Henry, Tenn.–Iris Shepherd of Henry has been named the National Winner of the Young Artist Strings Competition through the Music Teachers National Association—one of the most prestigious student music competitions in the United States—after performing alongside six other national finalists.
Competing in the Young Artist division—the highest level of the competition—Iris, at age 20, performed against musicians up to age 29 across all string disciplines, including violin, viola, cello, and bass.
This journey has been incredible (and a bit stressful for her parents!) to watch. She first earned top honors in Tennessee, then won the Southern Division, before being named the national winner this afternoon in Chicago.
Her father, C. Scott Shepherd said, “What makes this even more mind-boggling to us is that this is Iris’s second national MTNA title. At age 15, she was also named national winner in the High School Strings division. To see that kind of growth and continued excellence over the years is incredibly gratifying.”
“Iris has studied with Cornelia Heard at Vanderbilt University since she was 12 years old, and her growth under “Miss Connie’s” guidance has been tremendous. She took a fiery, talented, and boisterous young musician and helped shape her into a refined and extraordinary young artist. (Thank you, Connie!)”, her father said. “It’s hard to put into words what this moment means for her—and for our family.”
Iris is the daughter of C. Scott and Traci Shepherd of Henry.