We are happy to share that our very own alumna Charlotte Jeong has won First Place at the Eleanor B. Nelson Concerto Competition. Charlotte will perform the Vieuxtemps Violin Concerto with the Quincy Symphony Orchestra on April 26 under Maestro Yoichi Udagawa at The Lloyd Hill Performing Art Center.
It has been a very busy and successful season for Charlotte, as she also recently won Second Place at the 2025 New England Conservatory Preparatory School Concerto Competition, was a Runner-Up in the Waltham Philharmonic Concerto Competition, and won the $1,000 Robert E. Brown Scholarship by her performance on the Eleanor Competition.
From her home at WPMA, we are cheering her on alongside her parents, who are beyond proud of her. Charlotte’s mom emphasized that “seeing her take yet another step forward as a performer makes us truly happy and grateful.” She also shared that Charlotte always talks about how important WPMA is for her, as according to Charlotte’s mom, “[WPMA] lessons—especially your guidance on finding her own unique sound—have been incredibly helpful and made a real difference in her preparation.”
The Eleanor B. Nelson Concerto Competition
The Eleanor B. Nelson Concerto Competition is an annual competition where outstanding young musicians get to solo with the Quincy Symphony Orchestra. Winners perform with the orchestra, gaining firsthand experience working and performing with professionals. Over the years, the competition is known for its renowned winners, including artists such as Zlatomir Fung, MacKenzie Melemed, and Claire Lee.
Participating in Concerto Competitions
Participating in concerto competitions and similar classical music competitions can be a meaningful part of a student’s musical growth. Preparing for these events requires weeks or months of focused, intentional practice, helping students develop discipline, patience, and a deeper understanding of their repertoire. Just as importantly, the process teaches young musicians how to manage nerves, perform with confidence, and reflect honestly on their progress. Over time, these experiences can lead to new performance opportunities, mentorship, and increased trajectory in pursuing higher levels of musical study.
About William Pu Music Academy
The William Pu Music Academy is a private, award-winning, conservatory-style music academy in Atlanta. WPMA offers music education programming taught by the finest musicians and pedagogues in all of Georgia. In addition to taking 1-on-1 instrument lessons with highly-trained faculty, students at WPMA study music theory & sight-reading, participate in monthly recitals, studio classes, masterclasses with guest artists, and perform in chamber and orchestra ensembles. Academy students receive a rich and comprehensive music education, supported by a dedicated faculty. In this environment distinguished by its community and learning opportunities, WPMA students frequently compete and succeed in state and nation-wide competitions and auditions. Many academy students go on to study at top conservatories and universities. Learn more about WPMA and previous student achievements at wpmusicacademy.com.
