Lakewood Catholic Academy is incredibly proud to spotlight one of our own, eighth grader John Michael “Mikey” Klein, whose musical talent has propelled him onto the world stage.
At just 13 years old, Mikey performed at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall in New York City in December as a first prize winner of the Golden Classical Music Awards, a triumph that reflects passion, dedication, and a broad musical curiosity.
A Rising Star With a Remarkable Journey
Mikey’s road to Carnegie Hall didn’t begin at a piano. It started with a trombone lesson at LCA. What looked like an ordinary introduction to band class became a spark that transformed his relationship with music. Mikey’s mom, Donna, tells us that he would transpose trombone music onto a little keyboard at home, teaching himself to read and play by ear long before formal piano study. That early encouragement from Mr. Werden, LCA’s Band Director, unlocked something special: a hidden talent and a deep love for music that resounds in everything Mikey does today.
The Music That Moves Him
Mikey’s musical interests span a wide range of styles. While he loves classical music, especially Frédéric Chopin, he also enjoys classic rock and can effortlessly pivot from Billy Joel’s “Scenes from an Italian Restaurant” to Chopin’s “Military Polonaise,” the piece he performed at Carnegie Hall.
Like many young performers, Mikey has had to learn how to manage nerves and build confidence on stage. “I just tell myself, stop being scared. Just do it,” Mikey said about handling stage fright, a mantra that has carried him through performances big and small.
Accolades Across the Globe
Mikey’s gifts have already taken him far beyond Northeast Ohio:
- Oxford University, England: First Prize in the Grand Prize Virtuoso International Music Competition and a performance at the historic Sheldonian Theatre.
- Charleston International Piano Competition: First Prize winner at just 12 years old.
- Carnegie Hall: First Prize at the Golden Classical Music Awards, leading to his Weill Recital Hall debut.
A Well-Rounded Musician
Mikey studies classical piano with Dr. Halida Dinova and jazz/rock piano with David Holmberg, blending technique with creativity. He also plays with The Lakewood Project, a community rock orchestra that helps students learn through collaboration and ensemble performance, further expanding his musical versatility.
Beyond the recital halls, Mikey’s schedule includes performing at the EC 50 concert, a tribute to Eric Carmen, with The Lakewood Project at the Lakewood Civic Auditorium in November. Mikey lives in Lakewood and is cheered on by his proud parents, Donna and Scott, siblings Molly and Tommy, and Kona the Dog.
LCA: The Start of Something Big
Mikey’s story beautifully illustrates how curiosity, mentorship, and access to arts education can shape a young person’s path. What began with a trombone in an LCA classroom blossomed into international prizes, prestigious stages, and a deep connection to music that will guide him for years to come.
We are incredibly proud of Mikey. His talent, humility, and commitment to growth are an inspiration to the entire LCA community. We can’t wait to see where his music takes him next.
If you want to hear Mikey play live, be sure to attend this spring’s Saints Showcase productions on March 13 and 14, 2026!
Photos courtesy of GoldenClassicalMusicAwards.com and The Klein Family.
