About Nicole Lai
Nicole Lai, a Bay Area student, has been an avid musician since the age of six. As a highly accomplished pianist, she has earned numerous awards at state, national, and international levels. Notably, she performed at Weill Hall, Carnegie Hall in 2017 and 2018 as part of the winners’ recitals for the American Protégé International Piano and Strings Competition. Over eight years in the United States Open Music Competition, she garnered 16 medals, including two 1st places and seven 2nd places. In 2023, she achieved 1st place in the IPPA Conero International Piano Competition (United States Division) and in 2024, 1st place in the Charleston International Baroque Music Competition, receiving recognition from prominent news platforms like NBC and AP News.
Nicole has successfully completed all 10 levels of the Certificate of Merit examinations and advanced to the final list of winners for both Panel Honors and Panel Masterclass, earning the privilege of performing at the annual MTAC Convention for two consecutive years.
In addition to her competitive achievements, Nicole has participated in numerous musical ensembles and non-competitive performances. She attended the 2023 California Summer School for the Arts’ Music Program, where she engaged in improvisation ensembles, chamber music, and collaborative composition. She has also served as a piano accompanist for violinists and vocalists since high school and regularly performs in volunteer concerts for senior living centers and fundraisers.
