Minds On Music® is honored to announce that five of its talented students have earned honors at the Gulf Coast Steinway Society Music Competition XI — a prestigious regional competition featuring young musicians from five states — and will perform at the prestigious Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall in New York City on Wednesday, June 10th at 7:00 PM.
Sophia Thoma, 8, of Gulf Breeze, won I (1st place) in the Elementary Category (Lower). Sophia studies piano at Minds On Music® with Madeline Gonzales and previously with Susanna Ivy. She enjoys reading Harry Potter, drawing, Minecraft building, ballet, tap, and tennis.
Tripp Tapley, 7, of Gulf Breeze, placed II (2nd place) in the Elementary Category (Lower). Tripp has studied piano for two years at Minds On Music®. Music runs deep in his family—his great-grandfather, Dr. Witold Turkiewicz, was a classical pianist who taught generations of musicians. He has one sister, Charlotte. Tripp studies with teacher Marc Marquis.
Tony Grey Aninon, 11, of Navarre, placed III (3rd place) in the Elementary Category (Upper). A fifth-grade student at Florida Virtual School, Tony began studying piano at Minds On Music® at age six. In 2024, he had the distinguished opportunity to perform at Carnegie Hall. An avid reader, Tony proudly considers himself a Potterhead. Tony studies with teachers Susanna Ivy and Marc Marquis.
Dominick Bianchi, 8, of Gulf Breeze, earned III (3rd place) in the Elementary Category (Lower). A second-grade student, Dominick has studied piano at Minds On Music® for three years. In his first year of competition, he has already won two awards, including this third-place honor from the Gulf Coast Steinway Society. He enjoys reading, sailing, building with Legos, and playing basketball and club soccer. Dominick studies with teacher Ina Yefimov.
Joseph Ahearn, 10, of Gulf Breeze, received a Special Honorable Mention in the Elementary Category (Upper). A homeschooled fourth-grader who studies piano and violin at Minds On Music®, Joseph began piano lessons at age three. He has a deep passion for classical music, especially the Baroque period, and enjoys math, tennis, soccer, lacrosse, surfing, acting, and competitive dance. Joseph studies with teacher Kathryn Wright.
“We couldn’t be more proud of Sophia, Tripp, Tony, Dominick, and Joseph,” said Thomas and Kelly Koch, Owners and Directors of Minds On Music®.
“These young musicians have achieved something truly extraordinary — winning awards at a competitive regional level against students from five different states and earning the opportunity to perform at Carnegie Hall. As Florida’s first and one of only five Steinway Select Studios in the entire United States, we are committed to providing the highest level of musical training, and these outstanding results show the caliber of education and dedication we bring to every student.”
Minds On Music® provides exceptional, personalized music education for students of all ages. The school offers instruction in piano, violin, voice, guitar, and more, while fostering both musical excellence and cognitive development.
The Weill Recital Hall performance on June 10th at 7:00 PM is part of a distinguished concert series featuring outstanding young musicians from across the nation.
About Minds On Music®
Located in Gulf Breeze, Florida, Minds On Music® is Florida’s first Steinway Select Studio and one of only five in the United States. The school is dedicated to providing world-class music education that nurtures talent while building better brains in a supportive and inspiring environment. For more information, visit www.mindsonmusic.net or call (850) 203-1775.
