Justin Gao

Justin is 12 years old. He started learning piano when he was 6 years old. In 2022, he was offered a position in the Rising Stars Program at Sydney Conservatorium of Music. After two years' study with his teacher Dr Gian-Franco Ricci, he is now in the highest-level Premier Program.

He also plays percussion and he loves it so much. He started learning percussion in 2021, mainly focusing on marimba and snare drum. In 2022, he participated in the Australian Percussion Eisteddfod (APE) and won the 1st place of 2 mallet solo grade C. In 2023, he achieved the 2nd place of APE Primary Percussion Solo and the 1st place of Ryde Eisteddfod 14 and under Percussion Solo. His passion continued in the percussion ensemble.

In 2023, he performed at the Festival of Instrumental Music Concerts and Boom International Percussion Festival closing event as a member of Sydney Percussion Ensemble. He is also heavily involved in school band and ensemble, and is currently a music scholar in his high school.