While learning music can be a joyful and fulfilling experience in itself, participating in music competitions can add an extra layer of excitement and motivation for many musicians. It can also be a great opportunity to gain recognition and validation for their talents. Additionally, music competitions often provide opportunities for musicians to perform in front of large audiences and gain exposure to new audiences. It is also important to note that music competitions can be a great way for musicians to connect with others who share their passion. They can provide a sense of community and camaraderie among musicians of all ages and skill levels. While the ultimate goal of music should be to enjoy and appreciate it, the joy of competition can also be a great way to enhance the overall experience of learning and performing music. And winning a music competition can also add an extra dimension to the overall experience of learning and performing music. Congratulations to the students of the Sharon Music Academy for their success at the prestigious "Future Stars" international piano competition! Sophia Popescu took first prize, Katherine Zhang and Scarlet Yi took second prize, and Agnus Cai and Elena Zhang took third prize. Their teacher, Tanya Schwartzman, also received an "Outstanding Teacher" award. The students really impressed a panel of international judges, which included world-famous musicians.