As the Music Director of Sharon Music Academy, few things are more affirming than witnessing a student move beyond simply mastering an instrument to truly creating their own music. This decision to write about our young composers comes from thrilling news: our talented student, William Zelevinsky, has won the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) Eastern Division Junior Composition Competition with his first Piano Concerto, and he is now a national finalist! 🏆

From Technique to Thought

William's success isn't just a win; it's a profound demonstration of what happens when the proper pedagogy meets an encouraging environment. Composition isn't magic; it's the beautiful, expressive result of deep technical knowledge. It is the moment when years of practicing scales, studying theory, and analyzing harmonies finally give the student the vocabulary to speak their musical truth. Here at SMA, we understand that true creativity springs from mastery. We focus on building a strong foundation that empowers students not just to play, but to understand the language of music on a fundamental level, providing them with the tools they need to compose naturally and confidently.

Keeping the Creative Tradition Alive

William is keeping a wonderful tradition alive. We are incredibly proud of the other composition winners featured in the SMA Hall of Fame who have walked these halls, from national champions to international songwriting competition laureates. Each student finds their own voice—be it in complex classical structures or popular song—showcasing the diverse ways creativity blossoms. We don't just teach performance; we cherish, encourage, and actively promote our students’ creative explorations. We believe that composing is essential to a complete musical education, allowing students to engage with music not just as interpreters, but as original artists. We eagerly await the results of the MTNA National Finals and look forward to hearing the next generation of musical voices rise!