Piano student wins state young artist competition

Loyola University New Orleans College of Music junior Adam Mayon recently claimed first place in the piano division of the Music Teachers National Association’s Young Artist Performance competition held Oct. 16 in Natchitoches, La. Mayon was one of 10 Louisiana collegiate competitors that consisted of both undergraduate- and graduate-level students. He will represent Louisiana in the piano division at the south-central regional level in Norman, Okla., on Jan. 15. Mayon is a student of John Murphy, D.M.A., Loyola professor of piano.

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 504-865-2074.

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