Eric Chen Earns 2025 National YoungArts Award
January 14, 2025
Eric Chen, a violin student at the Community Music School (CMS) of Webster University,
has been honored with the prestigious 2025 National YoungArts Award. Under the tutelage
of Pavel Ilyashov, Eric is a dedicated member of the CMS Preparatory Program, which
offers advanced training for young musicians.
The National YoungArts Foundation annually recognizes exceptional young artists across various disciplines, including classical music, dance, design, film, jazz, photography, theater, visual arts, voice and writing. This year, from nearly 11,000 applications, more than 800 talented individuals aged 15–18 were selected for their outstanding artistic achievements.
Each YoungArts award winner receives a monetary award of $250 and gains access to a lifetime of creative and professional support, including mentorship opportunities and participation in interdisciplinary workshops. Award winners with distinction are invited to National YoungArts Week, held from Jan. 5–12, 2025, in Miami, where they can further develop their craft and compete for additional scholarships of up to $10,000.
This spring, Eric will have the chance to participate in one of three in-person interdisciplinary programs held in Los Angeles, New York City or Nashville, Tennessee, as well as virtual professional development seminars with his fellow YoungArts award winners.
“I am thrilled that Eric has been recognized with this prestigious award,” said Instructor Pavel Ilyashov. “Over the last 5 1/2 years, it has been a joy to watch him grow as a musician and mature into an exceptional young man. I am incredibly proud of him and look forward to witnessing his continued growth and success.”
Eric's achievement adds to his impressive list of accolades. In 2021, he advanced to the national finals of the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) Competition, representing the West Central Division, which comprises eight states. Notably, he was the only musician from Missouri to reach the national finals that year. This year, he is the winner of the 2024 MTNA Senior String State Competition.
The Community Music School of Webster University is renowned for nurturing young talent through comprehensive music education programs. Eric's success reflects the high-quality instruction and support provided by CMS and its dedicated faculty.
For more information about the National YoungArts Foundation and a complete list of 2025 award winners, visit the official website.
About the Community Music School of Webster University
The Community Music School of Webster University (CMS) celebrates 100 years providing exceptional music education to students of all ages and skill levels since 1925. With over 90 dedicated instructors (85% holding advanced degrees) and more than 1,200 students, the CMS offers individual lesson instruction, early childhood classes, a Suzuki Strings program, String Ensemble, String Orchestra, two full orchestras (YPCO and YPSO), chamber music - including the Preparatory Program for advanced students, the CMS Jazz Collective, summer programs and a nationally recognized Young Composers Competition.
The Community Music School of Webster University is a member of the National Guild for Community Arts Education, which includes approximately 460 community arts education programs in cities across the country. In addition, our Community Music School is one of only 12 non-degree granting community music schools in the United States to have earned accreditation from the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).