Bobby's Story: From Piano Prodigy to Carnegie Hall

Children grow and develop in their own ways at every stage of life, and they thrive when they have consistent support from adults who believe in their potential. At the YMCA of Greenwich, our extracurricular youth programs provide opportunities for young people to build confidence, spark curiosity, and feel connected to the community.

The arts, especially music, play a special role in this journey. Research from the National Endowment for the Arts shows that creating and performing music helps young people express themselves, strengthen resilience, and develop skills that carry into school and everyday life. Even as arts programs face cuts in schools across the nation, the YMCA of Greenwich is proud to offer children the chance to experience the joy and discovery that the arts bring, and our Piano Prodigy program is just one example.

Leading the program is Felicia Feng Zhang, a concert pianist, award-winning educator, and former president of the Connecticut State Music Teachers Association. She is also the founder of the Piano Village Foundation, recognized with the President's Volunteer Service Award, and multiple other community music programs, which provide music education and talent development for learners of all ages. With over four decades of experience, Felicia guides her students with care, helping countless children discover their musical potential.

“In only five sessions, he progressed from zero experience to confidently playing and presenting himself, completing three books and learning over 50 pieces,” shared Betty Qi about her son, Robert (Bobby) Qi, who joined Piano Prodigy at age four. He has since passed the Royal Conservatory of Music Preparatory A Level with First Class Honors and is preparing to take the Level 1 exam this May. He also won First Place in the International Elite Music Competition and had the honor of performing at Carnegie Hall.

Felicia’s teaching follows her unique 5Core 3EFM Method, which develops the eyes, ears, mind, fingers, and feelings. From their first lessons, students learn sight-reading and how to play with both hands. Instead of relying on repetition, she guides students through musical concepts by matching the way children naturally learn. As students progress, they are empowered to pursue advanced piano study, explore new instruments, and carry the focus, creativity, and discipline they gain into life beyond music.

“He enjoys learning alongside his peers and has developed stronger listening skills and independence,” Betty Qi adds. “We can already see these skills helping Bobby in school, academics, and even sports, where he now pays closer attention and observes more carefully.”

Recent research reflects what our program families already see at home. Studies from the National Center for Education Statistics show that extracurricular programs like ours help students feel connected to school, stay engaged in learning, and face fewer academic challenges. Additionally, a 2025 study in the Journal of Adolescence found that students who participate in these programs feel happier, experience less stress, and show greater motivation in school, which also lowers the risk of dropping out.

Member registration for our spring session youth programs opens Monday, March 16, with non-member registration following on Friday, March 20. This year’s spring session will run from April 27 through June 21, 2026. From sports to the arts, we offer programs for every age and stage of growth.

There is no place like this place. The Y is a movement that helps the next generation grow, learn, and find their voices. From members to volunteers to staff, the YMCA of Greenwich helps everyone find purpose and contribute to something meaningful, continuing the cycle of care and growth that makes the Y so special.