November 11, 2003

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) junior and pianist Maeve Brophy was awarded first prize at the State Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) auditions Nov. 7 and will represent the State of Alabama at the regional MTNA competition in January.

Brophy was the only winner at the MTNA State Auditions. She will represent the State of Alabama on piano at the Southern Division Competition in Greensboro, N.C., in January 2004. Musicians from North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Mississippi, Kentucky, Virginia, Georgia, Florida and Tennessee will compete. The winners will have the chance to participate in the national finals and possibly win a grand piano, cash prizes, recognition and an opportunity to perform concerts.

Brophy, 20, is the daughter of Timothy and Nancy Brophy of Bartlett, Tenn., near Memphis. She came to UAB last year to study with Yakov Kasman, D.M.A., assistant professor of piano and artist-in-residence in the UAB Department of Music. Brophy previously studied at the Manhattan School of Music.

Earlier this year, Brophy won two area piano competitions. On March 1, Brophy took first prize at the student auditions for the National Federation of Music Clubs in Tuscaloosa. She was awarded a $2,000 cash prize. As state winner, she moved ahead to the regional competitions.

On March 15, Brophy won the top prize for piano and also was named best overall in the Birmingham Music Club Scholarship auditions at Birmingham-Southern College. She was awarded a $1,500 scholarship prize.