Two Blair School of Music students, Joshua Jung and Ally Hansen, have been named among the 13 national winners of the 2026 Yamaha Young Performing Artists (YYPA) Competition, with fellow Blair saxophonist Jason Johnson earning Honorable Mention.
The YYPA Competition recognizes exceptional young musicians studying in the United States who demonstrate excellence in classical, jazz, and contemporary music.
Joshua Jung, a junior from Frisco, Texas, is majoring in oboe performance and computer science. He studies under Jared Hauser, associate professor of oboe.
“I’m so blessed to have been named a winner of the YYPA competition this year, and from the bottom of my heart I would like to thank the Blair School of Music and professor Hauser for cultivating my love for music and encouraging me to take risks,” said Jung. “I hope to use this opportunity as a stepping stone to continue growing and enriching my artistry.”
“I’m so proud of Joshua!” said Hauser. “His superb musicianship, curiosity, engagement, dedication, and resilience truly reflect what the Blair School is about. I’m thrilled to see his artistry recognized with this well-deserved honor.”
Ally Hansen, a senior from Mount Horeb, Wisconsin, is pursuing degrees in tuba performance and climate studies. She studies with Bethany Wiese, associate professor of tuba and euphonium.
“I’m honored to have been chosen as a winner of the Yamaha Young Performing Artist Competition and am excited to have the opportunity to perform with the other winners this summer. Thank you to professor Wiese for her incredible support and mentorship during my time at Vanderbilt,” said Hansen.
“With several majors in the College of Arts & Sciences in addition to her tuba studies, Ally is a remarkable example of how one can combine deep intellectual and academic interests with high-level music performance studies to create a versatile and exciting portfolio as she moves into her career beyond Vanderbilt,” said Wiese.
Jason Johnson, Class of 2028, is a saxophonist and jazz studies major from Spring Hill, Tennessee, who studies with Blair professor Jeff Coffin.
“I am honored to receive the recognition of Honorable Mention for the Yamaha Young Artist Competition,” said Johnson. “I would like to thank professor Jeff Coffin, Dr. Ryan Middagh, and the rest of the jazz faculty at Blair for their incredible guidance, helping me to gain confidence in my abilities while pushing me to new heights. This achievement has inspired me to continue refining my abilities as a musician.”
As national winners, Jung and Hansen will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to the YYPA Celebration Weekend, taking place June 20–23, 2026, at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. During the event, winners will perform for a distinguished audience, receive national media coverage, and participate in professional development workshops designed to help launch their careers. They will also receive support from Yamaha Artist Relations, including professional audio and video recordings and photography of their live performances.
The 2026 YYPA Celebration Weekend will feature guest artist José Sibaja, Blair’s associate professor of trumpet and an internationally acclaimed soloist and educator, further highlighting Blair’s presence at the national event.
This prestigious recognition and immersive professional experience mark a significant milestone for these Blair musicians as they continue to build national profiles and launch professional careers.