HAPPENING
@ New Music School
Constantine Wang — 1st Prize
Constantine Wang (13), student of Winston Choi, won First Prize in the Junior Category of the American Protégé International Piano & Strings Competition 2026. He will be performing in Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall in June. Additionally, as the winner of the GOLD HANDS of the Carles and Sofia Piano Competition, he has been invited to perform in Spain this summer. He also recently performed in the Intermediate Piano Master Class with Nancy O’Neill Breth at the 2026 MTNA National Conference.
NMS Students at the 2026 Chicago Area Music Teacher’s Association Sonata Festival — Placements
Many NMS students received Honors at the 2026 Chicago Area Music Teacher’s Association Sonata Festival.
Beatrice Valenzuela - Semifinalist
Congratulations to Beatrice Valenzuela for making it to the Semifinals at the 2026 Sphinx Competition. Beatrice will compete Thursday AM. We are all wishing her the best of luck!!
Beatrice is a student of Desirée Ruhstrat & Timothy Hager at New Music School and is in the House of Beethoven (Level 3-College Preparatory).
Beatrice Valenzuela - 3rd Place
NMS violinist, Beatrice Valenzuela (13) received 3rd place in the 2024 Sejong Music Competition - Junior Division. Beatrice is a student of Desirée Ruhstrat and Timothy Hager at New Music School and in the House of Beethoven (Level III - College Preparatory Expectations).

