Justin Gao

Justin is 13 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.

Justin began his percussion journey in 2021. He has been learning with the incredible teacher Sandy Sin. In 2022, he participated in the Australian Percussion Eisteddfod (APE) and won the 1st place of 2 mallet solo (C) & 3rd place of Primary Percussion Solo. In 2023, he achieved the 2nd place of APE Primary Percussion Solo and the 1st place of Ryde Eisteddfod 14&U Percussion Solo. In 2024, awarded 2nd place of Ryde Eisteddfod 14&U Percussion Solo, 1st place of Percussion Ensemble Secondary School Age, Gold Award of APE 4 Mallet Percussion Solo (B), 3rd place of APE Percussion Chamber (B). Semi-finalists of 2025 Australian Marimba Competition (B). 1st Prize of 2025 Marimbafest 15&U Solo.

His passion continued in the percussion ensemble. He performed at the Festival of Instrumental Music Concerts (2023) and Boom International Percussion Festival (2022) closing event as a member of Sydney Percussion Ensemble. He is an active percussionist at school – Wind Orchestra, Symphony Orchestra, Symphonic Winds and Chamber. He is a recipient of the Music Scholarship at his high school.