FOLSOM — A rising young talent from Folsom has achieved one of the highest honors in youth classical music, as Isabel Feng captured first place at the Music Teachers National Association National Junior Piano Competition this past weekend in Chicago, adding the prestigious Chopin Prize to her growing list of accolades.
Feng, a freshman at Folsom High School, represented California and the Southwest Division at the national finals, where she competed against seven of the top young pianists from across the country—each having advanced through a rigorous, multi-stage selection process. Her performance ultimately earned her the top honor, marking a significant milestone not only in her own musical journey but also for the local arts community.
“I’m incredibly grateful for this experience and opportunity. It means a lot to share my music on a national stage. I especially enjoyed performing and connecting with Chopin. His music feels very personal to me,” Feng told Folsom Times.
The national competition represents the final stage of MTNA’s two-tiered process, which begins with video-based submissions across the country before narrowing to a select group of finalists invited to compete live. Feng had previously secured her place among those elite finalists after advancing through the earlier rounds, a feat that already placed her among the nation’s most promising young musicians.
Her latest victory builds on an already remarkable résumé. Feng has been studying piano for 10 years and trains under Yoshikazu Nagai at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music Pre-College program. She is the first-place winner of numerous competitions, including all three CAPMT California State Competitions and the MTAC Piano Concerto Solo State Competition.
Her international accolades include first prize at the San Jose International Piano Competition, grand prize at the Xinghai Cup National Piano Competition in China, and a top grand prize at the Vancouver International Music Competition across all age divisions.
“I’m very thankful for my teachers and everyone who has supported me along the way, especially my current teacher, Professor Yoshikazu Nagai, as well as my former teachers, Ms. Carol Chuang and pianist Ilana Vered,” Feng added.
Feng made her Carnegie Hall debut at just six years old and has since performed across the United States, Canada, China, and Italy. She made her orchestral debut at age seven with the Folsom Lake College Youth Chamber Orchestra and has gone on to appear as a soloist with Orchestra Virtuosi Brunenses, Orchestra Europa Musica, the Florence Conservatory Orchestra, and Orchestra delle Cento Città.
Her win at the national level now places her among the most accomplished young pianists in the country and earns her recognition at the MTNA National Conference, where winners are traditionally featured in a special concert performance.
The Music Teachers National Association, founded in 1876, is one of the nation’s oldest professional music organizations, supporting more than 15,000 independent and collegiate music educators and promoting excellence in music study and performance.
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