Fall brings a number of special events for Hastings College music students and faculty, among them the State NATS (National Association of Teachers of Singing) competition on Oct. 1 at the University of Nebraska-Kearney and the NMTA (Nebraska Music Teachers Association) Conference held at Hastings College, October 14 and 15.

MTNA (Music Teachers’ National Association) Competition
Margaret Gregory, Grand Island, Neb., – 1st Place Woodwinds Competition, flute
April Christensen, Hardy, Neb., – 2nd Place Piano Competition, piano
Nate Mertens, Waverly, Neb., – 3rd Place Woodwinds Competition, saxophone

NMTA (Nebraska Music Teachers’ Association) Statewide Auditions/Competition
Nate Mertens, Waverly, Neb., – 1st Place Collegiate NMTA Young Artist Woodwinds
April Christensen, Hardy, Neb., – 2nd Place Collegiate NMTA Young Artist Piano
Margaret Gregory, Grand Island, Neb., – 3rd Place Collegiate NMTA Young Artist Woodwinds

State NATS (National Association of Teachers of Singing) Competition
Megan Lee, Seward, Neb., – 2nd Place First-Year Women
Tyler Koepp, Wood River, Neb., – 2nd Place First-Year Men
Kevin Smith, Hastings, Neb., – 2nd Place Junior Men
Mike Stinman, Maywood, Neb., – 3rd Place Senior Men

Hastings College Professor of Music Dr. Jonathan Sokasits received the NMTA Outstanding Service Award for his years of work with the organization, and he was named a Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) Fellow, a prestigious award bestowed on the recipient by peers.

Professor Sokasits teaches studio piano and class piano, piano literature, piano pedagogy and chamber music at Hastings College. He holds Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a Bachelor of Music degree from Ithaca College. 

Hastings College students and faculty have been making music since the beginnings of the College in 1882. The Music Department has established an enviable reputation throughout the Midwest for its quality programs, dedicated faculty and talented students.