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.

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 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.

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This summer marks a truly momentous occasion for the Chopin Academy of Music (CAM)—our 20th anniversary in the heart of Issaquah, Washington. From our humble beginnings to our evolution into one of the region’s most esteemed institutions for classical music education, we are filled with gratitude as we look back on two decades of artistry, growth, and unforgettable performances.

Whether you’re a current CAM family from Issaquah, a student traveling from Sammamish, or an alumnus who began your musical journey with us years ago, this is a celebration for our entire community.

🎶 A Year-Long Festival of Music and Inspiration

To honor this special 20-year milestone, CAM is preparing a full slate of special events and performances throughout the 2025–2026 academic year. Our goal is to make this anniversary not only a reflection on the past, but a launchpad for the next generation of musicians.

Here’s what you can expect:

• World-renowned guest artists performing exclusive recitals and leading masterclasses for CAM students.

• Opportunities to participate in student recitals at exciting new venues beyond our usual stages.

• Engaging events that unite our music community across Issaquah, Sammamish, and the greater Eastside.

These experiences will give our students access to inspirational performances and hands-on learning that go beyond the classroom. It’s a chance to celebrate not just how far we’ve come, but where our music can take us next.

🎹 A New Instrument for a New Chapter

In honor of this important anniversary, the Chopin Academy of Music has also invested in a brand-new, high-level concert piano that will become the primary instrument of the Chopin Recital Hall. This exceptional instrument will be available for use during:

• Performance classes

• Small recitals

• Special events

Whether you’re performing a polished sonata or presenting a work-in-progress to peers, this new piano will offer an inspiring platform for musical expression. For students from Sammamish and nearby cities who regularly attend classes in Issaquah, this is a meaningful upgrade that enriches every playing opportunity.

📅 Stay Tuned

We’ll be unveiling more details in the coming months—including the names of our featured guest artists, full event schedules, and exciting updates on venues. Be sure to keep an eye on your inbox and follow us on social media so you don’t miss a single note of this year-long celebration.

This 20th anniversary is more than a milestone—it’s a tribute to every student, parent, teacher, and music lover who has been part of the Chopin Academy of Music family. From Issaquah to Sammamish and beyond, thank you for making these past two decades extraordinary. Here’s to the next 20 years of music, inspiration, and excellence.

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At the Chopin Academy of Music, we strive to inspire our students to achieve their fullest potential, and part of that process means seeing and hearing the best musicians in action. After all, how can you know what’s truly possible on your instrument unless you witness a professional, in-the-moment performance? Music lessons and student recitals alone cannot convey the depth of artistry that we, as musicians, strive to achieve. That is why attending live classical music events is not just a luxury—it’s a necessity.

Classical Music is an Endangered Species

It’s alarming to consider, but classical music, in many ways, is endangered. Unlike other forms of entertainment, it requires tremendous support—not just financial backing but also live attendance. Government funding is minimal, and without listeners filling concert halls, classical music simply cannot survive. While technology has made music more accessible than ever, recordings and online streaming platforms like YouTube or Spotify can never replicate the unique energy, emotion, and nuance of a live performance.

Music is a living art. It depends on an active relationship between performers and listeners, which can only exist when you’re sitting in the audience, witnessing it unfold before your eyes and ears. The question is not just about supporting the music financially, but showing up, being present, and participating as an engaged listener.

A Symbiotic Relationship: Performer and Listener

Classical music cannot exist in a vacuum. It relies on a symbiotic relationship between performers, audiences, and the greater artistic community. True artistry doesn’t happen for personal gain or glory, but as a shared experience. It’s not enough to perform for awards or college applications. What gives music its meaning is community support—whether that’s supporting a peer, attending performances, or celebrating those at the top of their field. Without live participation, classical music risks becoming a selfish, isolated activity—far from the communal experience it was meant to be.

Since COVID, we’ve noticed an alarming trend: concert attendance is way down. People have become more insular, more private, seemingly satisfied with online activities from the comfort of their homes. But this trend must change. The COVID pandemic itself was devastating to live music events, with nearly two years during which very little happened. Imagine that—an entire discipline or art form can simply vanish because it ceases to exist. That is how fragile classical music is. If we don’t return to live events, the fabric of our cultural society will slowly unravel. What’s left behind if we cease to actively support and attend live music performances? The truth is that nothing can replace the experience of being there—to hear the rise and fall of a pianist’s dynamics or to feel the swell of a live orchestra. The future of classical music depends on us, and on you.

We know attending live events can be inconvenient. For our students and families in Issaquah and Sammamish, the idea of crossing Lake Washington and traveling to Seattle for a concert can feel like an added burden. Then, there’s homework, sports, and extracurricular activities—things that seem to pile up and leave little time for the arts. But we need to ask ourselves, can anything truly substitute for the experience of attending live music? Classical music is irreplaceable, and as busy as we all are, it’s important to remember that art and music deserve a place in our schedules too.

Last weekend’s Seattle International Piano Competition—an event that was created specifically to inspire our students—saw a disappointingly low turnout from the Chopin Academy of Music community. Only about 3% of our students attended. How often do we get to hear the world’s next generation of piano greats in one place, right in our city? The SIPC was a rare opportunity to witness something truly exceptional, and many missed out. We hope that moving forward, our students will take advantage of such opportunities, not just for personal enjoyment but as a commitment to the art of classical music and to their own growth as musicians.

We invite you, our students and families, to make attending live classical music events a priority. Whether it’s a concert at Benaroya Hall or a piano recital here in the city, it’s time to step outside of our routines and support the very art form that inspires us all. Together, we can keep classical music alive for generations to come.

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The Importance of Live Performance

At CAM, we emphasize the importance of attending live performances for several reasons. First, it allows you to observe professional musicians at the peak of their craft, offering a real-time education that recordings simply cannot provide. Watching a skilled pianist handle challenging passages, interpret complex emotions, and engage with the audience can be incredibly inspiring and informative.

For exam track students, attendance at two professional concerts is a requirement to earn your annual certificate. This requirement isn’t just a checkbox; it’s an integral part of your development as a musician. By attending the SIPC, you fulfill this requirement while being exposed to a wide range of styles, interpretations, and levels of pianistic mastery. Each performance you attend will deepen your understanding of the music you study and help you develop a more nuanced approach to your own playing. Besides, how often do we have the chance to hear the greatest aspiring pianists in one place. I guess we are lucky! We can do that every two years.

Why the SIPC is a Unique Opportunity

The Seattle International Piano Competition is a renowned event that attracts some of the most talented pianists from around the world. This year, the competition features over 250 participants from 17 different countries, each bringing their unique cultural and musical perspectives to the stage. Whether you’re listening to a Youth category finalist who is only a few years older than you, or a seasoned Professional Artist performing a challenging repertoire, you’ll gain insights into the level of dedication and skill required to excel in the world of classical music.

It can be daunting sometimes to cross the water from Issaquah and Sammamish to downtown Seattle, but this year’s SIPC offers an experience that’s well worth the trip. Moreover, the SIPC’s commitment to a 100% blind jury process ensures that the competition is merit-based, with each performance judged solely on its artistic quality. This level of fairness and professionalism is something you should witness firsthand, as it underscores the importance of hard work, authenticity, and the pursuit of excellence—values that are also at the core of your education at CAM.

Participate in the “Audience Favorite” Award

One of the most exciting aspects of attending the SIPC is the opportunity for you and your family to actively participate in the event by helping to elect the “Audience Favorite” in each category. As a member of the audience, your voice matters! This award allows you to support the performers who resonate with you the most, based on their artistry, technique, and emotional connection. It’s a unique way to engage with the competition and feel directly involved in the outcomes, adding an extra layer of excitement to the experience.

The Highlight: Cameron Akioka’s Recital and Awards Ceremony

One of the most anticipated events of the SIPC is the recital by Cameron Akioka, the 2022 President’s Prizewinner. Cameron, a young and dynamic pianist, has been praised for her “impressive aplomb and virtuosity” and has already made significant strides in her career. Her recital on September 22, 2024, will feature works by Schubert, Debussy, and the monumental Bach-Busoni Chaconne, showcasing her versatility and deep musical insight. Even our violin students should find this performance riveting!

Following Cameron’s recital, the festival will transition to the awards ceremony, where the winners of the 2024 competition will be announced. This ceremony is not just about the prizes; it’s a celebration of all the competitors’ hard work, dedication, and passion for music. Attending this event will give you a glimpse into what it takes to compete at an international level and the rewards that come with perseverance and excellence.

The atmosphere will be electric as the names of the laureates are revealed, and the audience shares in the joy and triumph of these remarkable young musicians.

How to Get Involved

As a student of CAM, you are strongly encouraged to attend at least one event of the SIPC. Not only will this help to satisfy your concert attendance requirement, but it will also connect you to a broader musical community. You’ll have the chance to witness history in the making, as some of these young artists will go on to become the leading pianists of their generation. Plus, by attending, you’ll have the opportunity to vote for your favorite performances, making your experience even more interactive and memorable.

While the trek from Sammamish or Issaquah might seem long, the cultural enrichment and inspiration you’ll gain from attending this event will make it more than worthwhile. Tickets for the Seattle International Piano Competition are available now, and we recommend securing your spot as soon as possible. The events are held at Benaroya Hall, a world-class venue that offers an exceptional listening experience.

🎟️ Link to tickets

For any questions regarding your concert attendance requirements or if you need help selecting which events to attend, please feel free to reach out to your instructor.

Don’t miss this chance to be part of a significant cultural event that will inspire you and enrich your musical journey. If you do, you will understand why attending the Seattle International Piano Competition is a must!

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Why did they go? Was it for a Disneyland vacation? A warm getaway? A theme park marathon?

Nope. The Major family went for an entirely different reason. You might all be scratching your heads, but these are the exemplars; the shining quintessence of what every music student should be doing…

They went to hear classical concert pianist, Denis Matsuev, in a live concert.

When first formulating the idea, Attila and Maria Major found the idea of traveling for the sole purpose of attending the concert far from frivolous. Knowing that musicians and composers of the past could only be exposed to great music through live performances, it was fair to believe that it is the best way to experience it. And how right they were!

Their second son, Daniel, one year came home from a lesson with a catchy tune. “Around Halloween time he came back from his piano lesson and tried to play the ‘spooky’ tune often used in Halloween themed commercials and cartoons,” said Daniel’s father.

Recognizing it as the theme from Grieg’s famous work from Peer Gynt, In the Hall of the Mountain King, the Majors began searching YouTube for inspiring performances in order to help Daniel add more spark.

“I found Matsuev perform it and we watched with our mouths open. It gave a tip how to help Daniel to add some color to his simple tune, but also brought up many links to Matsuev’s other performances of Prokofiev and Rachmaninoff piano concertos that I am a fan of.”

They were hooked, and quickly became a fan of the acclaimed Russian pianist as well. That prompted Atilla and Maria to check Matsuev’s performing schedule, which unfortunately did not include Seattle among its performance centers.

“Santa, though, could arrange him to come to California in January and got tickets for us, so we used the opportunity and flew down to sunny LA for the recital,” Attila said. “The boys enjoyed it a lot, they loved the preparations, dressing up for the event and the growing excitement up until the minute the recital started.”

They enjoyed solo piano works by Schumann, Tchaikovsky, Stravinsky during the recital, and a slew of encores, including some jazz selections.

“Watching a virtuoso is a perfect presentation that piano is played not only with the fingers, but from head to toes and the kids were amazed.”

It is exciting and inspiring to see a family place so much importance in music. It is now easy to see from where the boys derive their musical intuition and keep passionate about their piano playing. Lessons alone cannot sustain such fervor. Such experiences also provide a means for families to come together to form tighter bonds.

We salute the Majors, and encourage every family to make it a point to regularly try to attend a live classical concert.

Thank you for the wonderful story, Attila & Maria!

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We wish to thank the parents of our students for their support and devotion, and congratulate the hard work of our students. Although we’re not at the end of the year quite yet, itʼs been an eventful year. 2014-15 brought even more performing opportunities and guest artists and teachers to the CAM. As summer approaches, itʼs a great time to look back and reflect on how far we have come since September. Give yourselves a pat on the back.

some of our students and faculty during the CAM’s 2015 Honors Concert at Benaroya

On Sunday, May 3, high achieving performers of the Chopin Academy of Music gave their annual Honors Recital at Illsley Ball Nordstrom Recital Hall at Benaroya Hall. As organizers and instructors, it’s amazing to see how far we have come in ten years of the Academy…students performing frequently at over 8 local venues, including Benaroya Hall, Meydenbauer Center, Frye Art Museum, Seattle Art Museum, the University of Washington, among many others, students playing during Hurricane Sandy at Weill Hall at Carnegie Hall, students performing at Salle Cortot in Paris, as well as scores of top awards at festivals and competitions each year (we’ve lost count at well over 350 awards and counting), not to mention the start to a lifelong journey and love of music for hundreds of talented students. We are staggered by the accomplishments of our instructors and students.

Thank you all for making our first ten years remarkable!

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The only group of teachers who actively promotes students by organizing outstanding events, such as our upcoming Benaroya Honors Concert on June 12, is that of the Chopin Academy of Music. Like parents who want the best for their children, we the teachers have caring and guiding spirits, wanting to give these sorts of rare opportunities to our students.

Why should the sparse few of the performing elite only have such opportunities? We have thought for years that the students of the Chopin Academy have some unique opportunities, including the chance to perform at a fantastic venue, on a superbly prepared Steinway D and taste the life of a performer backstage. On June 12, the hard working and ambitious students of the Chopin Academy have precisely that chance.

Professional ushers open the grand hall for guests, parents, and the general audience of this advertised event. The performers await backstage where dressing rooms, a warm-up piano, and areas to monitor the concert in progress over loudspeakers await them. Before walking onstage, each performer is admitted to a dark antechamber with a flickering monitor that shows the hall, lights blazing, and the eager audience. A professional stage manager radios to the coordinator.

“Check,” crackles the radio. “Two more late entrants, and then we’ll close the doors.”

The stage manager waits for final confirmation, dims the house lights, and brings the stage lights to full, signaling to the audience that the concert has commenced.

The grand door opens, and the young performer walks into the full light into the clamor of applause.

These are exciting memorable events that can shape a developing musician. If music is important, why shouldn’t they get a taste of the sort of life actual professionals experience every time they step onto stage?

If you think this all sounds great, it pales by comparison of what the CAM faculty are cooking up for students in 2012…You can also check out the list of the best events in Austin.

A Few More Words

This is not just an artistic gala event, it’s also educational, both for performers and audience. Like a professional, the performers passing the audition for this event should be dressed appropriately… You just don’t see Zimmerman or Ashkenazy wearing sneakers and jeans when they step onto stage. It is a spectacle, to some degree, but dressing up also is a proper way to display one’s respect for the art.

As there will be lots of performers at this event, and it will be long, audience members may need to come and go during the actual performance. This only should take place between performers during applause. Getting up during a performance is highly distracting to the performer.

Video recorders and photography is strictly prohibited during professional concerts. Of course, parents and friends will have permission for this event from the staff of Benaroya Hall. However, there are some important reminders about their use.

The staff will approach anyone setting up tripods in any areas where people need to walk. Flash must absolutely be disabled. Often, recorders and cameras have noisy “bings”, “twangs”, “clicks”, and “gongs”. Turn these things off! They are highly distracting not only to the performer, but to the audience member who is trying to enjoy the concert.

Please also record only your own child! You can record other performers as well, if — and only if — you have permission from his or her parents.

If you have young ones, please do not sit at the front row. Although that’s fun for the little ones, it’s distracting; and if there is a sudden outburst (because it will be a long concert), it’s best to be sitting close to an exit.

Let’s have fun and please help us make the 2011 Honors Concert memorable!

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