Student Spotlight: Leo Zupko
April 9th, 2025
"My teachers have always supported me in my musical journey, helping me blend technique and musicality, giving me the pieces to forge my own path as an artist."
Leo Zupko, 17, has been playing the violin since he was six years old. Coming from a musical family, he has always been surrounded by music. “Both my parents are musicians so I was motivated by them to start playing. Now, I have found my own path as an artist and want to use music to inspire others the same way my parents inspired me.”
Leo has studied at the Music Institute of Chicago taking music lessons with Sang Mee Lee for nine years and Almita Vamos for four years. His music teachers have played a vital role in his journey. “My teachers have always supported me in my musical journey, helping me blend technique and musicality, giving me the pieces to forge my own path as an artist.”
One moment that stood out to him was a middle school competition he felt unprepared for. “That weekend, Ms. Lee came over to my church and gave me a three hour lesson. I was really touched by the amount of attention and care she showed to me which motivated me to keep working harder.”
A piece of advice that has stayed with him comes from Almita Vamos: “Mrs. Vamos often finds ways to make the emotion I’m supposed to convey in the piece personal. This adds an extra layer of depth to my playing. Because of her teaching, my musicality has improved so much and I have come so far.”
His biggest musical achievement so far has been placing in the International Young Artist Concerto Competition. As part of the competition, Leo performed the Sibelius Violin Concerto with a professional orchestra for the semi and final rounds. On top of the immense pride and joy he felt, it was also a great learning experience for him.
Beyond his musical accomplishments, Leo finds playing music deeply fulfilling. “My musical journey has been very rewarding, not just in terms of achievements, but also in terms of the joy it brings me to play,” he shares. “The most rewarding part of learning music over the years is being able to reach people through my music while I perform.”
Outside of music, Leo enjoys dancing and spending time with friends.
Looking ahead, Leo is preparing for college next year. Before that, he’ll be performing on Introductions on WFMT with his father Mischa Zupko, hosted by Robbie Ellis.
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