Gulf Coast Steinway Society INC

08/23/2026

Thank you to Isabella for sharing such a beautiful quote and experience with Gulf Coast Steinway Society INC

Isabella Smith - College Level, Winner Contemporary Award, Fairhope AL

‘’Playing in the Gulf Coast Steinway Society Competition XI was an absolute blessing to be able to experience. Not only did the judges offer great critique and feedback for each performance, but the staff and competitors were all extremely supportive and kind. Being able to watch all the performers at Carnegie Hall was truly a wonderful experience. Regardless of only seeing each other for a short period of time, it really felt like we were all a family. I hope to return again next year for Competition XII! Thank you again to the Gulf Coast Steinway Society for allowing me this exciting opportunity! ‘’

Alabama State Council on the Arts Steinway Piano Gallery Spanish Fort University of Mobile - Alabama School of the Arts

08/15/2026

Thank you to Angelina's family for sharing such a beautiful quote and experience with Gulf Coast Steinway Society INC

Angelina Xu Dong-II Place, High School (lower), Auburn, Al

"Performing at Carnegie Hall has always been an unforgettable experience for Angelina, even though she has already had the privilege of performing there more than four times. Each time she steps onto such a famous and historic stage, the experience is still exciting, meaningful, and inspiring. She works very hard to prepare for every performance, and being able to share her music at Carnegie Hall makes all of that effort worthwhile.
Each performance has helped her gain greater confidence as a musician and inspired her to continue challenging herself. She especially enjoys meeting other talented young musicians who share the same passion for music. Standing on the Carnegie Hall stage, performing for an audience, and hearing the applause afterward creates a special memory that she will treasure for the rest of her life.
We are very grateful for these wonderful experiences. Thank you, GCSS, for giving all of the students such an amazing opportunity to perform at Carnegie Hall. It is not only a remarkable musical achievement, but also an experience that encourages them to continue growing, dreaming, and pursuing their love of music."

Xu Dong's Family.

Alabama State Council on the Arts

08/12/2026

Thank you to Sophia’s family for sharing such a beautiful quote and experience with Gulf Coast Steinway Society INC

Sophia Thoma - I Place, Elementary School (lower) Gulf Breeze, FL🎹🏆

“Our family’s Carnegie Hall experience was truly unforgettable. It all began with Sophia competing in the Gulf Coast Steinway Society Competition XI, where earning First Place opened the door to what became a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Watching her perform on the legendary stage at Weill Recital Hall in Carnegie Hall was a dream come true and the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and exceptional guidance from her teachers. We turned the trip into an incredibly fun family adventure, exploring New York City together and creating memories we will cherish forever. The Gulf Coast Steinway Competition is so much more than a competition—it’s an opportunity that inspires young musicians, rewards their perseverance, and gives families the chance to celebrate their children’s achievements in one of the world’s most iconic musical venues. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who made this extraordinary experience possible. “

Thoma Family

Alabama State Council on the ArtsMinds On Music Carnegie Hall

08/10/2026

We are so proud of Bao Phuoc Le, III Place Winner in the College Level of the Gulf Coast Steinway Society Music Competition XI! 🎹🏆

Congratulations on your beautiful and memorable performance at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall!

Roll tide and congratulations to Phuoc Bảo Le on his June 10 performance of Franz Liszt's "La Regata Veneziana" in Carnegie Hall!

Phuoc is a piano student of Dr. Edisher Savitski, and is majoring in chemical engineering. Earlier this spring, he secured his spot on stage in Carnegie Hall when he won the Gulf Coast Steinway Society competition in Mobile, AL.

We are so proud of you Phuoc! ROLL TIDE!

08/05/2026

Thank you to Mrs. Skye Blair for sharing such a heartfelt quote and experience with the Gulf Coast Steinway Society INC !

Maxwell Blair HM - Special Honorable Mention, Elementary School

‘’Dr. Onalbayeva

Thank you so much for gifting Maxwell the incredible opportunity to perform at Carnegie Hall. The evening was truly magical. The venue is beautiful, acoustically awesome, and everything just sparkled. We are so grateful to have witnessed our son perform along with other amazing young musicians in such a prestigious location.

It was not only a celebration for Maxwell but also a challenge and learning experience. He learned to push himself in his practice, balance the nerves of playing in a professional venue, and also pushed through showing up under the weight of grief. My dad’s funeral was three days before our trip to New York. He was a major influence in growing Maxwell’s love for the piano, and was very excited about joining us for our trip to Carnegie. His absence from the trip was so painful. When he realized he would not be there in the seat he had a ticket for, he assured us he would have the best seat in the house.

Watching Maxwell walk onto that stage and perform with confidence, the immense pride and grief I felt was the most beautifully bittersweet moment of my life. Maxwell has definitely walked away from this entire experience with a new found confidence and maturity that will serve him his entire life.

Thank you again to you and the incredible Gulf Coast Steinway Society for this opportunity! ‘’

Skye Blair

Carnegie Hall Alabama State Council on the Arts Steinway Piano Gallery Spanish Fort

08/02/2026

Thank you to Jada and Mrs. Della N Jason Johnson (mom) for sharing such a beautiful quote and experience with GCSS!

My 16-year-old daughter, Jada Johnson, performed at Carnegie Hall on June 10, 2026. She performed her award-winning piece after placing third in the Gulf Coast Steinway Piano Competition. The entire experience was incredible, and she was thrilled to hear other talented students perform beautiful works by some of the world's most iconic composers. After the performance, my daughter said to me,
"Mom, I finally made it. My dream came true! | also made friends with people who play like me. I feel like I belong here!"
Jada has been playing the piano since she was five years old. Throughout the years, she has often been bullied because of her passion for music, her personality, and her character. However, during our three short days in New York, she finally felt like she had found a place where she truly belonged.
I held on to her words and told her, "Jada, keep doing what you're doing. Believe me-you'll be back here again."
Our trip was exciting and fast-paced, but every moment was worth it. Watching Jada in her element, doing what she loves most, filled me with so much pride. She gave an amazing performance, and seeing her dream come true was an unforgettable experience.
Before we left, Jada smiled and said she would do it all over again in a heartbeat!

Jada Johnson - III Place, High School (lower), Mobile, AL

Alabama State Council on the Arts Carnegie Hall

07/31/2026

Congratulations to Minds on Music on your amazing success! This year, five winners proudly represented your studio with outstanding performances and achievements.

Thank you for your continued support, for believing in the Gulf Coast Steinway Society, and for sharing your wonderful quote. We truly appreciate your partnership and your commitment to inspiring and supporting young musicians!

‘’Minds on Music :
In an era of participation trophies, The Gulf Coast Steinway Society Piano Competition stands as a beacon to quality and excellence. It offers our students the opportunity to train with a specific goal and to compete against similarly ambitious students from the surrounding 5 states. With a chance to play Carnegie Hall as a prize, the GCSS Piano Competition truly gets the best out of each competitor. We were so proud to have 5 of our students awarded with the prestigious prize. And, our experience at Carnegie Hall was nothing short of wonderful. To watch our students transform from curious and excited NYC tourists to confident and poised performers was amazing. The Gulf Coast Steinway Society has grandly rewarded the hard work of these top competitors by providing a once in a lifetime opportunity to play in such an iconic venue. It was an experience our students and families will remember forever! ‘’

Thomas and Kelly Koch
Minds On Music, Gulf Breeze, Florida

Minds On Music Carnegie Hall

07/26/2026

Thank you to Seoyeon and his family for sharing such a beautiful quote and experience with GCSS!

‘’I am very grateful for the opportunity to perform at Carnegie Hall. Being able to play on such a prestigious stage was an unforgettable experience. Listening to so many talented pianists inspired me to continue improving and challenging myself. This experience helped me grow not only as a musician but also as a person. I would like to thank the Gulf Coast Steinway Society and everyone who made this opportunity possible!’’

Seoyeon Eun – I place Middle School, Auburn, AL

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‘’As a family, this experience was both inspiring and unforgettable. It was a privilege to witness so many talented young musicians come together to share their passion for music on such a renowned stage. We are deeply thankful for this opportunity and for all of the meaningful memories it created.

We hope you had a safe trip home as well, and we look forward to seeing you and everyone again at next year’s GCSS Music Competition XII.

Wishing you all the best, and thank you for everything.’’

Sincerely,
Eun Family

06/20/2026

We are so excited to announce that the Gulf Coast Steinway Society Competition XII is scheduled for February 13, 2027, at the Alabama School of the Arts, University of Mobile!

The Winners Recital is scheduled for June 2, 2027, at Carnegie Hall in New York City.

More information:
https://gulfcoaststeinwaysociety.org

Contemporary Music Award Required Works:

High School Division
Two Bagatelles — Michael Coleman

College Division
Five Miniatures - Jerry Sieg
• No. 2 – Whisperings
• No. 5 – Sometimes a Mirror

Application Deadline: December 12, 2026

Application information and registration:
https://gulfcoaststeinwaysociety.org/contest%20registration.htm

We look forward to welcoming talented young pianists from across the Gulf Coast region and beyond. See you in 2027! 🎹✨

Photographer Olga Topchii


Alabama State Council on the Arts University of Mobile - Alabama School of the ArtsMinds On Music Piano Gallery Spanish Fort