In 2026, sdpa students took all three top spots in the Under-18 division at the MTAC Southern Regional, the largest competition stage in Southern California.
2026 Chopin Festival, SDPA faculty and their students won 17 of the 35 prizes.
Chetan Tierra ran his first MTAC State Finals as Southern California Chair, reconnecting with his own teacher from ages 12 to 18 along the way. Read about the standout performances, including his student Luna Lee's second-place finish, and what the event has meant to him since he won it himself at 18.
sdpa students swept all three top prizes in the 15-18 category at the Southern California State Concerto Competition. Read how Luna Lee's win sets up a full-circle final against a student of her teacher's own mentor.
