W.E. Music Academy

🎹 Congratulations | ABRSM Grade 4 Piano Performance Distinction (138/150)

We are delighted to celebrate our student‘s outstanding achievement in the ABRSM Piano Performance Grade 4 examination, earning a Distinction with an impressive score of 138/150.

Even more exciting, this was the student’s second ABRSM examination within just four months. Advancing from Grade 2 to Grade 4 in such a short period of time—and achieving a Distinction at this level—reflects remarkable dedication, consistent practice habits, and meaningful musical growth.

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ABRSM is one of the world‘s most respected music examination systems, assessing not only technical proficiency but also musical understanding, stylistic awareness, and overall performance quality.

In this examination, the student presented four contrasting pieces and received excellent feedback from the examiner:

🎼 Sonata in G – 27/30
🎼 Sunsets in Savannah – 28/30
🎼 Danse du cocher – 28/30
🎼 Haydn: Minuet and Trio – 28/30

🎶 Performance as a whole – 27/30

Final Result: Distinction – 138/150

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Behind every achievement are countless hours of practice, the support of family, and dedicated guidance from teachers.

From building a strong technical foundation to developing musical expression and artistry, growth happens one step at a time.

In just four months, this student progressed from Grade 2 to Grade 4—not simply a leap in levels, but a testament to perseverance, commitment, and continuous growth.

Congratulations once again on this wonderful accomplishment. We look forward to many more musical milestones ahead! ✨

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📍W.E. Music Academy
📍Piano / Violin / Guitar Programs
📍ABRSM Exams / Competitions / Performance Opportunities

Feel free to reach out for more information ✉️

Eight hours. Six recitals. One unforgettable day of music.

On May 16, W.E. Music Academy celebrated our 2026 Annual Student Recital, featuring students of all ages — from our youngest 3-year-old performers to adult students who are parents themselves.

Throughout the day, we heard classical guitar, violin, viola, cello, double bass, flute, saxophone, ukulele, voice, piano, guzheng, bamboo flute, and more.

From solos and duets to student ensembles, vocal groups, and parent-child performances, the recital showed the many ways music can bring people together.

We are incredibly proud of every student who performed, and grateful to our teachers and families for their support.

WE make music together!

🎶 Summer Music Journey Begins

We are excited to share that Lucas will be attending the
Frost Summer Experience Instrumental Intensive Program at the
University of Miami Frost School of Music this summer.

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Frost School of Music is one of the leading music schools in the United States,
and its Summer Intensive program brings together young musicians from different backgrounds for an immersive musical experience.

The program includes:

▪️ Professional coaching
▪️ Performance classes
▪️ Chamber / ensemble activities
▪️ Collaboration with faculty and students

More importantly,
it provides students with the opportunity to grow within a high-level musical environment.

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In the email, the program faculty shared:

✨ “I will see Lucas everyday during the camp…”
✨ “I know he will gain so much from this experience…”

For young musicians,
experiences like this are more than just a summer program —
they are meaningful steps into the professional music world.

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From the studio to larger stages,
growth happens one step at a time.

This is exactly the kind of journey we hope to support for our students.

🎶

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📍W.E. Music Academy
📍Guitar / Violin / Comprehensive Music Training
📍Performance / Competition / Summer Program Opportunities

Feel free to reach out ✉️

🎻🌞 Summer Camp Spotlight: Violin Program
Looking for a beautiful and expressive instrument for your child to explore this summer? ✨
👩‍🏫 Instructor: Sarah
✔️ B.M. in Music Education, University of Georgia
✔️ Certified Suzuki Violin Teacher (Books 1–8)
✔️ Member of ARCO Chamber Orchestra
🌟 Experienced in both classical violin and traditional Irish fiddle
🌟 Performer and competitor in international Irish music events
🎶 What students will learn:
✔️ Violin fundamentals & posture
✔️ Rhythm, intonation & musical expression
✔️ Confidence through performance & creativity
📅 June 22–26 | 9:00 AM–12:00 PM
📍 W.E. Music Academy
🎶 Learning materials provided
👉 A fun and inspiring introduction to violin!
📞 470-529-3096

On May 16, W.E Music Academy will present its 2026 Annual Student Recital.

This event marks an important milestone for our students —
a moment to reflect their progress and growth through music.

From solo performances to ensemble works,
students of all levels will take the stage and share what they have developed over the past year.

At W.E Music Academy, we believe music education goes beyond technique —
it builds focus, expression, and confidence.

We warmly invite families and friends to join us and witness this meaningful moment.

Date: May 16, 2026 | 1:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Johns Creek United Methodist Church
11180 Medlock Bridge Rd, Johns Creek, GA 30097
Free admission, open to the public

🎻 Faculty Spotlight | Welcome Violin Instructor Mingyang Gao to W.E. Music! 🎉

We are excited to welcome Mingyang Gao to the W.E. Music faculty! Mingyang is an accomplished violinist, chamber musician, and educator with extensive performance and teaching experience.

🌟 About Mingyang
Mingyang holds both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Violin Performance from the Central Conservatory of Music. She is currently a Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) candidate on full scholarship at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, where she studies with renowned pedagogue Prof. Kurt Sassmannshaus and serves as his teaching assistant.

🌟 Performance Experience
Mingyang has performed with major orchestras including:

Beijing Symphony Orchestra
National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) Orchestra
China National Ballet Symphony Orchestra
Suzhou Symphony Orchestra

She is currently a guest violinist with the Atlanta Opera.

🌟 Teaching Experience
With over 10 years of teaching experience, Mingyang works with students of all levels, from beginners to advanced players preparing for auditions and competitions.

🌟 Teaching Philosophy
Mingyang emphasizes strong technical foundations while nurturing musical expression and confidence. She tailors her teaching to each student’s needs, helping them grow steadily both technically and artistically.

🎶 We are thrilled to have Mingyang join W.E. Music and look forward to the inspiration she will bring to our students!

🎶 Concert Recap | Orange County Guitar Circle

On one of the most recognized stages in the Southern California classical guitar community—
on April 18th, the Orange County Guitar Circle (OCGC) presented its final Featured Artist Concert of the season.

🎻🎸 W.E. Duo (Violin & Guitar)
formed by guitarist Erdong Li and violinist Weiru Sheng from our academy,
was invited to perform on this distinguished stage.

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Founded in 1967,
OCGC is one of the longest-standing classical guitar organizations in the United States.
Its Featured Artist Series regularly presents professional musicians from around the world
and plays an important role in the Southern California guitar community.

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🎸🎻 W.E. Duo

Active across the U.S. and China,
the duo has been invited to perform in major concert halls, international festivals, and professional events.

▪️ Shenzhen Grand Theater / Beijing Music platforms
▪️ Liaoning International Guitar Festival / CSU Guitar Symposium
▪️ Annual touring performances

Their debut album History of Tango
received a Silver Medal at the Global Music Awards.

Italian guitarist Lorenzo Micheli commented:
✨ “They will be one of the major voices in chamber music in the future.”

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From the classroom to the concert stage,
this is not only about teaching,
but also about ongoing professional performance and artistic practice.

This is what we have always been committed to.

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📍W.E. Music Academy
📍Guitar & Violin Programs
📍Performance / Competition / Ensemble Opportunities

Feel free to reach out ✉️

🎉 Highlights | GMTA State Auditions 🎻🎸

We are proud to share that our students achieved excellent results at the
Georgia Music Teachers Association State Auditions (Strings / Guitar Division):

🏅 Zoya — Honorable Mention (Grade K–1)
🏅 Nathan — Award of Excellence (Grade 2–3)
🏅 Vanessa — Honorable Mention (Grade 2–3)
🏅 Diane — Award of Excellence (Grade 4–5)

👏👏👏

The GMTA State Auditions are one of the most recognized evaluation systems in Georgia,
bringing together students across the state and grouping them by grade level.

The auditions emphasize:

▪️ Structured, grade-based evaluation
▪️ Professional adjudication with written feedback
▪️ Comprehensive assessment of technique and repertoire
▪️ Musicality, control, and overall performance

Award levels include:
🏆 Outstanding Performer (highest distinction)
🥈 Award of Excellence
🥉 Honorable Mention

Being recognized in the GMTA system reflects not only performance ability,
but also long-term dedication and consistent growth 💪

From practice rooms to the stage,
every step of progress matters.

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At W.E. Music Academy,
we believe music education goes beyond technique—
it’s about understanding, expression, and growth.

📍 Strings & Guitar Programs in Johns Creek
📍 Private & Group Lessons
📍 Exams / Competitions / Performance Opportunities

Feel free to reach out for more information ✉️

🎉 Highlights | Cambridge Guitar Competition 🎸

At this year’s Cambridge Guitar Competition,
students of Mr. Li achieved outstanding results:

🥇 Nora — 1st Place (Elementary Division)
🥈 Yuanwei — 2nd Place (Elementary Division)
🥉 Ary — 3rd Place (Elementary Division)
🏆 Sweeping the top 3 places in the division

🥉 Justin — 3rd Place (High School Division)

👏👏👏

This is a locally organized classical guitar competition with a high level of professionalism and rigorous standards:

▪️ Perform two contrasting pieces (from different styles/periods)
▪️ Relatively long performance duration, requiring stamina and consistency
▪️ Fully memorized, unaccompanied solo performance
▪️ Judged by professional classical guitar faculty

The evaluation goes beyond technique—
with strong emphasis on musical expression, stage presence, and repertoire choice.

Achieving these results is not just about short-term preparation,
but a reflection of long-term training and teaching philosophy 💪

From the classroom to the stage,
it’s incredibly rewarding to see students grow step by step—
gaining confidence, focus, and their own voice through music 🎶

At W.E. Music Academy,
we believe music is more than technique—
it’s a journey of growth and lifelong learning.

📍 Guitar Programs in Johns Creek
📍 Private & Group Lessons
📍 Competition / Performance / Ensemble Opportunities

Feel free to reach out for more information ✉️

From her very first encounter with the guzheng to performing on an international competition stage,
every step of Hannah’s journey has taken dedication and perseverance.

This time, she performed “The Walker” (行者)—an advanced-level repertoire—
not only demonstrating technical mastery,
but also expressing a sense of calm strength and musical maturity that is truly her own.

Hannah is not only an outstanding individual student,
but also a member of the Magic Eastern Ensemble Youth Group,
growing through rehearsals and performances with each opportunity.

Music is never just about technique—
it reflects one’s discipline, focus, and commitment over time.

Watching a student grow step by step to this point
is more meaningful than any result.

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At W.E. Music Academy,
we do more than teach pieces.
We help each student find their own voice,
and build the confidence and ability to perform on stage.

📍 Guzheng & Dizi lessons in Atlanta
📍 Private & group classes
📍 Performance / competition / ensemble opportunities

If you’d like your child to truly grow through music,
feel free to DM us for more information ✨