Hans-Derek Yu, piano (Egg Harbor Township, NJ), began studying piano at the age of 5 and has been a student of Professor Veda Zuponcic of Rowan University since age 7. Competing nationally and internationally, Hans has won first prize in numerous piano competitions, including the Chopin International Piano Competition in Hartford, Connecticut and the Osaka International Music Competition. In 2017, he won 2nd at the MTNA national finals in Baltimore. Hans has performed in masterclasses with Gary Graffman, Dang Thai Son, Christopher Elton, Lydia Artymiw, Douglas Humpherys, and Emanuel Ax.