Spike Jung is a cellist living in Boston, Massachusetts, where he studies at New England Conservatory Prep (pre-college). He built his early competition and orchestra record in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Where does Spike Jung study cello?

Spike studies at New England Conservatory Prep (pre-college) in Boston. He has studied privately with Jeayoung Jo since May 2022 and with Andrew Smith since 2025.

What awards has Spike Jung won?

Recent honors include the Outstanding Musician Award at the YAO Symphony Honors Award (May 2026). He was named winner of the Las Vegas Philharmonic Young Artist Concerto Competition (January 2026) and of the MTNA State Junior Strings Performance Competition (October 2024 and November 2025).

Where can I watch Spike Jung perform?

His featured performance, Tchaikovsky’s Rococo Variations with the Las Vegas Philharmonic at The Smith Center, is on YouTube. Shorter clips are on Instagram at @spike_cello.

How do I contact Spike Jung?

Email hello@spikejung.com for performances, collaborations, or questions.

Cellist / Boston
New England Conservatory Prep

Spike Jung — cellist.

A listening room for the cello, its shadows, and the light it finds.

Selected performances and studio work

Featured performance: Start with the playing — watch Spike Jung on YouTube.
Short pieces: Reels from the room on Instagram.
Studio work: Explore portraits and rehearsal photographs.

Biography — Why Spike

The naming

Kenn Viselman gave me the name Spike. He spent years working with children’s favorites like Thomas the Tank Engine and the Teletubbies. To me, Spike means energy, determination, and the courage to be yourself. A little bold, a little different, and always curious. That’s me.

Years later, Spike learned that in England the cello’s endpin is called the spike: the steel point that holds the instrument to the floor.

The name came before the cello. The connection came later. Now it’s a reminder to stay grounded and let the music speak.

I’ve been playing since middle school. I’ve studied with Jeayoung Jo for many years, and with Professor Andy Smith as well. Bach most mornings, new music when I can get it, and whatever a friend hands me and asks if I’ll learn by Friday.

Gallery — Movement and stillness

Studio portraits, cello playing, and rehearsal photographs of Spike Jung, including portraits with sheet music in motion and warm light.

Follow Spike’s photographs and process on Instagram

Listen / Watch

Full cello performance on YouTube

Shorter things on Instagram — @spike_cello

Places

Spike lives in Boston and studies at New England Conservatory Prep (pre-college). Las Vegas is where the work began.

Spike Jung, Boston cellist Spike Jung, Las Vegas cellist

Upcoming performances

Nothing confirmed right now. Get in touch for future dates.

Honors and achievements

Competition results, study, and shared stages — a growing record built one rehearsal at a time.

New England Conservatory Prep — Pre-college study, 2026
YAO Symphony Honors Award — Outstanding Musician Award, May 2026
Las Vegas Philharmonic Young Artist Concerto Competition — Winner, January 2026
MTNA Southwest Division Junior Strings Performance Competition — Alternate, January 2026
MTNA State Junior Strings Performance Competition — Winner, November 2025
Brimhall Cello Senior Division Competition — 3rd Prize, September 2025
Roger Bushell Scholarship Competition — 1st Place, April 2025
OPUS National Competition · String Category II — Merit Prize, March 2025
Carol Jackson Concerto Competition — 2nd Place, February 2025
OPUS State Competition · String Category II — 1st Prize, December 2024
MTNA State Junior Strings Performance Competition — Winner, October 2024
Brimhall Cello Junior Division Competition — 2nd Prize, September 2024
LVMTA Legacy Competition — 1st Place, March 2024

Private study

Andrew Smith · 2025–present
Jeayoung Jo · May 2022–present

Master classes

Mark Kosower · The Cleveland Orchestra · May 2026
Christopher Costanza · Stanford University · November 2025
Movses Pogossian · UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music · October 2024
Ka-Wai Yu · Utah Tech University · September 2024

Selected performance

SDISMA Concerto Solo & Chamber Performance · July–August 2026
All State High School Orchestra · 2026–present
Young Artists Orchestra of Las Vegas Symphony · August 2024–April 2026
The Nutcracker · Smith Center · December 2023

Questions about Spike Jung

Who is Spike Jung?: Spike Jung is a cellist living in Boston, Massachusetts, where he studies at New England Conservatory Prep (pre-college). He built his early competition and orchestra record in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Where does Spike Jung study cello?: Spike studies at New England Conservatory Prep (pre-college) in Boston. He has studied privately with Jeayoung Jo since May 2022 and with Andrew Smith since 2025.
What awards has Spike Jung won?: Recent honors include the Outstanding Musician Award at the YAO Symphony Honors Award (May 2026). He was named winner of the Las Vegas Philharmonic Young Artist Concerto Competition (January 2026) and of the MTNA State Junior Strings Performance Competition (October 2024 and November 2025).
Where can I watch Spike Jung perform?: His featured performance, Tchaikovsky’s Rococo Variations with the Las Vegas Philharmonic at The Smith Center, is on YouTube. Shorter clips are on Instagram at @spike_cello.
Why is he called Spike?: The name was given to him by Kenn Viselman, who spent years working with children’s favorites like Thomas the Tank Engine and the Teletubbies. Years later, Spike learned that in England a cello’s endpin is called the spike.
How do I contact Spike Jung?: Email hello@spikejung.com for performances, collaborations, or questions.