Strings of Aspiration: Joji Lewicki on Practice, Passion, and Performance
- WOMCO
- May 1
- 3 min read
Joji Lewicki received multiple prestigious accolades across several categories at the Global Genius Music Competition 2025 Spring Season. He was awarded the Season Top 1 Award and the Platinum Prize in both the C: Age 9–10 Category and the O: Concerto Category. He also clinched Gold Prizes in the J: Baroque Category and the M: Modern Category.
Biography
Joji Lewicki began studying violin at the age of four with Koko Watanabe, member of the ProMusica Chamber Orchestra and an Assistant concertmaster of Columbus Symphony Orchestra. An active performer, Joji has competed in numerous events and received multiple first place awards, including the Global Genius Music Competition, the International Music Competition Grand Prize Virtuoso in Barcelona and Salzburg, and the Vivaldi Music Competition, a World Online Music Competitions Organization. He has given recitals in Austria, Spain, Japan, and the USA. The venues include Carnegie Hall, New York, Palau de la Musica Catalana, Barcelona, Solitaire Mozarterium, Salzburg, and Ehrbar Saal, Vienna. Joji has been regularly participating in the Brahms Allegro Junior Music Club recitals in Akron, Ohio since August 2022. He was invited to perform for the Tuesday Musical Club meeting to represent Brahms Allegro in November 2022. Additionally, he has attended Suzuki summer camps and chamber music programs since 2021.
Can you introduce yourself and share how you got into music?
I am Joji Lewicki, 9-year old. I started taking violin lessons when I was four. I wasn't into any sports then, so my parents put me into music lessons. I chose violin as my parents told me a story when I was in my mom's tummy. She said the first time she felt my kicks was when her friend violinist played a beautiful tune right next to her. My parents thought it was interesting that I responded to violin while I never did to piano music that both my parents play daily.
Could you tell us more about your award-winning work? For instance, how did you prepare it, bring it to life, or any interesting stories behind the scenes?
In addition to taking private lessons, I play in a chamber group. Meeting more musicians gives me chances to know more music and inspires me to try learning challenging music. Practicing everyday is also helpful to keep improving my techniques. I am lucky that my mom plays the piano accompaniment part for me when practicing, which definitely helps me learn music quickly.
What do you believe defines a great violinist, and how do you incorporate your unique style into your music?
I watch lots of YouTube videos on famous violinists. They always inspire me and I want to be famous like them. I met Ray Chen after his concert with my violin teacher's orchestra last year. He was very nice and inspired me much more to be a better violinist.
Would you like to share your experience participating in our competition and anyone you'd like to thank (such as mentors, supporters or other team members)?
I love collecting prizes from competitions. I am happy that my mom applied for the Global Genius Music Competitions in multiple categories. The experience of winning encourages me to challenge harder music. Although practicing violin could be hard, winning competitions helps me go through the tough part of practicing. I thank my teachers and families who always support me.
