Author Archives: Sofia Debus

2026 Eisteddfod Strings Adjudicator Award in Violin/ Viola – Junior Years K – 6: Eliora Zerazion, violin
2026 Eisteddfod Strings Adjudicator Award in Violin/ Viola – Senior Years 7 – 12: Alma Kanety, viola
2026 Eisteddfod Strings Adjudicator Award Cello/ Double Bass years K – 6: Ryan Wang, cello
2026 Eisteddfod Strings Adjudicator Award Cello/ Double Bass Years 7 – 12: Jay Gates, cello

1^st place, The New England Championship
1st place,  NE String Championship Open, Perpetual Shield in Memory of Errol Russell
1st place, NE String Championship AMEB Grade 5-6 or Equivalent
1st place, NE String Championship AMEB Grade 4 or Equivalent

1^st place Music Solos, String Solo, Restricted Years K – 6

1st place, Violin or Viola Solo, AMEB Grades 2 & Under or Equivalent
1st place, Violin or Viola Solo, AMEB Grades 5-6 or Equivalent
1st place,  Violin or Viola Solo, Open

1st place, Cello or Double Bass Solo, AMEB Grade 2 & Under or Equivalent
1st place,  Cello or Double Bass Solo, AMEB Grades 3-4 or Equivalent
1st place,  Cello or Double Bass Solo, AMEB Grades 5-6 or Equivalent
1st place,  Cello or Double Bass Solo, Open

1st place, String Solo, Baroque or Classical AMEB Grade 2 & Under or Equivalent
1st place,  String Solo, Baroque or Classical AMEB Grades 5-6 & Under or Equivalent
1st place,  String Solo, Baroque or Classical Open

1st place,  String Solo, Romantic AMEB Grades 2 & Under or Equivalent
1st place, String Solo, Romantic AMEB Grades 5-6 Under or Equivalent
1st place,  String Solo, Romantic Open

1st place,  String Solo, 20^th/ 21^st Century AMEB Grades 3-4 or Equivalent
1st place,  String Solo, 20^th/ 21^st Century AMEB Grades 5-6 or Equivalent
1st place,  String Solo, 20^th/ 21^st Century Open

1st place, Duet on any Stringed Instruments Years K-6
1^st place, Ensemble on any Stringed Instruments Years K – 6, Kip McGrath Educational Services Perpetual Shield

Total number of competitive events entered: 27
Total number of 1^st places: 23

Heartfelt congratulations to Heart Strings Academy student Jay Gates, whose cello journey began right here at the studio — and has now led him to the New England Championship First Place yesterday, competing across multiple instruments against a remarkably strong field.
Jay, this achievement speaks volumes about your dedication, your artistry, and your rare ability to perform at your very best when it matters most. Bravo!

Congratulations, Jay Gates (cello) on a successful audition and offer to the 2026 Australian Chamber Orchestra Academy program.
To be selected for such a nationally competitive and prestigious program reflects your remarkable dedication, and love for the cello. A heartfelt thank you also to Tomoko and Gordon, whose love, support, and countless hours of encouragement have made this moment possible — this is your achievement too.

Warmest congratulations to Raymond Wang (violin) and Misaki Wright (cello) on both being awarded a TAS School Creative Arts Scholarship!  Truly well-deserved recognition of both of your musicianship and dedication!

Today at the AUSTA New England String Festival Concerto Showcase, students from Heart Strings Academy claimed FIRST PLACE IN EVERY COMPETITIVE CATEGORY
1st place Grades 2 – 3: Eliora Zerazion (violin) Curci Concertino in A minor
1st place Grades 4 – 6: William Minter (cello) Goltermann Concerto No. 4 Op. 65
1st Place Grades 7 and above: Jay Gates (cello Kabalevsky Concerto No. 1 in G minor
Warmest Congratulations to Eliora, William, Jay, and all the Heart Strings Academy families and students who performed so memorably. I couldn’t be more proud.