Melody Music Institute Piano Student Visits Japan

Sophia Oliver, a 10-year-old Ridgewood NJ resident recently completed an Aug 16-23 2019 International Student Music Exchange Program in Japan sponsored by The Crescendo International Music Competition.

The Crescendo International Music Competition is the leading United States nonprofit music organization which assists young musicians to develop their music talent. This year over 6000 applications were processed by the organization for participation in regional competitions which were conducted in multiple locations with only the highest scoring first- place winners of a regional competition becoming eligible for the Japan based International Music Student Exchange Program.

Sophia qualified for participation in the International Student Exchange Program after her first-place piano performance at a Nov 25, 2018 Crescendo International Music Competition held at Caldwell University in New Jersey followed by her being awarded a best in age category cash award at the group’s Winners Recital held at Carnegie Hall in New York City on Jan 20, 2019.

As part of the Student Exchange Program, Sophia attended master classes and performances of classical and jazz piano as well as an introduction to the pipe organ. The courseware included the history of classical music and the different performance styles of famous composers. An educational tour of the Hamamatsu Museum of Musical Instrumentation provided a hands-on demonstration of native musical instruments of Europe, Asia, Africa, and the United States.

Additionally, Sophia had the opportunity to perform an individual piano recital of J. Haydn’s Piano Sonata in C major to the invited members and guests that participated in the 2019 International Student Exchange Program.

While in Japan, Sophia toured the cities of Tokyo. Kyoto, and Osaka and visited Mt. Fuji and a Ninja village. Upon walking around the Ginza shopping district Sophia commented “… there are bright neon lights everywhere just like in Times Square in Manhattan….”

At the conclusion of the Student Exchange Program, Sophia visited the Chinese homeland of her maternal grandparents and was welcomed by many aunts, uncles and cousins. After seeing her grandparents, Sophia said “… My grandparents had not seen me since their last visit to New Jersey and both were very happy to learn that I continue to practice my piano every day back home in Ridgewood…”

As she was boarding the flight back to the United States to begin the fifth grade at the Sommerville Elementary School in Ridgewood, Sophia commented “… This was a great learning experience and I am happy that my Mom was able to come and share this incredible journey with me. Japan is small and China is very large but I enjoyed both, and the food in both countries was great…”

Upon returning home, Sophia and her piano teacher, Shelia Huang of the Melody Music Institute received a Certificate of Excellence commending Sophia’s exceptional participation in the International Student Exchange Program.