Students

“To me, being number one means I want to be my best. After a certain time, you realize that being number one in a competition or at school is only conditional – there are other number ones at other places and times. So it has more to do with my own standards and thoughts.” – Lang Lang

Araxie Altounian’s students have won numerous prizes and scholarships at various local and provincial festivals and competitions, and Regional Gold Medals (previously called Silver Medals) in RCM examinations (highest provincial mark).

Past students include several RCM graduates. Some have been accepted into professional music programs at the Bloomington University (Indiana), and Wilfrid Laurier University. Career musicians include music teachers and a music therapist.

Highlights from the Studio

Emily Zhang:

Recipient of the Regional Gold Medal, RCM Grade 6 piano examinations, 2014.

Adrian Yip:

Bach Trophy, Yips Music Festival (2013)
Arts Richmond Hill Music Festival, Excellence in Piano, Level 8 (2011)

Arthur Tang:

First Place, Ontario Music Festivals Association, Provincial Finals, Piano Diploma level (2012)
French Music Trophy, Markham Music Festival (2011)
Liszt Trophy, Markham Music Festival (2011)
Silver Medal, RCM Grade 10 piano examinations (2010)
Silver Medal, RCM Grade 7 piano examinations (2007)
Kiwanis Club of Toronto Foundation – Bert Gould Scholarship (2012)
Piano Excellence Award, York Region Music Celebration Festival (2011)
Founder’s Award for Excellence from Mrs. Agnes Chan Wong, and Harknett Music Special Merit Award, Arts Richmond Hill Music Festival (2011)
Markham Music Festival, Best of Levels 7 (2006), 8 (2007), 9 (2008), 10 (2010), ARCT (Most Promising Trophy 2012)

Amy Peng:

Excellence in Piano, Arts Richmond Hill Music Festival, Levels 4 (2011) 6 (2012), 8 (2013)

Cathlin Han:

Markham Music Festival, Best of Level 6 Award, (2012); Arts Richmond Hill Music Festival, Excellence in Piano, Level 7, (2012)

Miranda Yi:

Yip’s Music Festival, Best of Levels 4 (2007), 5 (2008)

Ruby Leung:

Yip’s Music Festival, Best of Level 10 (2004)

Daphne Li:

ORMTA Provincial Student Competition, First Prize (2003).

Master classes with concert pianist Serouj Kradjian:

On October 25, 2009, October 24, 2010, and February 5, 2012, concert pianist and composer Serouj Kradjian visited our studio and gave master classes to some of our students. Both the master classes and the question period that followed turned out to be a most inspiring experience for our young pianists!

ARAXIE ALTOUNIAN

The Students

Highlights from the Studio