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Tyler Ramos, National Finalist in the MTNA Piano Competition

February 5, 2016

Tyler Ramos, a Division Winner in the MTNA Composition Competitions
On January 10, 2016, UH celebrated the news that UH Mānoa junior Tyler Ramos had won the Southwest Division in the MTNA Young Artist Piano Competition and would advance to the National Finals of the competition.  The Southwest Division Competition, held at Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona, invites pianists who won their respective State Competitions representing Hawai‘i, California, Utah, New Mexico, Arizona, and Nevada.  The National Winner will perform during a Winners Concert at the MTNA National Conference in San Antonio, Texas from April 2 to 6, 2016 and will receive a $5000 cash prize along with a new Steinway piano.  

Ramos, the son of Alejandro and Joy, has been studying piano for 14 years.  He was a protégé of Ellen Masaki, and is currently a student of Dr. Thomas Yee.  Ramos’ 40 minute competition program included compositions by Franz Liszt and Avner Dorman.  

A graduate of Moanalua high school, Ramos played the cello under the direction of Elden Seta in their symphony orchestra, of which he was principal cellist. In 2013, Ramos performed in Carnegie Hall with Moanalua’s orchestra. Other significant performances include Bartok’s Second Piano Concerto with Hawaii Youth Symphony I in 2009, and Grieg’s Piano Concerto with Moanalua high school’s Symphony Orchestra in 2013. Ramos’ other accolades include top awards from MTNA, the Aloha International Piano Festival, the Morning Music Club scholarship, the John Young scholarship, and a performance on NPR’s From the Top.

Recipe for Success

Talent and private support have fueled Tyler’s remarkable accomplishments.

"I have been able to pursue my music studies because of the financial support from my parents and the generosity of donors who have contributed to UH Scholarships.

My parents support three of their children with their music studies - my brother Andrew, a doctoral student in piano performance at the University of Colorado at Boulder, and my brother Brent, an undergraduate studying violin performance at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, and me, which puts considerable financial strain on them. 

Without scholarships and my parents’ support, I would need to work a full-time job to fund my education instead of practicing the piano.   As a former student of Ellen Masaki and current student of Thomas Yee, I am exceedingly fortunate that my hard work and education has paid off providing me with golden opportunities to compete nationally. 

As a representative of the state and the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, I am determined and prepared to perform at my very best at the MTNA National Final in Texas. 

I want to thank the donors who have supported scholarships as I would not be where I am today without your generous support and encouragement!  Mahalo nui loa and Aloha.”

Tyler Ramos

Help Make Music and Enrich our World

Mahalo to the generous people who have helped Tyler along his journey, including donors to these scholarships

  • Allen R. Trubitt Scholarship Fund
  • Cooke Piano Scholarship Fund
  • Ellen Masaki Piano Endowed Scholarship
  • Music Student Aid Fund
  • Stephenson Endowed Music Scholarship
  • John Young Scholarship Fund
  • Music Department Enrichment Fund
  • Cooke Piano Scholarship Fund
  • Ellen Masaki Piano Endowed Scholarship
  • Music Department Enrichment Fund
  • Reiko Fujimoto Scholarship Fund


If you would like to learn how you can support UH students and programs like this, please contact us at 808 376-7800 or send us a message.