MMW Piano Competition
Music Makers 7th annual piano competition will be held on September 12th
Division 1: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Division 2: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Division 3: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Division 4: 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Division 5: 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Note: Students must warm-up before coming, as they will not be able to warm-up at the studio
Meet the Judges
Susan Martinez
Susan Martinez is a pianist, freelance accompanist, and piano teacher. She grew up in the Midwest and graduated with a Bachelor of Music degree from St. Olaf College (Minnesota) in 1982. After college, she accepted a teaching position at The Anchorage School of Music in Anchorage, Alaska. While she was there, she also earned a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Alaska. Susan became a member of the Music Teachers National Association in 1979 and holds permanent national certification. She has served as pianist for Gilbert Presbyterian Church since 1989. She is also a member of the Arizona State Music Teachers Association and serves on the Board of the East Valley Music Teachers Association.
Hyeongji Choi
Hyeongji Choi is a South Korean pianist, entrepreneur, and educator known for her artistic passion and dynamic performances. Currently pursuing her Doctorate in Piano Performance at Arizona State University, she has showcased her captivating playing in solo recitals and collaborative performances at prestigious venues worldwide. With numerous accolades from competitions.
Chun-Ya Pien
Chun-Ya Pien, originally from Taiwan, is pursuing her Doctor of Musical Arts in Piano
Performance at Arizona State University, where she studies with Dr. Baruch Meir and serves as a
graduate assistant teaching group piano and private lessons. She is also a piano instructor at the
ASU Community Music School. She earned her Bachelor of Music with Honors and Master of
Music in Piano Performance from the University of Iowa under Dr. Ksenia Nosikova, graduating
with High Distinction.
She currently serves as Co-President of the MTNA Collegiate Chapter at Arizona State
University, where she helps lead initiatives that promote music education and community
engagement. Chun-Ya believes that music is a blend of imagination, color, and storytelling,
offering a way to connect with others beyond words. Through her work as a performer, teacher,
and collaborator, she seeks to create musical experiences that inspire curiosity, expression, and
meaningful connection.