Professor Fosters International-Award-Winning Musicians

Professor Fosters International-Award-Winning Musicians

Excellence breeds excellence. While many claim to live out this adage, Sam Houston State University’s College of Arts and Media has the talent to back it up. Two students in the School of Music have recently claimed top prizes in international music competitions. What is the key to their success? Studying under ILonka Rus, D.M.A, professor of piano, director of Keyboard Studies at SHSU and world-renowned concert pianist.

One of her students, freshman piano performance major Maria Savu, claimed Second Place for Emerging Talent I - Piano in the Salzburg International Music Competition (SIMC) in Austria. Savu came to SHSU from Sighișoara, Romania, seeking a university that possesses the key to developing top performers, a strong academic and artistic environment. That was when a certain faculty member in the School of Music caught her eye.

“Most importantly, I was drawn to SHSU for the opportunity to study with Dr. Ilonka Rus, whose artistry, teaching and mentorship have been truly inspiring. Working with her during my undergraduate studies has been one of the most meaningful and formative experiences of my musical life,” Savu said.

It was through Rus, professor and director of keyboard studies in the School of Music, that she learned of the international competition. Open to classical musicians from across the globe, the SIMC utilizes an online format to promote musical culture and foster world peace and understanding among nations. Competitors submit their performance videos to be assessed by the judges, with the winners’ performances shared across the SIMC’s official channels.

At Rus’ behest, Savu submitted her performance video, a drop in the musical ocean that SIMC judges sorted through to find the most outstanding rising performers. Despite what some would find to be long odds, Savu was confident in her submission.

“My time at Sam Houston State University, and especially my studies with Dr. Ilonka Rus, prepared me for this competition in every way — technically, musically and professionally,” Savu said. “Her high standards, deep musical insight and unwavering support helped me refine my interpretation, strengthen my confidence and present my best work on an international stage.”

For her professor, who has roots in Transylvania, the high standards that Savu credits to her are part of what drew Rus to SHSU in the first place. It was here that she found a place that aligned with her personal and professional goals, as well as her teaching philosophy.

“Working with students like Maria has been incredibly rewarding. She exemplifies the dedication, curiosity, and discipline that are essential for success in music,” Rus said. “Guiding students who are deeply committed to their craft and eager to grow artistically is one of the most fulfilling aspects of my role as an educator.”

Another aspect that drew Rus to the university was its welcoming environment, dedication to students and SHSU’s clear commitment to musical growth, mentorship and artistic integrity. With these core values, she knew she would be able to attract and foster the next generation of great musicians.

Leonard Buta is another of her rising stars. He has recently claimed first prize in the American Protégé International Piano and Strings Competition 2026 and the WPTA Spain Piano International Competition.

“Seeing my students succeed in competitions is deeply gratifying. Their achievements reflect countless hours of focused practice, perseverance and artistic growth,” Rus said. “Their success brings me great joy and serves as a powerful source of motivation, reaffirming my commitment to guiding each student toward reaching their full musical potential.” 

As a result of his American Protégé win, Buta has been invited to perform at the world-renowned Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall in New York City, as well as the concert gala for the WPTA Competition on March 22, 2026. The invitations to perform alongside fellow star musicians in two places at once led Buta to choose between the two. The pull to Carnegie Hall proved strongest, bringing him to New York this spring.

“For a long time, I wanted to take a significant step forward in my career, and performing at Carnegie Hall represented an important milestone for me,” Buta said. “It has been a lifelong dream, and the opportunity to finally be there and perform feels almost unreal. I have always believed in myself, and this experience reinforces my belief that hard work truly pays off.”

Like Savu, Buta came to the U.S. to continue his studies after connecting with Rus through a professor in his hometown of Târgu Mureș, Romania. His connection with Rus, the president of the Texas chapter of the WPTA, has taken his lifelong love of piano and turned it into numerous awards, including second prize in both the Finland and Italy WPTA competitions last year.

“My experience at Sam Houston State University has been truly transformative. It has changed the way I think, practice, approach performance and maintain a high artistic standard. This growth would not have been possible without the professionalism, dedication and inspiration of the faculty. Every day, I feel motivated to learn more and continue improving. In the past two years, I have learned more than at any other point in my life, which I believe prepared me well for these results.”