Two students from Youngstown State University’s Dana School of Music earned top honors at regional music competitions.

Erika Walker, a master of music in voice performance student from Canfield, won first place in her category at the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) Great Lakes Regional Auditions. She qualified to compete at the NATS National Competition, where she will represent YSU and the Great Lakes region against performers from across the country.

Laura Bowden, of New Castle, Pa., is pursuing her bachelor of music in performance and was selected as one of only three individuals in her division to advance to the final round of the collegiate division at the Central Ohio Flute Association Competition.

The competition, held annually at the Ohio State University Flute Festival, required Bowden to perform “Don’t Forget to Write” as the required selection for the Recorded Round of her division. Bowden will now prepare a 20-minute recital for the final round of competition.

Both will continue preparing for competitions with the support of faculty mentors and peers.