Morgan Townsend MILLSTONE — Forget “Chopsticks.”
“Gypsy Folk Dance” by composer Martha Mier is the challenging song Morgan Townsend performed on piano in the “Winner’s Concert” in the National Young Maestro Competition (NYMC) in New York City on April 28.
Morgan, 10, who is a pupil at the Millstone Township Elementary School, did her best to execute a flawless performance at the Merkin Concert Hall. Although Morgan did not bring home a medal, her smile could light up a room.
“Whenever we go into these competitions, my mom tells me that she never expects me to be the best, just (to do) my best,” the youngster said.
That is the most important advice to Morgan, and apparently it keeps her grounded.
She has competed in the NYMC twice previously. Two years ago, Morgan won the silver medal for her peer group in the NYMC. Last year she performed as part of an honorable mention concert at the NYMC.
There was stiff competition once again this year. The Townsend family was over the moon regarding Morgan’s performance and the fact it was on a national level in such a prestigious venue. The youngster had a cheering section as family members gathered to support her; one aunt came from North Carolina to see the performance.
There were about a dozen or so competitors in each age group at the NYMC. Morgan was 9 at the time of the audition and won a spot in that age group. She turned 10 about a week before the competition.
Her mom, Laura, said, “It is a tremendous honor. Morgan came off the stage with a wonderful attitude. We were proud of her performance. It renewed her interest and she is going to go get ’em next year.”
Morgan takes a lesson each week with her “lifelong” teacher Eliza Bokman, and she practices her piano skills every day. She spent about two months preparing for the national competition.
Bokman teaches at Music University, Freehold Township.
“Walking out on stage at such a grand auditorium as the Merkin Concert Hall is daunting enough, but Morgan also managed to perform the very best I have ever heard her play this piece,” Bokman said. “Watching one of my students excel over the years, not only at Music University, but at a high level competition and receive recognition from world renowned artists, brings me such a sense of pride. I just can’t wait to see what Morgan will be able to accomplish next season.”
Bokman has been teaching Morgan piano since the youngster was just over 4 years old. She said she had a sense the child was ready for piano lessons.
“Ever since Morgan walked into my studio, I knew from that first lesson that this child was really special,” Bokman said. “Her progress in the first year was truly astounding, and she has continued to make strides musically. I believe much of Morgan’s success stems from her mom’s motivation to instill the lessons of focus and discipline.”
Laura Townsend said she has encouraged Morgan to follow her dreams. She said she is grateful that family members, friends and teachers have been very supportive of Morgan’s desire to perform.
This school year, Morgan has become involved in other music-related activities. She joined the chorus, learned to play trombone, and is a member of the school band. Her favorite band is One Direction. Piano remains her favorite activity, and she also enjoys swimming and roller-skating.
Laura and her husband, Aaron, moved to Millstone in 1999. Their younger daughter, Sydney, is in the first grade in the Millstone Township Primary School.
“I hope Morgan becomes as good as she desires,” Laura Townsend said. “It is a talent that gives her options for her future, maybe a scholarship or a career. We will lay the foundation so she has these options. In the future, she hopes to become a pianist. It keeps getting harder, but it is very exciting.”