UNCSA School of Music student wins top prizes at Rosen-Schaffel Competition
A student from the School of Music at UNCSA won first place and the Audience Choice Award at the annual Rosen-Schaffel Competition for Young and Emerging Artists, held Sunday, June 29, at Appalachian State University.
Rising fourth-year student Eric Hoang, a pianist from Cary, was featured in the Winner’s Recital held later that afternoon. He was among three finalists who competed for top prizes. Hoang, who graduated from the UNCSA High School Program before pursuing his undergraduate study, is studying under Music faculty member Dmitri Vorobiev.
“Our students consistently stand out among top emerging artists from across the region at the Rosen-Schaffel Competition,” said Saxton Rose, dean of the School of Music. “Their accomplishments are a testament to the dedication, artistry and discipline they bring to their craft, and to the exceptional guidance they receive from our faculty. Competitions like these showcase the excellence of our students and affirm the School of Music’s role as a leader in developing the next generation of performing artists.”
“I’m very proud of Eric Hoang and all the work he has put in during the last five years to develop his artistry in order to touch the hearts of people with his playing,” said Vorobiev, professor of piano. “I am thrilled that Eric was recognized with both first place and the Audience Choice Award. It’s an honor to support such a dedicated and talented young musician here at UNCSA.”
Eric Hoang
Eric Hoang
Eric Hoang is an American pianist currently holding a full-ride scholarship to the UNCSA School of Music. He recently won first prize in the North Carolina Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) Competition and has appeared as a finalist in the North Carolina Symphony Concerto Competition. He is also a frequent guest artist and chamber musician for the Lamar Stringfield String Orchestra. Hoang attended the Vivace International Music Festival in 2021 and 2022, as well as the Rebecca Penneys Piano Festival in 2022 and 2023.
Hoang has performed across the country as a soloist and has had master classes with some world-renowned pedagogues from Curtis Institute, Juilliard, Eastman, Manhattan School of Music, New England Conservatory, Peabody Institute, San Francisco Conservatory and Boston Conservatory. As a teacher, his students have won top prizes at the Winston-Salem Symphony Youth Concerto Competition, North Carolina Music Teachers Association, N.C. Federation, the annual UNCSA Piano Competition and others.
UNCSA School of Music students and alumni have won the competition, held at Appalachian State’s Hayes School of Music as part of An Appalachian Summer Festival, for 12 of its 14 years, with 24 UNCSA students and alumni having placed in the annual competition. The competition is open to students from colleges and universities in 10 states including North Carolina who are rising sophomores and above, as well as graduate students, or recent alumni under the age of 30. First-place winners receive a cash prize of $2,500 as well as an invitation to perform a complete concerto with an orchestra during the festival season following the competition. Second-place winners receive a cash prize of $2,000; third-place winners, $1,500; and the Audience Choice Award winner, $1,000. All other finalists receive a cash prize of $500.
February 25, 2026