CMS Student Jerry Chang Receives YoungArts Award with Distinction for Classical Music

Jerry Chang, a piano student of Zena Ilyashov at the Community Music School of Webster University, is one of the five YoungArts Winners with Distinctions selected nationwide in the Classical Music/Piano Category this year and the only Missouri high school student to win the finalist award in the overall Classical Music category in the past 20 years. 

According to the National Foundation for the Advancement of Artists YoungArts Program website: 

“YoungArts Award with Distinction: The YoungArts Award With Distinction recognizes work that demonstrates exceptional technique; a strong, sophisticated, nuanced, and clear artistic point of view; and a depth of thinking/performance that far exceeds the level of peers at this career stage. Winners at this level are invited to participate in National YoungArts Week and will have their work further evaluated for cash awards of up to $10,000. Award winners with distinction who attend National YoungArts Week and meet the eligibility requirements are also considered for nomination to the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program.”

"As the Director of the Community Music School of Webster University, I extend heartfelt congratulations to Jerry for his outstanding achievement as a YoungArts Winner with Distinction in the Classical Music/Piano category. His dedication and artistry exemplify the exceptional talent we nurture at our school,” said Nicole Springer. “This accomplishment not only recognizes his individual brilliance but also reflects the high caliber of musicianship fostered within our community by dedicated faculty like Jerry’s instructor, Zena Ilyashov. We are immensely proud of Jerry's accomplishment and look forward to witnessing his continued success.”

To learn more about the award, read the National Foundation for the Advancement of Artists YoungArt program press release.