Jordan Ong, Piano Whiz Kids studio founder and three of his students left to right: Jadon Hopkins, Boston Warren and Matt Murphy.
The Piano Whiz Kids studio is organizing a summer citywide music project called ENCORE for young pianists in the neighborhood. The project is for any young pianists age 8 – 16 at 3 performance levels: Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced.
Three sets of repertoires will be provided for the young pianists to learn individually for 3 months, and practice via Zoom together during the summer.
At the end of the summer, a worldwide virtual concert will be presented via Zoom. The concert will also be performed at a prestigious venue in Houston early Fall, with world renowned artists and Texas dignitaries presenting commemorative trophies to participating young pianists. This is a great way to introduce or re-introduce your children to the joy of ensemble music and be a part of a memorable project for the summer 2020. Please text/call 832-331-6851 for detailed registration information. Be sure to join us for this once in a lifetime exciting, meaningful and worthwhile music project!
Jordan Shangkuan Ong, Houston Outstanding Young Artist, was awarded 1st Prize in the 2018 Russian Music Alliance International Piano Competition. Jordan has performed all around the world, including United States, Canada, South America, China, Philippines, and Europe — in many world class venues, including the Cultural Center of the Philippines, Academy of Music Kimmel Center of the Performing Arts in Philadelphia, and the Filfest Insular Life Auditorium. He has been featured in concerts with many world-renowned concert pianists, such as Dr. Sergey Kuznetsov, Dr. Vladimir Khomyakov, Dr. Jinha Park, and Steinway Artist, Benjamin Loh of Singapore. Jordan has also performed with many renowned orchestras, including the Costa Rica National Orchestra in July 2017, under the baton of the world-renowned Maestro Alejandro Guitierrez. Jordan Ong is selected by the Kirov Academy to perform at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. on August 15, 2019.
Jordan, an International awards winning concert pianist, is also a Cannes Film Festival award–winning composer, and the Digital Marketing Specialist at a prestigious Houston firm. A child prodigy at age 5, Jordan performed at the Gammage Auditorium in Arizona with the Van Cliburn winner and was named Arizona’s Young Artist. He was awarded Yamaha Young Composer’s Award at age 7 and performed live at their national conference in San Diego. He was featured in a news story on ABCand NBC as the Best and Brightest Young Star. At age 14, he was accepted to the prestigious Rice University College Prep Program and studied with Dr. Dariusz Pawlas, who was dubbed the modern-day Chopin. Jordan received his B. A. Music degree in Piano Performance and Computer Science, under the tutelage of the Arthur Rubenstein International Piano Competition Winner, Greg Allen. While obtaining his M.A. degree in Digital Media, he began his training with his current mentor, Dr. Sergey Kuznetsov, winner of Italy, Russia, USA and China International Piano Competitions.
He composed the score for a documentary called the “Magic History of Cinema” that was nominated and featured at the 2015 Cannes Film Festival. The movie he produced and directed, “Magic Medieval Masquerade” was the official film for the 2016 Texas Renaissance Festival.
Jordan Ong is dubbed by the Woodlands’ PKWY Magazine as the “Piano Man”
saying, “Jordan Ong is a musical prodigy, classical concert pianist,
composer and filmmaker who lives right in our neighborhood. A veteran
performer at some of the most prestigious venues in the world, his
virtuoso talent at the piano has thrilled classical music audiences
everywhere!”
We are very excited to share the news that we were able to secure a fabulous venue for our Holiday Recital this year. The Augusta Pine Grand Ball Room, (booked solid) is available to us on Sunday, November 22, 2020 from 2-5 pm for our event.
As you know, the Augusta Pines Golf club is a world class venue with a club house of over 100,000 sq. ft. The Grand Ballroom, as seen in the attached picture is “southern charm“ fabulous, complete with a spiral staircase and chandelier! It is a vast, gorgeous space that also provides for all social distancing protocols.
A group of extraordinarily, talented Auburn Lakes and North Hampton neighborhood pianists, the Piano Whiz Kids, under the tutelage of the resident Piano Man, Jordan Ong, winner of the 2018 Russian International Piano Competition, have been attending international piano festivals and winning accolades and prizes
On November 9-10, 2019, 15 pianists from the studio performed at the Piano Super Saturday Marathon in Houston and competed in the Little Stars international piano competition. Two pianists, Zane Stephens and Mia Bryant placed third in their respective age category. Another young pianist, Jadon Hopkins was chosen by the Kirov Academy in Washington DC to perform at the Kennedy Center, with Jordan Ong. The group of pianists have been performing alongside world renowned concert pianists such as Dr. Sergey Kuznetsov and Dr. Vladimir Khomyakov, at various recitals.
On December 15, 2019, 25 Piano Whiz Kids of all levels (as shown in the picture) gave a heartwarming Christmas recital at the home of Jerry and Tracy Hopkins and brought holiday peace and joy to a jam packed concert hall of families and friends. The group have given 6 concerts this past year, performing classical masterpieces from different eras and genres, at great venues.
Jordan Ong, Piano Whiz Kids founder performing in Washington D.C.
Auburn Lakes resident Piano Man and founder of the Piano Whiz Kids (PianoWhizKids.com) studio, Jordan Ong, has been invited by the Kirov Inaugural Music Festival to perform at the prestigious Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C. on August 15, 2019. He will be performing Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue at the Winners Honor recital during its Washington D.C. debut, which will be simultaneously livestreamed in Moscow.
Jordan is the 1st place winner of the 2018 Russian Music Alliance Triumph Festival as well as the winner in the 2017 Costa Rica International Piano Festival where he performed with the Costa Rica National Orchestra.
Jordan started a piano studio called Piano Whiz Kids, 2 years ago, and all his 30 plus students are excelling in their piano education and performances as well. This year, Jadon Hopkins, 12 year old resident of North Hampton, has been selected to attend the Kirov Academy Festival. Last year, Zane Stephens, age 12, was selected to participate in the Costa Rica Piano Festival. All Piano Whiz Kids students, ranging from age 5 to 70, have been taking weekly private lessons that prepare them to perform regularly in many local venues such as the Lone Star College Music Hall, Christ Church in Conroe and at the Auburn Lakes Estates home of Jordan and Josephine Ong, performing alongside many world renowned artists such as Dr. Sergei Kuznetsoff, Dr. Vladimir Khomyakov, and Dr. Jinha Park.
Jordan Ong and his students will be performing at a recital at his residence, 24807 Thorton Knolls, Auburn Lakes Estates at 4:00 pm on Saturday, August 3, 2019, before they leave for Washington D.C. If you and your children are interested in attending the concert and finding out more about Piano Whiz Kids, please call/text us at:832-331-6851 or visit PianoWhizKids.com for details. Space limited — first come first serve!
“The ultimate goal of music is none other but for the Glory of God and the refreshment of the spirit.”
J.S. Bach
Curtain Call
The beautiful sanctuary of Christ Church of Conroe was transformed into a dazzling concert venue on July 2, 2018, featuring Jordan Ong, Gold Medalist of the Russian Musical Alliance International Piano Competition 2018, a Concert Pianist, Film Maker, Founder/Mentor of Piano Whiz Kids, and Special Guest Virtuoso, Dr. Sergei Kuznetsov, winner of multiple international competitions including China International Piano Competition, 2004; a Concert Pianist, Piano Professor, and mentor of many award winning Houston Young Artists.
More than 150 church members, musicians and music lovers gathered for “A Tribute to God and Country” concert that began with Pastor Dan Schiel welcoming the community followed by an opening prayer. The American Legion Post 618 from Willis Honor Guard presented the Colors and led the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the Star Spangled Banner led by Cori Robinson Owens of Conroe.
For the next 90 minutes, the audience was captivated by talented pianists, incorporating the most beloved compositions by American composers and rousing patriotic repertoire.
Jordan Ong rallied the American spirit with the toe-tapping “Rhapsody in Blue” by George Gershwin, no doubt the most renowned American composer. Gershwin’s most popular composition included the familiar theme used by the United Airlines in their advertisements and melodies that framed the opening of the Roaring Twenties film, “The Great Gatsby.” It brilliantly combined elements of classical music with jazz, bossa nova, blues, ragtime, the Cuban “clave” rhythm, and the Charleston dance.
The great virtuoso, Dr. Sergei Kuznetsov, melted the audiences’ hearts with his breathtaking transcription and tender rendition of the Christian hymn, “Take My Hand, Precious Lord,” which has been sung by notable gospel singers including Elvis Presley, Aretha Franklin, Randy Travis and Faith Hill, and was inducted into the Christian Music Hall of Fame in 2007.
Next, Jordan, who has been scheduled to perform at the world ranked Academy of Music Kimmel Center in Philadelphia at the Triumph Music Festival on September 29, 2018, gave the audience a glimpse of the event by playing from one of his repertoire, “Polichinelle” from Morceaux de Fantaisie Op. 3 by Rachmaninoff.”The ambitious key and the aggressive tempo of Allegro Vivace cement the virtuosity of this young artist.
A parade of adorably talented Piano Whiz Kids and young artists gave a Red, White and Blue Medley starting with the Wimberly brothers, Steven and James, performing the “Star Spangled Banner.” This is followed by a “Name That Tune” game with several future Stars: Simon, Crystal, Keaton, and Priam hammering out tunes to test the audience. Rounding up the medley were Urmi, who played “Burgmuller’s Ballade;” Jadon, who delighted with his “Sparklers,”Zane, who entertained with Scott’s Joplin’s “The Entertainer” and Mozart’s “Turkish March,” and Caleb Hu’s extraordinary presentation of Horowitz’ rendition of “Stars & Stripes Forever.”
After Caleb’s performance, constitutional scholar Dr. Joe Vicars proclaimed “That is a hard act to follow!” before bringing his message that took the audience through a fascinating “Historical Journey Back to the Birth of Our Nation.”
The program concluded with one of the most popular concerti of all time, “Edward Grieg’s Concerto in a minor,” composed when he was only 24 years old. An expression of nationalism starting with a drum roll followed by brilliantly descending passages, set the stage for a succession of lyrical and reflective, as well as dramatic themes. Jordan Ong and Sergei Kuznetsov joined the likes of musicians such as Franz Liszt and Arthur Rubenstein in giving the audience a spectacular treat with this concerto.
A standing ovation and curtain calls brought all the performers back to the stage before everyone was invited to a reception and treated to artistically creative and scrumptious hors d’oeuvres and desserts provided by Lynn and Jan Winn of Spring.
Duayne Hatfield, a country and western guitarist who performs at Loose Caboose in Old Town Spring entertained during the reception with “outstanding, old-fashioned Texas-style country music.”
All in all, the evening was spectacular, and everyone felt blessed by the concert, saying their patriotic spirits were rejuvenated, and they were extremely proud to be an American!
Jordan Ong, first place winner in international competition, selected to perform at the prestigious Academy of Music Kimmel Center in Philadelphia in September.
Jordan Ong of The Woodlands, Texas, recently won first place in the Russian Alliance International Piano Competition, performing one of the most difficult yet poignant compositions by Tchaikovsky – Dumka, Op. 59, depicting scenes from the Russian Villages. Competitors were pianists from around the world who performed either a concerto or two contrasting pieces by a Russian composer.
He was adjudicated by a panel of world renowned Russian pianists and selected to perform at the prestigious Academy of Music, Kimmel Center in Philadelphia — one of the best in the United States, and ranking number five in the world — on September 28, 2018. His performance will include Rachmaninoff’s Morceaux de fantaisie, Op. 3, honoring both composers, Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninoff who performed at the venue.
Jordan says he is fortunate to be under the tutelage of the world renowned Russian International pianist and master teacher, Dr. Sergey Kuznetsov, winner of China (2004), Italy, Russia, and USA international piano competitions.
Musicians and music lovers traveled back in time to the early days of the Big Band Era – the Roaring 20s – April 14, at the elegant Auburn Lake Estate home of Mr. Tim and Dr. Josephine Ong-McBride, to celebrate the music of George Gershwin, Scott Joplin, and other composers from the 1920s.
Throughout the evening, the musicians entertained, as the more than 70 music lovers modeled their exquisite, perfect fashion blend between style and function – styles of the Roaring 20s, with Cloche Hats, Headbands, Feathers, Monocles, Suspenders, Garters, and a variety of glittery, sequenced flappers’ outfits.
After a chef-prepared Italian cuisine dinner, the partygoers had the opportunity to learn the Charlston by the poolside from an area dance instructor.
The mastermind and inspiration of these events is the world renowned pianist Dr. Sergey Kuznetsoff, himself a winner of multiple international piano awards (China, Russia, Italy. USA), and well as mentor of a team of international award-winning Outstanding Houston Young Artists.
Jordan Ong, Auburn Lakes’s Piano Man, gave the audience a thrill ride on Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue. Zane Stephen entertained with ragtime of Scott Joplin. Bella Morales and Jenny Cheon did a refreshing rendition of Chopin’s Etude. Dr. Kuznetsoff and Anthony Tovar did amazing impromptu improvisations on Rachmaninoff and Tchaikovsky that left the audience clamoring for more.
David Hu wowed the crowd with his version of Francis Scott Key’s “Star Spangle Banner.” Audience, young and old were transported in time to the Golden Era, literally screaming with joy and laughter!
The party, with varying themes, has become a yearly tradition in preparation for the Piano Super Saturday that is held at the Lone Star Montgomery College at 3200 College Park Drive, Conroe.
Piano Super Saturday set for April 21
The upcoming Super Saturday is scheduled for this Saturday. The day-long event will include Workshops, Ensembles, Presentations, Master Classes and the Recital of the Outstanding Houston Young Artists.
Our Holiday Recital was the reason for the season! Featuring our students such as Claire Van Fleet, Jackson Rubli, Zane Stephen, as well as Young Artists Eric Valdes Marines, Jenny Cheong, Bella Morales, and world-renowned pianist Dr. Sergey Kuznetsov, the evening was filled with beautiful music, an international cultural exchange, and Christmas miracles! You can find the highlights below:
Piano Whiz Kids Studio 