Adam Mayon, piano junior in the College of Music and Media at Loyola University New Orleans, can now add national champion to his résumé. He claimed first place in the piano division of the Music Teachers National Association’s (MTNA) Young Artist Competition on March 28 in Milwaukee, Wis.
Mayon was one of seven collegiate competitors from across the United States that consisted of both undergraduate- and graduate-level students. In addition to bragging rights, Mayon claimed a $25,000 Steinway upright piano and upcoming concert appearances in Chicago and New York City. Most recently, Mayon was featured on the classical stage at St. Mary's Church at the Ursuline Convent as part of French Quarter Fest.
For the win, Mayon performed Sonata in A-flat major, Hob. XVI/46, by Franz Joseph Haydn; Sonata in b-flat minor Op. 36, No. 2, by Sergei Rachmaninoff; “Une barque sur l'ocean” from “Miroirs,” by Maurice Ravel; and “Islamey,” by Mily Balakirev.
“This competition has been an eye-opener for me,” said Mayon. “Since all of the competitors were great, I have realized that the older I get, the tougher competition gets for me. It is none the less, always a great experience to participate in a competition because I receive helpful comments from the judges to better my performances.”
The purposes of the MTNA performance competitions are to provide educational experiences for students and teachers and to recognize exceptionally talented young artists and their teachers in their pursuit of musical excellence.
For more information, contact Sean Snyder in Loyola’s Office of Public Affairs at smsnyder@loyno.edu or call 504-861-5882.