Max Tian
Max Tian, 14, is a dedicated young pianist who studies at the Cleveland Institute of Music (CIM) Academy and is also a freshman at University School.
Max is an enthusiastic performer with notable orchestral and recital experiences. He made his orchestral debut at age 10, performing Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 23 in A Major with the Greater Toronto Philharmonic Orchestra. He has also appeared with the Kindred Spirits Orchestra and the Cathedral Bluffs Symphony Orchestra. His performances have taken place in distinguished venues including the Van Cliburn Concert Hallin Texas, Koerner Hall in Toronto, and Kulas Hall and Mixon Hall in Cleveland.
Max has earned top prizes in several prestigious national and international competitions. Most recently, he was named Winner of the 2026 CIM Academy Concerto Competition, and performing Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 3 in C Minor with the CIM Orchestra. He was also a winner of the 2026 Young Soloists Concerto Competition of the Suburban Symphony Orchestra, performing Mendelssohn’s Piano Concerto No. 1 in G Minor, and Alternate Winner forthe State of Ohio in the 2025 National Teachers Music Competition.
Max’s earlier achievements include Third Place in the 2022 Canadian Music Competition, Second Prize in the 2022 Napolinova World Piano e-Competition, and Second Prize in the VI Krystian Tkaczewski Competition. In 2025, he was also recognized as a Steinway Rising Star in Cleveland, Ohio. He was selected as a performer in PianoTexas 2023 and 2026, and was a performer in Vancouver Piano Sessions 2024 and 2025.
Max began studying piano at age 4 and studied with Dr. Michael Berkovsky for nine years. Over the course ofhis musical development, he has received mentorship from Alexander Panizza and Dmitri Levkovich. Currently, he is studying under the guidance of Dr. Daria Rabotkina at the CIM Academy.
Max finds deep fulfillment in sharing music with the community, where live performance gives him the opportunity to connect with audiences and explore the expressive heart of each work. He enjoys swimming and snowboarding, and he is a member of the University School Glee Club.