Congratulations to our ‘Young Pianist of the Month’ (July 2026) – Gema Lu Cai.
Gema Lu Cai is our PG Student Ambassador for the Royal Northern College of Music. She is a Spanish-Chinese pianist currently studying for her Master’s degree in Piano Performance and Music Education with Adam Swayne and Ben Powell.
Gema is a passionate piano teacher and currently teaches at Yorkshire Young Musicians in Leeds Conservatoire, a specialist music centre for promising young musicians. She also runs her private studio in Manchester City Centre, “Gema’s Piano Studio”, where she teaches students of all ages, levels and backgrounds. She is also an eager researcher, with a focus on pedagogy adapted for neurodivergent students.
Gema previously graduated from the RNCM with a First Class Bmus in Piano Performance, specialising in Music Education. During her time there she was the first recipient of the Lucy Hale Award, which led to a piano sponsorship with Yamaha UK. She was also awarded the Clifford Hartley prize for receiving the highest mark at the Piano Pedagogy course.
As a performer, Gema regularly performs around the UK, striving for unique storytelling through her programme choices. She has obtained nearly 20 prizes in junior piano competitions around Europe, Asia and US.
Find her on Instagram as @gema.piano.
Well done, Gema
