Student Success Stories

Every great performer started somewhere — and for thousands of Hunterdon County artists, that somewhere was HAA. From students who conquered stage fright to alumni who pursued the arts in college and beyond, these stories show what's possible when talent meets the right teachers.

Book a Trial Lesson

Do students from HAA go on to study the arts?

Yes — many Hunterdon Academy of the Arts students continue in the arts, from school and community productions to college performing arts programs. Others simply carry lifelong confidence and creativity into whatever they pursue.

Feel the excitement of being part of Hunterdon Academy of the Arts, where a shared passion for the performing arts inspires achievement and builds community! Our award-winning, successful students excel artistically as well as academically, demonstrating the importance of high-quality performing arts training for a well-rounded education. Find out what some of our students have to say!

Find more student videos here.
Chris Doyle (Drums & Rock+)
Victoria Coey (Voice & Piano)
Jaeden Wintermute (Viola, Voice & Piano)
Michael Simutis (Saxophone, Violin & Cello)
Kayla Finelli (Acting)

Alexander Braun (Violin):

  • National Gold Medal
  • State Certificate of Excellence
  • Center Certificate of Excellence of The Royal Conservatory Music Development Program
  • Performance at Carnegie Hall's Weill Recital Hall

Thomas B. Flynn (Piano):

  • First Prize, 12th Annual Russian Music (Festival) Competition of the Talented Young Musicians Association
  • Performance at Weill Recital Hall of Carnegie Hall
  • Performance and Encore Recital at the Piano Teachers Congress of New York’s Incentive Program in New York City

Tom_Flynn_2_edited-1

“I enjoy learning piano because it allows me to create some of my favorite music. I never get bored of it because it is a great combination of mental, physical, and emotional tasks. I enjoy taking piano from Hunterdon Academy of the Arts because my teacher is amazing and helps me to get past things in the music that are difficult. In my free time, I listen to many types of music but primarily classical. My favorite composer is probably Frederic Chopin. After graduating high school, I would like to study physics or math, and I would be interested in working at a university or a place of research. I don’t think I’ll choose music as a career, but I know I will appreciate it all my life."

Rishubh Thaper (Piano):

  • First Prize, Piano Teachers Congress of New York Spring 2015 Honors Program
  • Second Prize, 12th Annual Russian Music (Festival) Competition of the Talented Young Musicians Association
  • Performance at Lincoln Center in New York City

Selina Zhang (Violin):

  • State Certificate of Excellence
  • Center Certificate of Excellence, The Royal Conservatory Music Development Program
  • Carnegie Hall Performances

Keshav Viradia (Piano):

  • Third Prize, 12th Annual Russian Music (Festival) Competition of the Talented Young Musicians Association
  • First Class Honors, The Royal Conservatory Music Development Program

Shubhranshu Dutta (Violin):

  • Center Certificate of Excellence, The Royal Conservatory Music Development Program

Ben Brown (Piano):

  • Third Prize, 12th Annual Russian Music (Festival) Competitionof the Talented Young Musicians Association

Sean-Winston Luo (Piano):

  • Third Prize (category of 6 to 10 years of age), Golden Era of Romantic Music International Competition of the American Fine Arts Festival (2015-16)

Ready to Begin?

Book a trial lesson and see why Hunterdon County families have trusted HAA for 45 years.

Book Your Trial Lesson

Prefer to talk? Call (908) 782-4943 or email office@hunterdonacademyofthearts.com.