CINDY CAO

Cindy Cao is a rising sophomore at Torrey Pines High School. She first started piano at the age of 7, and has studied with Ms. Jane Bastien and Ms. Lori Bastien Vickers. Cindy has passed all the levels of the MTAC Certificate of Merit Test ranging from the Preparatory Level to the Advanced Level, earning all Excellents in her performances/repertoire, ear training, and sight reading. In 2020, during the annual MTAC Sonata Contest, she placed 3rd in the highest group, Level 11. In 2019, Cindy placed 3rd in Division 10. In 2018, she placed 1st in Division 9, in 2016 she placed 3rd in Division 7, and in 2013 she placed 2nd in Division 2A. She also plays the clarinet, and has played for 5 and a half years. Cindy  received 1st place in the 2020 Northern San Diego VOCE competition, and 2nd overall in the VOCE State Finals. Cindy is part of the highest group, which is ovation, of San Diego Youth Symphony, and has gotten principle chair of Sinfonia in 2018. She is currently assistant principle of San Diego Youth Symphony's Chamber Orchestra. Cindy is qualified for teaching young musicians because she’s had the experience of teaching piano repertoire, technique, and sight reading to kids aged from 3-years old to 11-years old. During the summers of 2018 and 2019, Cindy was able to work with many young musicians at the summer camps offered by her current piano teacher, Ms. Lori Bastien Vickers. These opportunities have inspired Cindy to create the organization, Keys to Success with one of her closest friends, Margaret, whom she met through piano lessons. Cindy hopes that through these lessons and activities, students will be able to cherish those musical moments forever and find a passion for music.