Cecilia Taggart, 12 years old, (pictured on right), has been playing the piano since the age of 3. She began lessons with Dr. Reid Smith, and after his passing in 2021, she began studying with Dr. Paul Wirth of the Wirth Center for Performing Arts, with whom she is currently studying. She has shown remarkable prowess and maturity of technique and expression at the piano, even at such a young age.

She has placed in many competitions, including: 2nd place in the Minneapolis Music Teachers Forum Mozart Piano Concerto Competition in 2024 and 2025, 3rd place in the Wirth Festival Concerto Competition in 2024, Honorable Mention in the Saint Paul Piano Teacher’s Association Concerto Competition in 2023, and Honorable Mention in the State round of the Music Teachers National Association Competition in 2024. Most recently she won first place in the Dakota Valley Symphony Concerto and Aria Competition. She will be making her orchestral debut with the DVS this spring.

When not practicing piano, Cecilia enjoys competing in gymnastics and Junior Olympic Track and Field, as well as reading. Cecilia lives in Blaine, and is homeschooled in the 7th grade.

Sophie Taggart, 8 years old, (pictured left), has been playing the piano since the age of 3, starting lessons with the late Dr. Reid Smith. For the past 2 years, she has studied with Dr Paul Wirth of the Wirth Center for Performing Arts.  She has wowed audiences all over Minnesota, and won 1st place in the Pre-Teen Division of the MN State Fair Amateur Talent Competition.  She has the distinction as being the youngest winner in the 50 year history of this competition.

When not practicing, Sophie enjoys competing in gymnastics, as well as fishing and reading.