Florida State University College of Music Professor Awarded Prestigious Title of Distinguished Composer of the Year!

Liliya Ugay, an assistant professor at Florida State University’s College of Music, has been honored as the 2024 Distinguished Composer of the Year by the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA). This prestigious award recognizes her outstanding composition among many pieces commissioned by state affiliates.

Ugay is the first woman in 24 years to receive this honor. Her award-winning piece, “Pull No More,” is inspired by her experiences during childbirth and the common phrases associated with harp music. This work highlights the electro-acoustic harp, blending traditional techniques with electronic sounds.

The debut of “Pull No More” took place at the Florida State Music Teachers Association Conference, and it went on to win at the national level, selected from 25 compositions.

“This award means so much to me. It reflects the amazing support and collaboration within Florida State University,” Ugay shared. “We strive for excellence not just in music but in everything we do.”

Ugay collaborated closely with Noël Wan, FSU’s Assistant Professor of Harp and Entrepreneurship. Wan, an award-winning harpist, helped bring Ugay’s vision to life, showcasing the electro-acoustic harp’s potential.

“Pull No More” was commissioned by the Florida State Music Teachers Association, part of MTNA. Ugay and Wan plan to present this innovative piece at the upcoming 2025 MTNA National Conference in Minneapolis.

The partnership between Ugay and Wan is rooted in their shared history as friends and colleagues from their time at the Yale School of Music. Their strong connection added depth to their creative process. As Wan stated, “The synergy between a composer and performer is vital. Our collaboration took our ideas and made something truly special.”