Despite the obstacles, I felt excited and ready to play the day of the finals. I did some yoga that morning and realized that the bow problem actually helped me to focus and work even harder to get the sound I wanted. Through the process of competing, I learned how to slow down in the heat of the moment and really listen. I learned to breathe and relax my arms in those moments when I could.

I learned to own the space I was in and felt proud to share my skills with those wanting to listen.

In the end, three very accomplished older players won the nationals, but I had done my very best and felt so happy with the results of my work.

So many people came up to me to encourage me and compliment my sound and technique and to ask my age.

I was almost three years younger than any other player and it was my first competition!

My dream is to play the great concertos with orchestras. The process and exposure of competing has helped many older players and attracted the attention of conductors.

Even though “every one loves a winner,” learning to compete with yourself makes you grow so fast in terms of your playing, especially at 12.

I’m really proud for learning so much and making it all the way to nationals in my first competition; it makes me smile during practice and helps to keep me going—and when you think about it, that’s pretty cool.

Next up, three competitions to play with orchestras this summer . . . . I’ll let you know how I do and what I learn.

By the way, it was Linnea Brophy of Tennessee who won first place in the 2006 MTNA National Junior String Division and hopefully she will come to New York and stay with us for a visit.

Making a new musical friend is just another plus to the whole experience.

Sarah-Hadley Yakir, 12, studies violin with Grigory Kalinovsky at the Manhattan School of Music, where she also studies theory, ear training, chamber, orchestra, composition, and conducting. For information on entering the MTNA National Student Competitions, visit www.mtna.org/competitions.htm