Li Haichuan, a young assistant professor from China Conservatory of Music, won first place at the recent American Protg International Piano and Strings Competition 2012, held at Carnegie Hall in New York City.

It is the first time that a Chinese pianist has won the competition that attracted more than 500 pianists from over 20 countries and regions.

Li got his doctorate of musical arts from the University of Oklahoma in 2009. As a teacher, he coached Wang Tianran, who won the Bradshaw & Buono International Piano Competition in 2010.