KU student Michael Cooper hits all the right notes at regional music competition

LAWRENCE, KS (01/26/2012)(readMedia)-- Students studying horn and piano performance at the University of Kansas School of Music won big at the 2012 MTNA/Music Teachers National Association auditions, January 13-15, 2012. This regional competition took place at the University of Colorado, Boulder.

The Young Artist Brass Competition first-place winner was Michael Cooper, Bonner Springs, a student of Professor Paul Stevens. Cooper was also the Chamber Music Competition runner-up as a member of the Wakarusa Horn Trio, coached by Professor Scott McBride Smith.

First place winners will perform in the national MTNA finals in New York from March 24-26.

The national organization, MTNA, was founded in 1876 with the idea of advancing the value of music study and music-making to society while supporting the careers and professionalism of teachers of music. The MTNA competitions were created to provide educational experiences for students and teachers and to recognize exceptionally talented young artists and their teachers in their pursuit of musical excellence. The state competitions are considered the primary educational level, with the division and national levels showcasing outstanding performance and honoring significant pedagogical achievement.

For more information, contact the KU School of Music at 785-864-3436.