Sophia Li, a freshman at Vernon Hills High School in Vernon Hills, Illinois, USA. She studies piano with Mrs. Sueanne Metz. She has also attended master classes given by John Bayless, Sara Davis Buechner, Jon Nakamatsu, and Yuri Slesarev.
Some of her achievements have included:
• 3rd place - 2011 Aloha International Piano Competition
• 1st place and winner in the American Fine Arts Festival. As a result, performed in Carnegie Hall, New York City in 2011.
• 1st place - 2012 Illinois Music Association Memorial Competition
• Winner and finalist in 2012 Illinois Music Teachers Association Piano Competition
• 3rd place in 2013 American Fine Arts Festival International Concerto Competition, and as a result performed with the Kostroma Symphony Orchestra in Russia
• Alternate - 2013 Illinois State Competition for the Music Teachers National Association
• 2nd place - 2014 Louisiana International Piano Competition
• 2nd place – 2014 American Protege International Competition of Romantic Music
• She has also performed in the 32nd Young Steinway Concert Series which took place in Skokie, Illinois
Sophia plays cello in her school orchestra and is an active member of her school’s debate and business team. She also enjoys writing, tennis, and participating in triathlons.