Erik Zhang Midkiff is a 10 years old violin prodigy. Erik starts learning to play violin at age 5 and he had his first solo recital concert at age 7. The same year, he won an honorable mention in the Asian American Music Society string competition, junior group in Bethesda, Maryland. Erik won the first place in the American Protégé Music Talent competition in March 2013 and subsequently performed at Carnegie Hall in May 2013 before his 8th birthday. Erik won the silver medal in the AADGT (The American Association for Development of Gifted and Talented) music festival and performed again at the Carnegie Hall in April, 2014. Erik won the first place at Virginia State Fiddle contest in November, 2014. At age 9, he was (still is) the youngest winner in the competition’s history. He also won the first place at VMTA both regional and state competitions in his age category in the fall of 2015. Erik has been invited frequently to play the national anthem at different sports events, like the men’s college basketball game between Virginia Tech and UVA. Other than playing violin, Erik also enjoys reading, swimming and playing with friends.
