Department of Music Holds 1st Annual University of Indianapolis Young Hoosier State Piano Competition

Written by Ella Shelburn

Over the summer, the Department of Music hosted the first annual University of Indianapolis Young Hoosier State Piano Competition. Students from ages five to nineteen came from all over the state to compete in divisions including classical, ensemble, jazz, rags, and blues. 

While the competition had been going on for twenty years, this year was the first since UIndy took over the management. Dr. Ryan Behan, associate professor and director of keyboard studies, and Dr. Rebecca Sorley, professor and chair of the Department of Music, served as the UIndy coordinators for the competition while guest Cheryl Everett was the director. The competition was supported by Piano Solutions and involved judges from six different universities as well as many volunteers, including faculty and staff from six different UIndy departments. 

Ashley Marr ’25 (Piano Performance) was a judge for the finals after she had previously won the competition numerous times as a young pianist. 

Sorley feels hopeful about the competition and its future.

“The Music Department was excited to host over 250 young pianists, their families, and teachers for this amazing competition. The students performed at such a high level that deciding winners was difficult, but we’re encouraging all to continue to practice and, hopefully, the 2026 competition will be even better,” said Sorley.