Taylor Academy Student Eric Guo Wins Prize at International Piano Competition

Published on March 3, 2019

He may be only 16 years old, but piano student Eric Guo is already an accomplished participant at music competitions around the world. On March 3, 2019, Eric brought home another prize when he placed third at the Hastings International Piano Concerto Competition in the United Kingdom. 

Eric’s latest achievement is even more remarkable because he was the youngest of the 41 participants, as well as the only Canadian. 

A native of Toronto, Eric is a scholarship student of The Phil and Eli Taylor Performance Academy for Young Artists, The Royal Conservatory’s internationally acclaimed training program for young classical musicians. Since joining The Taylor Academy in 2012, Eric has won top prizes at many competitions around the world, including the International Frederick Chopin Competition for Young Pianists in China, the Kaufman International Youth Piano Competition in New York, and the Canadian Music Competition. 

“Eric is an extraordinarily thoughtful musician with an infectious enthusiasm, and it is rewarding to see him playing at the highest level internationally at such a young age,” says Barry Shiffman, Director of The Taylor Academy.

Celeberated pianist Li Wang, Eric’s teacher at The Taylor Academy, describes him as a very special, and attributes his success to his remarkable commitment to music study. “Eric is one of my hardest-working students, and is always looking for study opportunities,” says Wang, who notes that Eric often practices eight hours a day. 

Wang adds that Eric’s dedication stems from a deep love of music-making. “Music means everything to him.” 

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