Yamaha Announces 2025 Young Performing Artists Winners
Winners recognized for extraordinary talent and artistry
Yamaha has proudly revealed the 11 winners of this year's Yamaha Young Performing Artists (YYPA) Competition. Created to honor and support exceptional young musicians, this competition emphasizes the diversity and excellence within classical, jazz, and contemporary music. The YYPA program has been instrumental in highlighting the talents of young musicians across the country.
Celebrating Young Musical Talent
"Each of the 2025 Yamaha Young Performing Artists Competition Winners are extraordinarily unique and gifted!" expressed John Wittmann, associate vice president of artist relations. The excitement and fulfillment arise when these gifted musicians unite, showcasing their exceptional skills in front of enthusiastic audiences. This year, they look forward to performing at the Bands of America Summer Camp, a remarkable event scheduled for June, which promises to be a memorable musical experience.
Participants from various disciplines, including brass, wind, string, percussion, and piano, submitted video auditions and supporting materials. Expert evaluators comprised of Yamaha Artists and renowned musicians diligently reviewed each submission to determine the deserving winners.
The 2025 YYPA Winners
The 2025 YYPA Winners:
1. Beneditto Caroccio – Flute – San Francisco Conservatory of Music
2. Ian McEdwards – Clarinet – Oberlin Conservatory of Music
3. Zachary Costello – Saxophone – Eastman School of Music
4. Jonathan Arcangel – Saxophone – University of North Texas
5. Sarah Goldberg – Trombone – The Juilliard School
6. Andrew Kim – Trombone – Michigan State University
7. Kai Gray – Percussion – Eastman School of Music
8. Yukai Yang – Drum Set – Berklee College of Music
9. Gaeun Kim – Cello – The Juilliard School
10. Yanzuo Nicole Liu – Piano – Eastman School of Music
11. Roman Goron – Piano – Shoreline Community College
Honorable Mentions in the YYPA
The 2025 YYPA Honorable Mentions:
1. Joshua Jung – Oboe – Vanderbilt University
2. Harrison Kim – Clarinet – Eastman School of Music
3. Shenghao Wang – Bassoon – The Colburn School
4. Nate Spratford – Saxophone – Vanderbilt University
5. Seowon Kwak – Trumpet – Berklee College of Music
6. Glenn Choe – Percussion – Manhattan School of Music
7. Greyson Geisness – Viola – Interlochen Arts Academy
8. Christopher Yao – Piano – Eastman School of Music
This prestigious YYPA program has been pivotal in connecting Yamaha with gifted young musicians. Over the years, it has recognized more than 300 remarkable talents, many of whom have cultivated successful careers in music performance and education. Previous participants include notable figures such as Leelanee Sterrett from the New York Philharmonic and Paul Cornish, an acclaimed Blue Note artist.
Upcoming Events for Winners
The 2025 winners are set to be treated to an all-expense-paid trip to the YYPA Celebration Weekend, scheduled from June 21 to 24. This splendid event coincides with the esteemed Bands of America Summer Camp, which occurs at Ball State University during late June. The weekend will feature notable artist Michael Dease, a previous YYPA winner, as a special guest, promising an unforgettable experience for all participants.
During the celebration, the winners will have the unique opportunity to perform before a diverse audience and gain substantial media exposure. They will also engage in workshops aimed at jumpstarting their professional journeys in music, benefiting from Yamaha Artist Relations' resources, including high-quality audio and video recordings and performance photography. This experience is designed not just as a recognition but as a springboard into their future careers.
Learn More About YYPA
For more details about the Yamaha Young Performing Artists Program and to explore the achievements of this year’s winners, please visit yamaha.io/YYPA2025.
Contact Information:
Diana Moeck
Yamaha Corporation of America
Public Relations
ABOUT YAMAHA
Yamaha Corporation of America, as the largest subsidiary of the globally recognized Yamaha Corporation based in Japan, is dedicated to nurturing the musical aspirations of individuals through innovative and outstanding musical instruments and products.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Yamaha Young Performing Artists Program?
The Yamaha Young Performing Artists Program recognizes and supports exceptional young musicians across various music genres.
How are the winners selected for the YYPA Competition?
A panel of expert musicians and Yamaha Artists evaluates video auditions and supporting materials submitted by participants.
What are the benefits for 2025 YYPA winners?
Winners receive an all-expense-paid trip to the Celebration Weekend, media exposure, and access to workshops aimed at launching their music careers.
Who has been involved with the YYPA program in the past?
Past winners include notable musicians who have achieved successful careers in performance and education, including members of esteemed orchestras.
What types of instruments are recognized in the competition?
The competition honors talents playing brass, wind, string, percussion instruments, and piano.
