert featuring Sean Terada Yang and Cezary Karwowski, two outstanding pianists who represent the next generation of international artists.

Both were top prize winners in the 2024 Seattle International Piano Competition (Collegiate Division):

• Sean Terada Yang — Gold Medal
• Cezary Karwowski — Silver Medal

Their performances promise an afternoon of virtuosity, depth, and compelling musical storytelling, bringing this anniversary season to a powerful close.

Celebrating 20 Years of Musical Excellence

For two decades, the Chopin Academy of Music has been dedicated to cultivating technical mastery, artistic depth, and a lifelong connection to music. Our students have gone on to achieve recognition in competitions, perform on major stages, and develop into thoughtful, expressive musicians.

This anniversary season has been both a reflection on that legacy and a forward-looking celebration of what is still to come.

Event Details

📅 Date: Sunday
🕑 Time: 2:00 PM Concert
📍 Location: Sacred Heart Chapel
Forest Ridge School of the Sacred Heart (Bellevue, WA)

🎟 Admission: $20 at the door
🎓 CAM Students: Free (with up to two accompanying adults)

Join Us for a Weekend of Music

From the interactive energy of the masterclasses to the polished artistry of the final concert, this weekend offers a complete musical experience for students, families, and audiences alike.

We look forward to celebrating this milestone with you.

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As the Chopin Academy of Music approaches the final months of its 20th Anniversary Season, we find ourselves reflecting on what has truly been an exceptional and inspiring year. From guest artist residencies and masterclasses to award-winning student performances and faculty collaborations, this season has highlighted the depth of artistry and commitment that defines our musical community. We’re about more than just music lessons in Issaquah.

While many memorable events have already taken place, several important performances and masterclasses remain — each offering students and audiences the opportunity to experience live artistry at the highest level.

These closing events also serve as an important reminder of what distinguishes a comprehensive music education: not only weekly lessons, but exposure to professional performance, thoughtful repertoire, and the living traditions of classical music.

March 29: Kaminska & Bowlby in Concert

On March 29 at 2:00 PM, Chopin Academy founders Dr. Ivona Kaminska and Dr. Christopher Bowlby present a program centered on the imaginative world of Robert Schumann, one of the most poetic voices of the Romantic era.

A unifying artistic idea behind this program is the concept of the Davidsbündler — an artistic circle envisioned by Schumann representing individuality, imagination, and artistic integrity in response to the musical culture of his time. The program explores this spirit through works that balance introspection, lyricism, and virtuosity.

For students of piano, violin, cello, flute, and chamber music, concerts such as this offer valuable insight into interpretation, tone production, collaboration, and musical structure. Observing professional musicians communicate musical ideas in real time deepens understanding in ways that cannot be replicated through practice alone.

Live performance remains one of the most powerful educational tools available to developing musicians.

April 25–26: Guest Artists, Masterclasses, and the Anniversary Finale

The anniversary season culminates in a concentrated series of guest artist events on April 25 and April 26, offering students multiple opportunities to observe and participate in high-level musical exchange.

On April 25 (4:00–7:00 PM), guest artists Cezary Karwowski and Sean Terada Yang will lead a joint masterclass at the Chopin Academy, providing students with individualized feedback and insight drawn from international performance experience.

On April 26 (11:15 AM–1:15 PM), we welcome Dr. Yi-Yang Chen, Assistant Professor of Piano at the University of Kansas, for an additional masterclass exploring advanced interpretive and technical topics.

Later that afternoon, the 20th Anniversary Concert Series concludes with a guest recital by Cezary Karwowski and Sean Terada Yang, presenting a program that reflects virtuosity, stylistic depth, and artistic individuality.

Together, these events provide a rare opportunity for students to experience multiple artistic perspectives in a short period of time. Exposure to varied interpretive approaches strengthens musical flexibility and deepens understanding of style and technique.

A Year of Artistic Growth

Throughout the academic year, Chopin Academy students have benefited from an unusually rich sequence of artistic experiences — opportunities that support not only technical development, but also musical maturity and confidence.

Serious study of music involves more than learning notes. It involves:

• understanding stylistic traditions
• listening critically
• performing regularly
• engaging with the broader artistic community
• learning from multiple artistic perspectives

These experiences form the foundation of lasting musicianship.

The breadth of activity during this anniversary season has created an environment in which students can connect weekly lesson work with real-world artistic practice.

Looking Ahead

As the 20th Anniversary Season draws to a close, these final events highlight the values that continue to shape the Chopin Academy of Music:

careful teaching, disciplined practice, artistic curiosity, and meaningful engagement with the musical tradition.

We invite students, families, and members of the community to join us for these concluding performances and masterclasses, and to share in the musical dialogue that has defined the Chopin Academy of Music for the past twenty years.

We look forward to continuing this tradition in the years ahead.

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If you’re ready to unlock your full potential, don’t wait—when there is talent, there is no time to waste! Simply fill out our contact form to be placed on the waitlist, indicate your preferred lesson time, and we’ll notify you as soon as an opening becomes available.

Why Choose Chopin Academy of Music?

As a leader in classical music education in Sammamish and Issaquah, we are dedicated to advancing the future of classical music through inspirational teaching and creative expression—one aspiring student at a time. Studies show the demand is booming for high quality private music lessons Here’s why families in Sammamish and Issaquah continue to choose us:

🎵 A Recognized Name in Classical Music Education – Our school has built a legacy of excellence since 2005, helping students achieve their highest musical potential.

🏆 Award-Winning Students – Each year, our students collectively earn over 250 top awards in prestigious music competitions.

📚 Proven Programs for Success – Our unique, results-driven curriculum including our Exam Track Program ensures every student reaches their musical goals.

🎭 Top Performance Venues – Students perform at some of the world’s most prestigious halls, including Carnegie Halland Benaroya Hall.

🎓 Comprehensive Programs – From our Exam Track final certificate to college portfolio music supplement preparation, we offer the tools for future success.

🌟 Exclusive Masterclasses – Students gain invaluable insight from renowned guest artists through regular masterclasses and special events.

…and so much more!

Secure Your Spot Today

With high demand and limited availability, the best way to ensure your place is by joining our priority waitlist. Openings will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis, so don’t miss this opportunity to be part of the most respected classical music education in Sammamish and Issaquah.

📩 Reserve your spot today! Fill out our contact form to join the waitlist, and we’ll keep you updated on upcoming openings.

Your musical journey starts here—don’t wait! 🎶

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A rare Pacific Northwest snow day can be more than just a break from routine—it can be the perfect opportunity for meaningful snow day music practice. For students taking piano lessons, violin lessons, cello lessons, or flute lessons at the Chopin Academy of Music, a quiet winter day at home can become valuable time for listening, reflection, and musical growth.

At the Chopin Academy of Music, we often remind our students that musical progress rarely comes from a single dramatic moment. Instead, it grows from many small sessions of thoughtful practice. A day when schedules slow down can become a gift for musicians who want to deepen their work.

So if you find yourself at home today, consider embracing the moment.

Practice once. Take a break. Have something warm to eat, take a short nap, listen to a recording or two—and then return to practice again.

Whether you study piano, violin, cello, or flute, snow days provide the perfect opportunity to spend extra time with your instrument.

Listening for Inspiration

One of the most powerful ways to improve as a musician is simply to listen to great artists. Hearing master performers interpret the same music you are studying can reveal phrasing, tone, and musical ideas that might not be obvious from the page alone.

For inspiration today, we encourage students to listen to the legendary Martha Argerich performing Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1 with conductor Charles Dutoit. Her electrifying performance is a reminder of how expressive and powerful classical music can be when technique and imagination come together.

After listening, return to your own pieces and experiment. What musical ideas can you bring to your interpretation? How can tone, phrasing, articulation, or timing change the character of a passage?

Snow outside often means quiet inside—perfect conditions for focused listening and thoughtful practice.

Why Consistent Practice Matters

As teachers, we frequently observe that the students who progress most quickly are not necessarily those who practice the longest hours in a single sitting. Instead, the most successful students build consistent habits.

Two thoughtful practice sessions in a day—especially when separated by rest and reflection—can be more effective than one long session.

Snow days offer a natural opportunity to experiment with this rhythm:

• Practice in the morning
• Listen to recordings or study the score
• Rest or enjoy family time
• Return to your instrument in the afternoon

Small adjustments like this can lead to meaningful improvement.

A Reminder for Exam Track Students

For families participating in the Chopin Academy Exam Track, this is also a good moment to review the requirements for the academic year—especially for students hoping to perform in the Honors Recital at Benaroya Hall on June 14.

To be considered for participation, students must complete several program standards under the guidance of their instructor, including:

• Learning representative repertoire from at least three stylistic eras
• Completing the Winter Technical Exam
• Performing from memory in at least three group events (recitals, performance classes, or masterclasses)
• Attending a minimum of two full-length professional CAM anniversary concerts
• Participating in at least two Seattle International Piano Festival (SIPF) festivals

The remaining qualifying festival opportunities this year include:

• April 15 — Classical Viennese Festival International
• June 14 — Virtuoso Artists Festival International

Families are encouraged to check progress regularly with their instructor to ensure students remain on track for spring evaluations.

Upcoming Concerts and Masterclasses

The 20th Anniversary Season of the Chopin Academy of Music continues with several exciting events in the coming months:

• March 29 – Kaminska–Bowlby in Concert – A recital of solo and duo works including music by Schumann.
• April 25 (Afternoon) – Masterclasses at Forest Ridge School of the Sacred Heart with guest artists, Sean Terada Yang and Cezary Karwowski, distinguished laureates of the Seattle International Piano Competition.
• April 26 (Morning) – Guest Masterclass with Dr. Yi-Yang Chen (University of Kansas)
• April 26 (Afternoon) – Concert with Sean Terada Yang and Cezary Karwowski.

These concerts not only celebrate the Academy’s artistic community but also count toward the concert attendance requirement for Exam Track students.

Making the Most of Winter Practice

Snow days will not last forever. Before long, the sun will return to the Pacific Northwest and it will become much harder to stay indoors to practice.

For now, however, the quiet of winter offers musicians something rare: uninterrupted time to think, listen, and practice.

So enjoy the snow, stay warm, and when the moment feels right—sit down with your piano, violin, cello, or flute and make some music.

Your future self will thank you.

The post A Snow Day for Musicians appeared first on Chopin Academy of Music.

If you thought our 20th Anniversary season started strong with Dominic Doutney’s electrifying performance, get ready—the celebration continues with another world-class artist. On Sunday, October 19, 2025 at 2 PM, the Chopin Academy of Music proudly welcomes Sara Davis Buechner, one of North America’s most compelling concert pianists, in a live recital at Sacred Heart Chapel, Forest Ridge School of the Sacred Heart (4800 139th Ave SE, Bellevue).
Free parking is available, and admission is $20 at the door—CAM students attend free with up to two accompanying family members.

A Rare Artist, A Remarkable Career

With performances hailed as “fascinating and astounding virtuosity” (Philippine Star) and “intelligence, integrity and all-encompassing technical prowess” (New York Times), Sara Davis Buechner stands among the foremost pianists of our time. Her artistry has captivated audiences at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Kennedy Center, and the Hollywood Bowl, and she has appeared as soloist with the world’s leading orchestras—from New York and Philadelphia to Tokyo and Shanghai.

A prodigious competition winner, Ms. Buechner earned top honors at the Queen Elisabeth, Leeds, Salzburg, Sydney, and Vienna international piano competitions, as well as the Gold Medal at the Gina Bachauer International Piano Competition. This year, she performed duos by personal invitation from Martha Argerich at the Argerich Festival in Hamburg—an honor reserved for the rarest few.

Sara Davis Buechner’s Program: Impressions from America and France

For this special Sara Davis Buechner piano concert, audiences will enjoy an evocative program titled, “Impressions from America and France,” featuring masterworks of elegance, wit, and color:

• John Alden Carpenter – Diversions (1923): A witty, jazz-tinged suite evoking early American modernism.
• Dana Suesse – The Cocktail Suite (1942): Sparkling vignettes—“Old-Fashioned,” “Champagne,” “Bacardi,” and “Manhattan”—that channel the glamour of 1940s Manhattan.
• Claude Debussy – La Plus Que Lente: A lush waltz that breathes the smoky perfume of Parisian salons.
• Francis Poulenc – Les Soirées de Nazelles: Nine sparkling character sketches that dance between nostalgia and wit—a perfect showcase for Buechner’s lyrical and mercurial touch.

Experience It Live

This concert is not to be missed. To witness Sara Davis Buechner in person is to experience both a virtuoso and a storyteller—one whose performances have been praised for their “thoughtful artistry in the full service of music” (Washington Post).

Online ticket purchases for non-CAM guests (or for additional invited friends and family beyond the two free family members) can be made securely here:
👉 Purchase Tickets Online
Simply show a screenshot of your receipt at will call to receive your ticket.

The Celebration Continues

The 20th Anniversary Season is just beginning. Upcoming highlights include:

• Oct 20 – Sara Davis Buechner Masterclass (2:30–6 PM, CAM)
• Nov 8–9 – Alexandre Dossin Masterclasses
• Nov 23 – Dr. Zeru Wang in Recital
• Jan 25, 2026 – CAM Faculty in Concert
• Mar 1, 2026 – Alumni Recital
• Mar 29, 2026 – Drs. Ivona Kaminska & Christopher Bowlby in Concert
• Apr 25–26, 2026 – Sean Terada Yang & Cezary Karwowski Masterclass and Recital

For CAM students enrolled in Exam Track, attendance at two professional concerts during the anniversary season counts toward the Honors Recital requirement—but we encourage everyone to attend as many as possible. The lessons you’ll gain from hearing artists like Sara Davis Buechner are immeasurable. Live performances can ignite a student’s imagination in ways that lessons and recordings never can.

The post A Legend at the Keyboard: Sara Davis Buechner in Concert appeared first on Chopin Academy of Music.

When families search for piano lessons in Issaquah or Scottsdale, they often focus on the teacher, the program, or the schedule. And that is certainly important. But there is another factor just as crucial to a student’s success: the instrument itself.

At the Chopin Academy of Music, we regularly work with students transitioning from home practice instruments to major concert stages. One of the biggest differences between casual study and serious musical growth is the quality and responsiveness of the piano a student practices on every day.

A piano isn’t simply a tool; it’s a partner in artistry. The touch, tone, and responsiveness of the piano you practice on every day directly influence how a student learns to play, to listen, and ultimately, to express music.

Why Concert Instruments Are So Challenging

Whether studying in our Issaquah location near Seattle or through our expanding Scottsdale programs, students encounter a wide variety of instruments throughout their musical development. Learning to adapt to different piano actions, tones, and acoustics is part of becoming a mature musician. However, students consistently progress more efficiently when their home instrument encourages proper technique rather than limiting it.

Students often discover that performing on a concert grand feels entirely different from practicing at home, and to a parent they can sound very, very different on the stage. Even advanced pianists can be caught off guard by how heavy the action of a fine (or not so fine) concert instrument feels beneath their fingers. There are several reasons for this:

• Even respected halls don’t always have perfect instruments. Many concert pianos have decades of history—what technicians affectionately call “city miles.” Though well-maintained or even rebuilt, time and constant use change how they respond.
• Each concert piano is voiced for its own purpose. Some are bright and penetrating to project over a full orchestra; others are intentionally muted for chamber or vocal work. A pianist must constantly adapt.
• Neglect is common. Many otherwise fine instruments are stored in overly dry halls, exposed to sunlight, or inadequately serviced. Without regular maintenance, even the best pianos lose sensitivity and depth.

So when a young performer finally sits down at one of these instruments, it’s no surprise that it feels foreign—especially if their home piano is light, uneven, or digital. Part of a pianist’s skill set is being able to quickly size up an instrument and adapt on the spot. Still, optimizing a student’s at-home practice situation can be an extremely important part of the equation.

Why Digital Keyboards Don’t Prepare You for the Real Thing

Digital keyboards are convenient, space-saving, and affordable, but they create long-term challenges. In our experience, students who practice exclusively on digital instruments often learn to play with fingers only, never developing the use of arm weight—the fundamental technique that produces tone, color, and contrast on acoustic pianos.

When such students encounter a grand piano, they struggle to project sound or control dynamics. Their tone becomes flat and non-projecting, and no amount of practice on a digital keyboard can replace the tactile feedback of felt hammers, a concert-length lever action, a tension-weighted damper pedal, and soundboard resonance.

A good acoustic piano, on the other hand, trains strength, coordination, and musical sensitivity—skills that carry naturally to the concert stage.

This is one reason families seeking high-level piano lessons in Issaquah and Scottsdale often begin upgrading from entry-level keyboards to acoustic pianos as students advance.

The Problem with Upright Pianos

Even quality vertical pianos can limit a student’s growth. Their actions are inherently lighter and shallower than grands, and with age they lose regulation and tonal balance. The sound grows bright and uneven; keys feel unpredictable; repetition is unwieldy.

This inconsistency forces students to compensate with finger pressure rather than whole-arm motion, resulting in tension and restricted expression. Over time, the instrument itself becomes a barrier to progress.

Building a Better Practice Environment

If you’ve already taken the time and effort to seek out the best piano lessons in Issaquah, you’ve done your research. You’ve found expert faculty, performance opportunities, and an inspiring community. But there’s still one vital question to ask:

Is there more you can do to help your child reach their full potential?

The answer begins at home—with the piano itself.

• Get the best piano you can afford. Reputable brands like Steinway, Yamaha, Kawai, Baldwin, and Mason & Hamlin have earned their reputations through decades of craftsmanship and consistency. At our Issaquah and Scottsdale programs, students frequently encounter professional-quality instruments during masterclasses, recitals, and performance opportunities, making familiarity with a responsive acoustic piano increasingly important as study becomes more advanced.
• Keep your piano voiced and regulated.
  • Regulation ensures every key feels uniform and responsive.
  • Voicing adjusts the shape and density of hammer felts where they strike the strings. Over time, these felts harden and deform, producing harsh tone and limited dynamic range. Proper voicing restores balance and allows a pianist to shape sound—from the softest whisper to the fullest fortissimo.
  • Regular tuning is also key to preserving piano longevity and ensuring tone stays pleasing. Twice a year is recommended for students who practice an hour or more per day. Once per year is a minimum, even if a piano sees less use, ensuring the strings are able to move easily between friction points.
• Heavier and slightly muted is better than light and loud. In the home, pianos naturally sound louder than in concert spaces. A slightly “voiced down” instrument encourages healthy arm use and projection, preparing students for the larger halls where sound must travel.

The “Wait and See” Trap

Many parents say,

“We want to wait and see if my child is really interested before investing in a good piano.”

It’s an understandable sentiment—but one that often leads to missed opportunity. The early years of piano study are when the foundation for proper touch, tone, and technique is formed. Waiting too long can have lasting consequences.

Here’s why the “wait and see” approach rarely works:

• It reinforces poor technique. Students practicing on light keyboards or neglected uprights develop “finger-only” playing habits that are extremely difficult to correct later.
• Critical growth years are lost. By the time a parent commits—often when a child is 13 to 15—schoolwork, sports, and other activities limit practice time. The crucial window for technical development has passed.
• A better piano sustains interest. A responsive, rich-sounding instrument rewards effort and keeps motivation alive. Students stay interested because the piano itself feels inspiring.
• Inferior instruments cause frustration. Sticking keys, squeaky pedals, and uneven tones make it hard to enjoy playing. It’s often not the child’s lack of interest—it’s the piano’s lack of cooperation.
• Delaying often costs more. Parents end up buying twice: first an inadequate instrument, then the one the student really needed. Investing early saves money and years of frustration.
• Confidence comes from control. When a young pianist hears beautiful sound emerge from their own playing, it builds pride and emotional connection—fueling long-term commitment to the instrument.

Rather than waiting to see if a child will be interested, providing a proper piano helps create that very interest.

Buying Smart: Why a Reputable Dealer Matters

A piano purchase is both a musical and financial investment—and, like any investment, it requires informed guidance. Unfortunately, online marketplaces and classified ads are full of pianos that appear fine on the surface but hide costly problems beneath.

Common pitfalls include:

• Gray market pianos—instruments built for climates abroad (especially in Asia) that warp or crack in North American conditions.
• Worn or unstable parts, such as compacted felts, cracked soundboards, or loose tuning pins.
• Structural instability, affecting the case, pedals, or action regulation.

Before purchasing any used piano, always consult a Registered Piano Technician (RPT) certified by the Piano Technicians Guild (www.ptg.org).

At the Chopin Academy of Music, your primary instructor can also advise you on reputable local dealers, technicians, and piano models suitable for your level and goals. We’ve learned from experience—sometimes the hard way—that professional advice makes all the difference.

The Long View

A fine piano isn’t a luxury—it’s the foundation for lasting musical growth. The right instrument cultivates control, expression, and confidence in ways that no digital keyboard or aging upright can match. Many of the finest made instruments collect dust in the drawing rooms of many Northwest elite homes. However, they should really be put to use in the home of a young learner who will benefit from a great piano.

In a vibrant musical community like Issaquah—filled with recitals, competitions, and concert opportunities—owning a responsive, well-maintained piano bridges the gap between home practice and the concert stage.

Families investing in quality music education often discover that the right piano can dramatically influence motivation, confidence, and long-term progress. Whether a student is beginning lessons in Issaquah, preparing for advanced study in Scottsdale, or pursuing serious classical piano training elsewhere, a responsive acoustic instrument remains one of the most important foundations for success.

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