Local violinist reaches division finals in MTNA competition

By Reader Staff

Sandpoint’s own violinist Jacinta Larson will compete as a division finalist in the Music Teachers Association Northwest Division’s Young Artist String Performance Competition this December. The regional competition is judged via video submission, and winners will be announced no later than the week of Friday, Jan. 15.

The MTNA is a nonprofit organization made up of more than 17,000 independent and collegiate music teachers around the nation. Founded in 1876, the group is the oldest professional music association in the U.S. and seeks to advance music study, teaching and performance.

Larson’s study of the violin began at a young age, leading her to study at the University of Idaho. Currently a junior, she entered the MTNA competition under the tutelage of lecturer Giselle Hillyer. After winning the Idaho State MTNA Young Artist String Performance Competition, she has gone on to represent her state at the division competition and, should she win, will vie for the ultimate championship at the national finals.

“I want to state my gratitude for my professor Dr. Giselle Hillyer for going above and beyond in preparing me for the competition,” Larson told the Reader.

For more information, or to view competition results when available, visit mtna.org.