COLUMBUS – The Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science is proud to announce that junior Catherine Shao recently earned first place in the Mississippi State Piano Competition of the Music Teachers National Association, held at Jones College in Ellisville.
With her state-level win, Shao will now represent Mississippi in the MTNA South Division Competition. Winners from each division advance to the MTNA National Conference, which will take place in Chicago, Illinois, March 21-25, 2026.
During the competition, Shao performed three pieces that showcased her versatility across the Classical, Romantic, and Impressionistic musical eras, including Sonata in D Minor, Op. 31, No. 2, I. Allegro by Ludwig van Beethoven; Étude in E Major, Op. 10, No. 3 (“Tristesse”) by Frédéric Chopin; and Miroirs, I. “Oiseaux tristes” by Maurice Ravel.
Shao shared that her favorite piece to perform was Chopin’s Étude in E Major, a work she originally learned in honor of her late grandmother.
“I originally learned it as a tribute to my grandmother, who passed away last November,” she said. “It was the most emotionally challenging piece in my repertoire because it required not only technical skill but also a genuine expression of parting.”
Shao is also dual-enrolled in piano studies at Mississippi University for Women, where she takes applied lessons with Julia Mortyakova, professor and chair of the MUW Department of Music.
“I am proud of all the work Catherine did this semester in order to prepare for this competition,” said Mortyakova.
Through MSMS’s partnership with MUW, students have the opportunity to dual-enroll in individual applied lessons, ensembles and music coursework. The MUW Department of Music offers degree programs in music performance, composition, music education, and music therapy, providing valuable pathways for students pursuing advanced musical study.
Shao began learning her competition pieces about a year ago, but she said her recent months have been devoted to refining and polishing them.
“When I start learning a new piece, I begin with scales and technical exercises to build a solid foundation,” she explained. “Once I’ve learned the notes and overall structure, I listen to other pianists’ interpretations and work on shaping my own style of expression.”
Beyond her technical training, Shao says what she loves most about music is its power to tell stories without words.
“Music allows me to express myself in ways words never could,” she said. “It feels like a third writing class that uses sounds instead of sentences.”
Shao’s achievement continues a remarkable family legacy of musical excellence at MSMS. Her brother, Harrison Shao, a Class of 2025 graduate, also won the Mississippi State Piano Competition in 2023 as an MSMS junior, going on to represent the state in the MTNA Southern Division Piano Competition.
MSMS is incredibly proud of both Catherine and Harrison for their dedication, artistry, and continued success. The entire community wishes Catherine the best of luck as she advances to the next level of competition.
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