YMF Testimonials

"...I would like to thank you for organizing this virtual competition during the pandemic and giving me an opportunity to keep striving forward for self-improvement and receiving valuable judge feedback. I would also like to thank you for awarding this prize to me, and I look forward to coming back and competing at Yips Music Festival next year. "

Adrian Chan - Best of Piano Sonata Winner, YMF 2022

"It was such a pleasure adjudicating for Yip's again. I would love to do it again (hopefully next time in person!). Also, I have to commend you on how unbelievably organized you were - it made the whole virtual adjudicating process so seamless and easy, so thank you!"

Allison Arends - Musical Theatre Adjudicator, YMF 2022

"The Yips Music Festival was a pleasure to be involved in as an adjudicator as it was extremely well organized! This festival created an opportunity for music students to perform their pieces via video in order to have a goal to polish their pieces and to receive feedback. Perhaps more importantly, in our ever-changing world, remembering that music has the incredible power to make humans cry, laugh, sing, be passionate or melancholy and to express exactly who we are. Thank you to all of the organizers of YMF for allowing these vibrant young students to be heard and showcased! Bravo!"

Arianne Ewing-Chow - Piano Adjudicator, YMF 2021

"I would like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation towards Ms. Katherine Kwok, the music teachers, the staff and the volunteers to make YMF happen this year. Thanks for your extraordinary efforts. I can tell that there are a lot of work and due diligence involved. YMF is by far the most organized and student-oriented music festival among the three that we’ve participated this year, especially with videos of adjudicators’ comments and the links to the performances of other participants. These are some outstanding features that are exclusively provided by YMF and rendered YMF being the best.  The mindset of going above and beyond is impressive.  YMF has set a good example for parents and students to strive for excellence and not to settle for mediocracy."

Cecilia Leung - Parent of Participant, YMF 2021

“The level of playing was extremely high, and the festival was run in a professional and warm manner. Congratulations to the performers, teachers, families, and supporters for the success of this meaningful artistic event!”

Shoshana Telner - Piano Adjudicator, YMF 2019

“The level of playing was extremely high, and the festival was run in a professional and warm manner. Congratulations to the performers, teachers, families, and supporters for the success of this meaningful artistic event!”

Shoshana Telner - Piano Adjudicator, YMF 2019

“Congratulations to the Yip's Music Festival on another successful season. The administrative team and volunteers were supportive of both performers and adjudicators, keeping things moving smoothly throughout the festival. My thanks to all involved..”

Lisa Iwasaki - Piano Adjudicator, YMF 2019

“The Yip's Festival is a unique event that serves community, students and teachers alike, and provides a rewarding and memorable experience to all its participants. It was a great pleasure to adjudicate for the Yip's Festival and to hear and engage with exceptionally talented young musicians. Bravo to the Yip's Festival and to its exceptionally well organized and welcoming administration.”

Stephan Sylvestre - Piano Adjudicator, YMF 2018

“...Passion and excellence are found in abundance with careful attention paid to all details - the pianos are lovely, the organization just terrific...; many classes have co-adjudicators which means that students get two appraisals, the helpers and parents are supportive and the students are truly exceptional.”

Marion Miller - Piano Adjudicator, YMF 2018

“...I had heard wonderful things about Yips Music Festival already from my colleagues, and I cannot speak highly enough of my own experiences. The organization was wonderfully organized, warm, and welcoming. All things were extremely well thought-out, from the certification process, the scheduling, the scholarships, all providing a stress-free experience for the adjudicator and a calm and supportive environment for the children...”

Allison Cecilia Arends - Voice & Musical Theatre Adjudicator, YMF 2018