KENT ISLAND—Kent Island High School freshman Liam Burget has earned statewide recognition for his original composition, “The Beckon of the Black Tree,” which was selected for the 2025 Maryland Music Educators Association (MMEA) Young Composers Project—a prestigious program that highlights exceptional student composers each spring.

Out of a record-breaking 100 submissions, only 24 compositions statewide were chosen across three categories: Notation, Digital Audio Workstation (DAW), and Songwriting. Liam’s haunting and evocative piece was selected in the Songwriting category and was featured in a Masterclass and Showcase Saturday, May 3rd, where he received live professional feedback from composers and music educators across Maryland.

“The selection of Liam’s composition to the Young Composers Project is an excellent example of initiative and passion,” said Kimberly Scully, Kent Island High School Director of Bands and 2025 MMEA Outstanding Music Educator of the Year. “Liam’s passion for music and his initiative to seek out the knowledge needed from several professionals to shape his compositions is admirable. I am very proud of his dedication to the craft and look forward to the music he creates in the future.”

Over 20 expert reviewers from MMEA, Focusrite/Novation, TI:ME, and Towson University participated in the adjudication process. Liam’s piece received high praise from professionals, including one who wrote:

“Very advanced – this is an outstanding piece of work. I relished every single moment of it and couldn’t find one note, harmony, or rhythm I would change.”

Another added:
“This is an exceptionally well-written piece. I hear melodies over gentle arpeggios and an outstanding use of dynamics.”

Liam, who was largely self-taught before attending KIHS, began composing at age 12 and has deepened his craft as a freshman under the direction of Scully.

“Music composition is a way for me to get my feelings out onto something others can listen to and enjoy,” said Burget. “The inspiration for my selected piece comes from a surreal dream I remember—specifically a large silhouette of a tree. The title refers to the tree luring people to it, like a siren lures sailors. The beginning melody captures the beauty that draws people in, and the ending melody darkens, revealing the tree’s true nature.”

Liam says this honor is a dream come true: “Being a composer has always been a dream of mine, and just the fact that I get to share my music with others that want to listen to it is something I’ve always wanted.” He also credits his parents for their support: “This is all thanks to my mother, who forced me to submit the piece after I hesitated, and my father, who gives me lots of musical advice.”

Queen Anne’s County Public Schools congratulates Liam on this remarkable achievement and celebrates his creative voice as one of Maryland’s most promising young composers and this month’s “QACPS Performing Arts Teen of the Week”.