Advanced — Naomi Hoffmeyer, 21, Berkeley, Calif.

Top-prize winner Gorton hails from Pittsburgh and has a bachelor's degree in music from Juilliard. She will return to Juilliard to continue master's degree studies this fall.

She also just finished her second season as the principal harp in the Hartford Symphony in Connecticut.

"Both of my parents are professional musicians, and my mother was my first harp teacher until I went to Juilliard," she said.

As for the competition, Gorton enjoys everything about it.

"I especially love sharing my interpretation of the music with the audience," she said. "And from the time you record the (application CD) until the competition, your level (of playing) just jumps immensely. It really is a great opportunity to grow as a musician and be exposed to other players."

Keeping a positive attitude is the hardest aspect of the competition for Gorton.

"It's easy to be defeated when you're backstage, and difficult when you're hearing other people practicing," she said.

Still, her favorite place is on stage.

"It's so rewarding even competing, because I love performing."

E-mail: scott@desnews.com