Two W Music Students Win Top Honors at State MTNA Competitions
Two students from Mississippi University for Women’s Department of Music earned top prizes at the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) state competitions held earlier this month at Jones College in Ellisville.
Senior Music Composition major Charles Weathersby (Wesson), and a student of Dr. Valentin Bogdan, took first place and was named state representative in the Young Artist Composition category for his original work “For Better and For Worse,” written for violin and piano. This marks the second consecutive year that Weathersby has earned this prestigious honor.
Weathersby will now advance to represent Mississippi at the MTNA Southern Division competitions, where he will compete against winners from across the southeastern United States with a chance of making it to the national finals in March of 2026.
“In my preparation for the competition, one of the things I tried to do was go outside the box and compose in a style I have not done before,” said Weathersby. “I am excited to see how I fare against the rest of the winners at the regional level.”
Senior Music Performance (Piano) major Johnathan Lollar (Jasper, Alabama), and also a student of Bogdan, received Honorable Mention in the Young Artist Piano Performance category. Lollar performed a demanding program featuring works by Franz Liszt, Ludwig van Beethoven and Claude Debussy, competing against students from several other Mississippi universities, including graduate-level performers.
To prepare, Lollar practiced daily for several hours and presented preparatory recitals in multiple venues in the weeks leading up to the competition. “I am proud of myself,” said Lollar. “I am very happy with the result.”
Bogdan, professor of music at The W, praised both students for their accomplishments, noting the department’s long record of success at MTNA.
“The MTNA competitions are among the most respected in the country,” Bogdan said. “Each year, thousands of students across the US compete for top prizes and national recognition. Having our students consistently recognized at this level speaks to the creativity, discipline and dedication that define The W’s music community. In fact, during the past 10 years, a W composer has won the state MTNA composition top prize eight times — a testament to the strength and consistency of our program.”
About the Department of Music
The Department of Music at The W offers programs in performance, music composition, music education and music therapy. Known for its supportive faculty and individualized instruction, the department provides students with opportunities to develop their artistry through performance, research and creative projects.