Sophomore UAB music major Edward Forstman has won the collegiate level of the Music Teachers National Association state competition, held Saturday, Oct. 20, 2012, at Auburn University.
Forstman played works by Beethoven and Schumann for piano. He is mentored by Yakov Kasman, D.M.A., professor of piano in the Department of Music. Forstman is the son of Jim and Edwina Forstman of Vestavia Hills.
“This is a well-respected, important competition," Kasman says. “We are very proud of Edward.”
The winners from each of the 50 states go to division competitions. Forstman will represent Alabama in the Southern Division MTNA competition in Greensboro, N.C., in January 2013. The Southern Division includes nine states and competitors. Each of the seven division winners will then meet at the national finals March 24-28 in New York, N.Y. The national winner will win a Steinway grand piano.
Two years ago, UAB music student Kseniia Polstiankina placed third in the national MTNA finals.