Composition Contest Winners 2025

We believe that the ability to compose is the hallmark of true musicianship and are delighted to witness the culmination of the vision of the Let’s Play Music program. Celebrating the accomplishments of these wonderful musicians is one of our very favorite rewards as Let's Play Music teachers! We're pleased to announce the winners of this years Composition Contest!

Let's Play Music Winners

1st Place- Clara M. "The Girl and her Bunny"

From the Studio of: Laurie Williams

2nd Place- Arlen L. "The Journey"

From the Studio of: Paige Allred

3rd Place- Evelyn C. "Jubacca"

From the Studio of: Luanne Harms

Honorable Mention- Kepler C. "King Kong vs. Godzilla"

From the Studio of: Alissa Hartley

Honorable Mention- Madison O. "Trouble with Butterflies"

From the Studio of: Jera Farnsworth

Honorable Mention - Brenna F. "Barrel Racing"

From the Studio of: Melissa Richardson

Honorable Mention- August A. "The Falcon"

From the Studio of: Tera Nelson

Honorable Mention- Marshall S. "Musical Volcano"

From the Studio of: Jennifer Farnsworth

Presto Winners

1st Place - Paige C. "Through the Woods"

From the Studio of: Marnie Christensen

2nd Place- Jackson V. "The Lost Crew"

From the Studio of: Lisa Darrow

3rd Place- Ephraim N. "Racing Cheetahs" From the Studio of: Teresa Shaver

Honorable Mention- William D. "The Chasm"

From the Studio of: Stephanie Simper

Honorable Mention- Gavin P. "The Ocean of Death"

From the Studio of: Marie Guthrie

You can find PDF versions of all these winners sheet music on our website here.

Guest Judge:

This year we are thrilled to have Carmen Hall, the president of UMTA, be our composition judge and present awards to the winners at Symposium.

Dr. Hall is a performer, speaker, teacher, and collaborative artist, holds degrees from The University of Utah and Brigham Young University.

Dr. Hall founded Young Pianists International to give students the opportunity to share cultural experiences and performances with students in other countries.

Dr. Hall has performed with the Salt Lake City Symphony, Timpanogos Symphony, Brigham Young University Philharmonic, and the Emerald Chamber Orchestra. She has performed in masterclasses with Grant Johannesen, Nelita True, Joseph Brye, Margaret Ott, Theodore Lettvin, Dr. Karen and Dr. Jeffrey Savage, Asaf Zohar (Israel), and Dr. Paula Da Matta (Brazil).

Carmen and her husband have three adult boys who play the piano, guitar, banjo, mandolin, ukulele, organ, and nose flute. Carmen is an avid cycler and has completed five marathons including the Boston Marathon.