Moreno Valley College Student Triumphs at Los Angeles Guitar Competition

Laurel Harned, a second-year student at Moreno Valley College, recently won first place at the Los Angeles American String Teachers Association competition in April. This victory follows her previous win at the Denver Guitar Competition in October. At 18 years old, Harned has played the guitar for nearly ten years, starting as a school elective recommended by her mother. Her passion for the guitar grew quickly and has continued to develop.

Harned has a clear and ambitious plan for her music career. After being homeschooled, she joined Moreno Valley College to study guitar performance. She aims to travel for music, perform widely, and share her music with large audiences and other musicians. Her career goals combine travel, performance, and community engagement.

Harned entered the Los Angeles ASTA competition on short notice, just 48 hours before it started. Despite the stress, she found the competition rewarding, especially for the chance to meet other musicians. Winning titles is important to her, but so are the experiences and connections she gains.

Barry McNaughton, an associate professor of Music at Moreno Valley College, notes Harned's significant growth as both a musician and a professional. He is proud of her progress and values the opportunity to work with her. Harned is grateful to her mentors, including her first instructor Susan Graves and her current professors at the college, for their influence on her musical development.

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