University School 6th-Grader Wins Statewide Piano Competition

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                        

Oklahoma piano student Jade Holt is a Division Finalist in the Music Teachers National Association Junior Piano Competition.

 

Tulsa, Oklahoma, 11/04/2024 — Jade Holt, a Tulsa native, will compete as a Division Finalist in the MTNA South Central Division Junior Piano Performance.

 

Holt, the daughter of Yuejuan Li, earned this opportunity after winning the Oklahoma State Junior Piano Performance Competition. A sixth grader at the University School, Holt has been studying piano for 6 years and is currently a student of Dr. Stuart Deaver at the University of Tulsa.

 

A bright and dedicated student, Holt has participated in competitions and has received numerous awards at local, state, and international levels. She has performed at renowned venues, including Carnegie Hall and Van Cliburn Hall, and was featured on NBC Los Angeles for a pilot program. Recently, in December 2023, she performed as a solo pianist with the Tulsa Youth Symphony under the baton of Maestro Richard Wagner. In April 2024, she won the University of Tulsa Concerto Aria Competition, earning the privilege to perform at University of Tulsa President’s Concert. In May, Holt was recognized by the Tulsa Downtown Rotary Foundation when receiving the Crescendo Music Grant and Bob Lengacher Award of $2,000.  In June, she consequently attended PianoTexas in Fort Worth, performing in the Van Cliburn Hall.

 

In addition to her musical talents, Holt excels academically, showing a strong passion for math and sciences. She is currently advanced by three grades and is taking high school algebra. In her free time, she loves to read and play with her little brother.

 

The winner of the division competition will compete in the National Finals. Division winners will be announced in mid-January.

 

The three-tiered MTNA competitions begin at the state level. Winners of each State Competition advance to the Division Competition. Division winners then proceed to the National Competition Finals.

 

To receive more information about the MTNA National Competitions, including competition rules and applications please contact MTNA national headquarters at (888) 512-5278, mtnanet@mtna.org or visit the website at www.mtna.org.

 

Music Teachers National Association is a nonprofit organization comprised of 17,000 independent and collegiate music teachers committed to advancing the value of music study and music making to society and to supporting the professionalism of music teachers. Founded in 1876, Music Teachers National Association is the oldest professional music association in the United States.